You need Vanguard's website or app to add a bank account, and the process takes about five minutes to start but up to three business days to complete
To add a bank account to Vanguard, log into your account on Vanguard.com or the Vanguard app, go to the Account Services or Settings section, and select the option to add a bank account or funding source. Vanguard will ask for your bank's routing number, your account number, and the account type (checking or savings). You'll also confirm the account holder's name matches your Vanguard account name.
Once you submit this information, Vanguard verifies the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your bank account within one to two business days. You then return to Vanguard and enter those two deposit amounts to confirm you own the account. After verification, the bank account is active and you can use it to fund investments or receive distributions.
The entire process—from adding the account details to full verification—typically takes three to five business days. During this time, you cannot yet transfer money using that account. Once verified, transfers usually settle within one to three business days depending on whether you're moving money into or out of Vanguard.
Key Takeaways
- You add a bank account through Account Services on Vanguard.com or the mobile app by entering your routing number, account number, and account type.
- Vanguard verifies ownership by depositing two small amounts and asking you to confirm those amounts, which takes one to two business days.
- The account is not usable for transfers until you complete the verification step by entering the two deposit amounts.
- Once verified, transfers into and out of Vanguard typically settle within one to three business days depending on the direction of the transfer.
Finding the bank account section on Vanguard's website
Log into your Vanguard account at Vanguard.com using your username and password. Once you're in your account dashboard, look for a menu labeled Account Services, Settings, or Accounts & Trade Settings—the exact label varies depending on the type of account you hold (individual, joint, IRA, etc.).
In that menu, find the option that says Add a Bank Account, Link Bank Account, Funding Sources, or Add Funding Method. Click it. Vanguard will open a form asking for your bank details. If you cannot locate this option, call Vanguard at 800-997-2329 and a representative can walk you through the steps or add the account for you over the phone.
What information Vanguard needs from you
Vanguard requires four pieces of information to add a bank account: your bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank), your account number (the number Vanguard will pull from or deposit to), the account type (checking or savings), and confirmation that the account holder's name matches the name on your Vanguard account.
If you do not know your routing number, you can find it on a check from that account (it appears on the bottom left), call your bank's customer service line, or search your bank's name and "routing number" online. Your account number also appears on your checks or in your online banking portal.
If the bank account is held in a different name than your Vanguard account—for example, you're adding a joint account or an account in your spouse's name—you may not be able to add it through the online form. Contact Vanguard directly to discuss your situation; some account types and ownership structures require a phone call or additional documentation.
How Vanguard verifies the account belongs to you
After you submit your bank details, Vanguard sends two small deposits (typically between $0.01 and $0.99 each) to your bank account. These deposits appear in your bank account within one to two business days. The amounts are random and different each time, so you cannot guess them.
Once the deposits land in your bank account, return to Vanguard and enter the two amounts you see. This step proves you have access to the account and own it. After you enter the amounts correctly, Vanguard marks the account as verified and you can begin transferring money.
If you do not see the deposits after two business days, check that you entered the routing and account numbers correctly. If the numbers are wrong, delete the account from Vanguard and start over. If the numbers are correct but deposits still do not arrive, contact your bank to confirm the account is active and can receive transfers, then contact Vanguard to troubleshoot.
Using your bank account to fund or withdraw from Vanguard
Once your bank account is verified, you can use it to move money into Vanguard (to buy investments) or out of Vanguard (to receive distributions or withdraw cash). When you initiate a transfer, Vanguard asks you to choose the verified bank account as the source or destination.
Transfers into Vanguard typically settle within one to three business days. Transfers out of Vanguard to your bank account may take one to three business days as well, though some take longer depending on your bank's processing speed. Vanguard does not charge a fee for these transfers, but your bank may charge a fee if you exceed a certain number of transfers per month (this varies by bank and account type).
You can add multiple bank accounts to a single Vanguard account. Each one must go through the same verification process. You can also remove a bank account at any time through the same Account Services menu where you added it.
What to do if verification fails or takes longer than expected
If you enter the deposit amounts incorrectly, Vanguard typically gives you a limited number of attempts (usually three) before locking you out. If you run out of attempts, you must delete the account and start the process over.
If the two deposits never arrive in your bank account after three business days, the most common causes are an incorrect routing number, an incorrect account number, or a closed or inactive account. Check your bank statement or online banking portal to confirm the account is active and receiving deposits. Then log back into Vanguard, delete the account you added, and re-enter the correct information.
If you believe you entered the information correctly but deposits still have not arrived, contact Vanguard at 800-997-2329. A representative can check whether Vanguard successfully sent the deposits or whether the issue is on your bank's side. Your bank's customer service line can also confirm whether deposits from Vanguard have been received.
Adding a bank account through the Vanguard mobile app
The Vanguard app allows you to add a bank account using the same process as the website. Open the app, tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines), and look for Account Services or Settings. Select Add a Bank Account or Link Bank Account, then enter your routing number, account number, and account type.
The verification process works identically on the app: Vanguard deposits two small amounts, and you return to the app to enter those amounts once they arrive in your bank account. Some users find the app faster for this task because it saves your information as you type and does not require you to navigate multiple pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a bank account that is not in my name?
Not through the online form. If you want to add a joint account, a spouse's account, or an account in another person's name, contact Vanguard at 800-997-2329. A representative can discuss whether this is possible for your account type and what documentation you may need to provide.
How long does it take before I can transfer money after adding a bank account?
Three to five business days. The first one to two days are for the verification deposits to arrive; the next one to two days are for you to enter those amounts and for Vanguard to confirm. Once confirmed, you can transfer immediately, though the actual transfer to or from your bank takes an additional one to three business days.
What if I enter the wrong routing or account number?
Delete the account from Vanguard and add it again with the correct information. You can find your correct routing number on a check, by calling your bank, or by searching your bank's name online. Your account number appears on checks or in your online banking portal.
Can I remove a bank account from Vanguard?
Yes. Go to Account Services or Settings in Vanguard, find the bank account you want to remove, and select the delete or remove option. You can add a different bank account at any time using the same process.
Does Vanguard charge a fee to add or use a bank account?
Vanguard does not charge a fee. However, your bank may charge a fee if you exceed the number of transfers allowed per month under your account agreement. Check your bank's terms to see if there are limits on transfers to investment accounts.