Opening a brokerage account is one of the first steps toward investing, and Vanguard makes the process straightforward through its mobile app and desktop platform. While both options are available, the app is a convenient choice for managing your investments on a daily basis.
This guide explains how to open an account on Vanguard from start to finish, including how to choose the right account type, enter your personal information, and secure your new account.
Download the Vanguard App
The first step to open an account on Vanguard is downloading the Vanguard app from your device’s app store. If you prefer, you can also complete the process on a computer using Vanguard’s website.
Once you’ve installed the app, open it and look for the “New to Vanguard? Get Started” option on the welcome screen. Since you’re creating your first account, this is where you’ll begin.
Select the Option to Open an Account
After tapping Get Started, you’ll see several choices, including:
- Open an account
- Help me get started
- Register for an employer plan
- Transfer investments
- Roll over an employer plan
To open an account on Vanguard for regular investing, select Open an account. This is the standard option for most new investors, and you can always add additional account types later.
Review the Account Setup Process
Vanguard will display an overview explaining that the application typically takes about 10 minutes to complete.
Before continuing, review the four-step process so you know what information you’ll need during the application.
When you’re ready, tap Get Started.
Choose the Right Brokerage Account
The next screen lets you browse different account categories, such as:
- Popular
- Cash
- Retirement
- Trading
- Custodial
- Education
For a standard investment account, select the Trading tab.
Under this section you’ll find several brokerage account options:
- Individual brokerage
- Joint brokerage
- Trust brokerage
Most first-time investors should choose Individual Brokerage.
This account offers several advantages:
- $0 commission for online trades (other fees may apply)
- No minimum investment requirement
- Access to your money whenever you need it
- Ability to invest in a wide range of products
Tap Individual Brokerage to continue.
Review the Individual Brokerage Account Features
Before proceeding, Vanguard explains the key characteristics of the account.
Some important points include:
- Investment earnings may be taxable.
- Funds can generally be withdrawn without early withdrawal penalties.
- There is no annual investment limit.
- You can invest in stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, CDs, index funds, and money market funds.
After reviewing these details, tap Continue.
Enter Your Personal Information
To open an account on Vanguard, you’ll need to provide your personal details, including:
- Legal name
- Email address
- Date of birth
- Citizenship
- Social Security number
- Gender
Be sure to enter your legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued identification to avoid delays during identity verification.
Vanguard requires your Social Security number as part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process required by U.S. financial regulations.
Once you’ve completed the form, tap Continue.
Provide Your Address and Phone Number
Next, enter your:
- Home address
- ZIP code
- City
- State
- Phone number
Your primary residential address is required for tax reporting purposes. A P.O. Box cannot be used as your primary address.
After entering the information, continue to the review screen.
Carefully Review Your Information
Before submitting your details, Vanguard displays everything you’ve entered.
Take a few moments to verify:
- Name spelling
- Email address
- Birth date
- Citizenship
- Address
- Other personal information
Correcting mistakes now can help prevent delays later in the application process.
Creating Your Vanguard Username and Password
One of the most important steps when you open an account on Vanguard is creating secure login credentials.
Username Requirements
Your username must:
- Be 6 to 12 characters long
- Contain only letters and numbers
- Include no spaces or special characters
Password Requirements
Your password must:
- Be 8 to 20 characters long
- Include at least one uppercase letter
- Include at least one lowercase letter
- Include at least two numbers
- Include at least one special character
- Contain no spaces
Choose a strong, unique password that you don’t use on any other website. Using a password manager can help you generate and securely store complex passwords.
Agree to Electronic Delivery
Vanguard also asks whether you’d like to receive documents electronically.
Paperless delivery allows you to receive items such as:
- Account statements
- Tax documents
- Prospectuses
- Annual notices
- Fund reports
You’ll also be asked to review the electronic delivery agreement and website terms before continuing.
Set Up Security Questions
To protect your account, Vanguard requires three security questions.
Choose questions with answers that:
- Are easy for you to remember
- Are difficult for others to guess
- Can be stored safely in your password manager if needed
These questions may be used when recovering your account or verifying your identity.
Log In to Complete Your Account Setup
After creating your credentials, Vanguard may either:
- Display a success message, or
- Show an error if the app temporarily encounters a problem.
If you receive an error page, simply return to the login screen using the Personal Investors Login option.
Sign in using the username and password you just created to continue your application.
Temporary app errors don’t necessarily mean your application failed.
Next Steps After You Open an Account on Vanguard
Once you successfully open an account on Vanguard, your brokerage account is ready for the next stage.
Before investing, it’s a good idea to:
- Enable additional security features if available.
- Review your account settings.
- Familiarize yourself with the investment options offered.
- Add funds when you’re ready to begin investing.
Taking a few extra minutes to secure your account and review your settings can help protect your investments as you get started.
