You need your bank's routing number and your account number to link a bank account to Vanguard
Vanguard lets you connect a bank account so you can move money in and out of your investment account. You will need two pieces of information from your bank: the nine-digit routing number (also called the ABA number) and your account number. You can find both on a check, or call your bank's customer service line and ask for them. Once you have those numbers, you add the account through Vanguard's website or mobile app, and Vanguard will verify it with two small test deposits.
The verification step takes one to two business days. Vanguard deposits two amounts under $1 each into your bank account, then asks you to confirm those amounts in your Vanguard account. Once you confirm them, the account is active and you can transfer money. This process protects both you and Vanguard by confirming you actually own the bank account.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number before you start; both appear on a check or are available from your bank by phone.
- Vanguard sends two small test deposits to your bank account, and you must confirm the amounts in your Vanguard account to complete the link.
- The verification process takes one to two business days after Vanguard deposits the test amounts.
- Once verified, you can transfer money between your bank and Vanguard accounts immediately, though the actual movement of funds follows standard ACH timelines (one to three business days).
- You can link multiple bank accounts to a single Vanguard account, and you can remove a linked account at any time.
Where to find your routing number and account number
The easiest place to find both numbers is on a personal check from your bank account. Look at the bottom left of the check: the first nine digits are your routing number, and the digits after that are your account number. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or account information. Most banks display both numbers there.
If you cannot find the numbers online, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. Tell them you need your routing number and account number for an external transfer. They will give you both numbers over the phone. Write them down carefully—a single wrong digit will cause the verification to fail.
How to add the account through Vanguard's website
Log into your Vanguard account and go to the Account menu. Select "Bank accounts" or "Linked bank accounts" (the exact wording varies by account type). Click the button to add a new bank account. You will be asked to enter your bank's name, your routing number, your account number, and the account type (checking or savings). Double-check each number before you submit.
After you submit, Vanguard will show you a confirmation screen. Within one to two business days, two small deposits (each under $1) will appear in your bank account. The amounts will be random—for example, $0.23 and $0.17. Go back to your Vanguard account, find the section for verifying the linked account, and enter those two amounts. Once Vanguard confirms they match, your bank account is active.
How to add the account through the Vanguard mobile app
Open the Vanguard app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines). Look for "Account" or "Settings," then select "Bank accounts" or "Linked accounts." Tap "Add bank account" and enter your bank's name, routing number, account number, and account type. The process is the same as on the website: submit, wait for the test deposits, then confirm the amounts.
Some users find the mobile app faster for this task because it walks you through each field one at a time. However, you may want to have your bank information written down before you start, since typing nine-digit numbers on a phone is error-prone.
What happens if the verification fails
If you enter the wrong routing number or account number, the test deposits will not arrive, or they will go to the wrong account. Vanguard will show the linked account as "pending" or "unverified" after a few days. You can delete it and try again with the correct numbers. There is no penalty for failed attempts—you can add and remove accounts as many times as you need.
If you entered the correct numbers but still do not see the test deposits after three business days, contact Vanguard customer service. Occasionally a bank's system takes longer to process the deposits, or there is a mismatch between what you entered and what your bank has on file. Vanguard can investigate and either resend the deposits or help you troubleshoot the account details.
How transfers work once your account is linked
Once your bank account is verified, you can transfer money from your bank to Vanguard or from Vanguard to your bank. Transfers use the ACH (Automated Clearing House) system, which is the standard for moving money between banks electronically. ACH transfers typically take one to three business days, depending on your bank and Vanguard's processing schedule.
Vanguard usually processes transfer requests the same business day you submit them, but your bank may take an additional one to two days to complete the movement. Weekends and bank holidays add time—a transfer submitted on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday. You can see the status of any transfer in your Vanguard account under "Transactions" or "Transfer history."
Linking multiple bank accounts and removing accounts
You can link more than one bank account to your Vanguard account. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks or want to keep separate checking and savings accounts linked. Each account goes through the same verification process with test deposits. There is no limit to how many you can add, though Vanguard may ask you to verify your identity if you add many accounts in a short time.
To remove a linked account, go to your bank account settings in Vanguard and select the account you want to delete. Click "Remove" or "Delete." The account is removed immediately, and you will no longer be able to transfer money to or from it. Removing an account does not affect any transfers that are already in progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money the same day I verify my bank account?
Yes. Once the test deposits are confirmed and your account shows as verified, you can start transferring money immediately. However, the actual movement of funds still follows ACH timelines—one to three business days depending on your bank and the direction of the transfer.
What if I enter the wrong account number by mistake?
The test deposits will fail to arrive or go to the wrong account. You can delete the failed account link and add it again with the correct number. There is no penalty, and you can try as many times as needed.
Do I need to verify my identity when I add a bank account?
Not usually. Vanguard verifies the account itself through the test deposits. However, if you add multiple accounts in a short time or if Vanguard detects unusual activity, they may ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions or providing additional information.
Can I link a bank account that is not in my name?
No. The bank account must be registered to the same person whose name is on the Vanguard account. Vanguard's system checks this during verification, and mismatched names will cause the test deposits to fail.
How long does the verification process take?
Vanguard usually sends the test deposits within one business day of your request. Once they arrive at your bank, you have up to 10 days to confirm the amounts in your Vanguard account. After you confirm, the account is active immediately.