Ready to invest? See how to open an account | Vanguard (2024)

Transcript

Visual: The words “Opening a new account at Vanguard” appear on a white background

Welcome! We’re excited to be your investing partner as you take charge of your financial future. Through this short video you’ll get a sense of what to expect when opening a Vanguard account. We'll cover the process for IRAs, individual and joint nonretirement accounts, and SEP-IRAs for one person. There’s no cost to open an account, so let’s get started.

Visual: A woman walking through town reads how to open a Vanguard brokerage account on her cell phone. A grandfather helps his grandson with his homework. Another woman, in her kitchen, learns about the account opening process on her tablet.

First, select Open an account on Vanguard's Personal Investor homepage.

Visual: Screen transitions to Vanguard’s Personal Investor homepage page and zooms in on the “Open an account” button. The button is selected and transitions to the sign-up page.

We’ll assume you’re using your bank to make your initial investment. You can also rollover or transfer investments from another company.

Visual: The words “How can we get you started?” appear on a white background. The “Open a new account with money from my bank” option is selected.

If you’re not already a Vanguard client, select I’m new to Vanguard.

Visual: On the account opening page, the “I’m new to Vanguard” account opening option is highlighted and selected.

Here’s a look at the process and the things you’ll need to get started. The process will take about 5 to 10 minutes, and steps will vary based on the account type you select.

Visual: Screen transitions to the Vanguard “Open an account” overview page.

Once your money reaches your new account, you can start investing. You’ll begin by selecting your goal and a related account type.

Visual: Screen navigates to the Vanguard account selection page and shows all the account types you can choose from.

You can always reference the frequently asked questions on each page.

Visual: Screen zooms in on the frequently asked questions bar on the right side of the account selection page.

Your account will act as a container for the investments you’ll choose later—such as index funds, stocks, CDs, or ETFs.

Visual: Screen zooms out to show the entire account selection page and selects the “general investing” option.

For this example, let’s select a general investing brokerage account for one person.

Next, you’ll provide your personal information. You can be confident that Vanguard uses a number of security measures to keep your data safe.

Visual: Screen navigates through the personal information pages where new clients input their name, email, birthday, citizenship, social security number, address, and phone number.

Review your details for accuracy. You’ll then create a username and password. In addition, you’ll agree to web terms and paperless documents. You’ll also set up your security questions.

Visual: Screen transitions to the review page where clients review and verify their personal information. It then transitions to the next page where clients select a username and password, sign the terms of use consent form, and set up security questions.

Next, you’ll add the bank account you’ll use for transactions. All new accounts require a bank on file. Select your bank from a list of popular banks, or search for it manually by name. You may see other banks with similar names, so be sure to select the correct one. If you’re unable to log into your bank, you can add your bank manually.

Visual: Screens transitions to the “add bank-on-file” page where clients connect their bank account. A brief demonstration shows how to select your bank, search for your bank, or enter your bank information manually.

Next, choose if you want to fund your account now or later. As a reminder, there’s no cost to open an account; however, some financial products require a minimum amount.

Visual: Demonstration of how to choose to fund your account later.

To fund your account now, enter the dollar amount of your initial one-time bank transfer. You can set up recurring transactions later.

Visual: Demonstration of how to fund your account now with an initial one-time bank transfer.

In the next step, you’ll enter your employment information. Certain occupations may have additional rules and regulations.

Visual: Screen navigates through the employment information page where clients input their employer address and select applicable requirements.

On the next few pages, you’ll answer some final questions, which are required for all new brokerage accounts. Your answers won’t affect what products you can buy, and you can update them at any time.

Visual: Brief navigation of the final account opening pages that are required to be completed for all new Vanguard brokerage accounts.

Once you review your information and accept our agreements, you’ll receive a confirmation.

Visual: Screen scrolls through the account review, e-signature, and confirmation pages, confirming that your new Vanguard brokerage account is now open.

Congratulations! Your first investment will go into the settlement fund that comes with your account. You’ll then use this money to purchase investment products. It could take 3-7 days based on the products you select.

We look forward to helping you to achieve your financial goals!

Visual: Vanguard logo appears on a white background.

Ready to invest? See how to open an account | Vanguard (2024)

FAQs

Ready to invest? See how to open an account | Vanguard? ›

As a reminder, there's no cost to open an account; however, some financial products require a minimum amount. Visual: Demonstration of how to choose to fund your account later. To fund your account now, enter the dollar amount of your initial one-time bank transfer.

How do I open an investing account? ›

  1. Step 1: Choose the Type of Brokerage Account You Need. ...
  2. Step 2: Consider the Features You Want and Their Associated Costs. ...
  3. Step 3: Choose the Brokerage That Best Fits Your Desired Needs. ...
  4. Step 4: Begin the Application Process. ...
  5. Step 5: Fund Your New Account and Start Investing.

How much money is needed to open a Vanguard account? ›

As a reminder, there's no cost to open an account; however, some financial products require a minimum amount. Visual: Demonstration of how to choose to fund your account later. To fund your account now, enter the dollar amount of your initial one-time bank transfer.

How do I get ready to invest? ›

  1. Getting Started in Investing.
  2. Know What Works in the Market.
  3. Know Your Investment Strategy.
  4. Know Your Friends and Enemies.
  5. Find the Right Investing Path.
  6. Be in It for the Long Term.
  7. Be Willing to Learn.

Can I open my own Vanguard account? ›

To open an account, you'll need this personal information: Your bank account and routing numbers. Your Social Security number. Your employer's name and address.

How much money do you need for an investment account? ›

You generally do not need a lot of money to do so. In fact, many brokerage firms allow you to open an account with no up-front deposit. However, you will need to fund the account before you buy investments. You can do that by moving money from your checking or savings account, or from another brokerage account.

What documents do I need to open an investment account? ›

Once you decide on an account, you'll have to fill out an application. You'll generally need to provide a form of identification, such as a driver's license or passport, and your Social Security number, along with other personal financial information. You'll also have to figure out how to fund your account.

Is Vanguard good for beginners? ›

Vanguard is best suited for beginner and seasoned investors alike who are seeking access to an array of low-cost vast mutual fund and ETF offerings, all packaged into a simple-to-use brokerage platform.

Is Vanguard or Fidelity better? ›

Which is better for retirement: Fidelity or Vanguard? While Fidelity wins out overall, Vanguard is the best option for retirement savers. Its platform offers tools and education focused specifically on retirement planning.

How much does Vanguard charge to withdraw money? ›

Vanguard charges $0 for withdrawal. The withdrawal process is usually executed within 2 days. Vanguard is a reliable broker, regulated by at least one top-tier regulator. You can only withdraw funds to accounts in your name.

What are the 3 things you need to start investing? ›

To get started investing, pick a strategy based on the amount you'll invest, the timelines for your investment goals, and the amount of risk that makes sense for you.

How do I start investing with little money? ›

Six ways to invest with little money
  1. Drip-feed your cash into investments. You don't need to have a lump sum to start investing. ...
  2. Buy an index tracker. ...
  3. Use a robo-adviser. ...
  4. Mitigate your risk. ...
  5. Invest for the long-term. ...
  6. Open a high-yield savings account.

What is the smartest way to start investing? ›

  1. Give your money a goal.
  2. Decide how much help you want.
  3. Pick an investment account.
  4. Open your account.
  5. Choose investments that match your tolerance for risk.
  6. For growth, invest in stocks and stock funds.
Jan 3, 2023

Can I invest in Vanguard without a broker? ›

You must buy and sell Vanguard ETF Shares through Vanguard Brokerage Services (we offer them commission-free) or through another broker (which may charge commissions).

What is needed to open a Vanguard account? ›

You'll need to provide:
  1. Your bank account and routing numbers, found on your checks, if you're using electronic bank transfer; or.
  2. A check made payable to Vanguard; or.
  3. Bank name and wire date if adding money by wire.

Is investing with Vanguard a good idea? ›

If you are looking to create a diversified, ETF-based portfolio that you will periodically rebalance—and not much else—then Vanguard is a good fit. If you are an active investor or trader, however, Vanguard's limited tools and asset selection will likely be a non-starter.

What kind of bank account should I open for investing? ›

A cash account is appropriate for the majority of investors. It allows you to buy investments with money you deposit into the account. A margin account is for investors who want to borrow money from the broker to buy investments.

What type of investment account should I open first? ›

1. Brokerage Accounts. An individual brokerage account is one of the most basic and flexible types of investment accounts you can open. With brokerage accounts, you can buy and sell numerous assets, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds and options, through a licensed broker with very few restrictions.

What bank account is best for investing? ›

Money market accounts suit customers who want a higher interest rate than a basic bank account, and are willing to keep a larger balance in their account. They are suitable for investors with savings goals with target dates ranging from a few months to a few years away. Funds may be withdrawn prior to that time.

How much money do you typically need to start investing? ›

There's no minimum to get started investing, however you likely need at least $200 — $1,000 to really get started right. If you're starting with less than $1,000, it's fine to buy just one stock and add more positions over time.

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