How to Use the the Vanguard App

The Vanguard app is designed for investors who want a simple, streamlined way to manage their investments, buy and sell stocks or ETFs, and monitor performance on the go. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn exactly how to navigate the app, fund your account, execute trades, explore research tools, and make the most out of Vanguard’s features. Whether you’re just starting out or already have an account, this walkthrough will help you feel confident using the platform.

Getting Started with the Vanguard App

Once you download and log into the Vanguard app, you will land on the main dashboard. This is where you’ll get a snapshot of your current portfolio balance and performance.

For instance, in our example, the total assets amount to $28.64 with an overall performance return of -0.70 or -5.8%.

At the bottom of the dashboard, you can swipe to explore your portfolio allocation. It shows how your investments are divided. In this case, 64.4% is in stocks, and 35.6% in short-term assets.

You’ll also find access to recent activity, including your transaction history and any open orders.

How to Fund Your Vanguard Account

Before you can trade, you’ll need to fund your Vanguard account. Here’s how to do it:

1. Tap Transact on the menu bar at the bottom.
2. On the next screen, tap Deposit.
3. Select the bank account you want to use for the deposit (e.g., Capital One).
4. Enter the amount you wish to transfer (e.g., $30).
5. Tap Preview.
6. You’ll be prompted to consent to electronic access, which is standard.
7. Tap Accept, review your transaction, and then tap Submit.

You’ll receive a confirmation, and the order status will show as “pending.” However, Vanguard credits your account instantly for trading, provided you’re buying Vanguard ETFs or index funds.

Buying Stocks or ETFs on the Vanguard App

Once your account is funded, you can proceed to buy assets.

1. Tap Transact again.
2. Tap the Buy or Sell box under the ETFs and Stocks section.
3. (If you’re buying mutual funds, tap the corresponding box on the right.)

You’ll be brought to the Trade ETFs or Stocks screen. If the market is volatile, a warning message may appear. Just tap the X on the top right to close it.

Your available brokerage balance will appear (e.g., $40.14). Next:

4. Use the search bar to enter the ETF or stock symbol. For example, type SCHD.
5. The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF will appear. Tap it.
6. If you want more details, tap Detailed Quote to view information like volume, dividend dates, and more.

Scroll down and:

7. Tap Buy.
8. Enter the number of shares you want (e.g., 1 share).
9. Select your order type: Market, Limit, Stop, or Stop Limit.
10. Preview your order and tap Submit.

However, if you attempt to purchase a non-Vanguard ETF (like SCHD) and your funds are still on hold, you may get a message that the trade can’t be completed.

Buying Vanguard ETFs with Partial Shares

To bypass the fund hold and take advantage of fractional shares:

1. Change the ticker to VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF).
2. Tap Buy, then tap Dollars instead of Shares.
3. Enter the amount to invest (e.g., $10).
4. The app will show an estimated share quantity (e.g., 0.0377 shares).
5. Tap Review, then Submit Order.

You’ll receive an order confirmation, including your order number, status, and the remaining trading balance.

Returning to your dashboard, your portfolio allocation will be updated (e.g., 73.6% in stocks, 26.4% in short-term assets).

How to Sell Stocks or ETFs on the Vanguard App

Selling works very similarly to buying.

1. Tap Transact, then Buy or Sell.
2. Enter the ticker of the stock or ETF you want to sell (e.g., VU).
3. Tap Sell.

Your number of shares will auto-populate. You can adjust this as needed.

Note: Selling fractional shares may take an extra business day to fully reflect in your account.

4. Tap Preview Order, then Submit Order.

And that’s how you buy and sell stocks or ETFs on the Vanguard app.

Exploring the Research Tab

The Vanguard app offers more than just trading. The Research tab provides powerful tools for market analysis and investment planning:

• Tap Research to get a market overview.
• View charts for indices like the S&P 500, with up to 5 years of historical data.
• Vanguard also recommends ETFs and index funds that track the selected index (e.g., VU and VFAX).

Slide down to view:

• Performance metrics (e.g., 10-year performance),
• Key statistics, including expense ratios and sector allocations.

Watchlists and Fund Comparisons

You can create a custom watchlist:

1. Tap Create New List.
2. Name the list and add your desired tickers.

There’s also a Compare Funds feature:

• Compare over 260 mutual funds, 90+ ETFs, and 30+ 529 plans side by side.
• Analyze fees, performance, holdings, and more.

Learn and Browse Tabs

The Learn tab is great for beginners or those wanting to expand their knowledge. You’ll find:

• Educational videos,
• Articles,
• Market explanations,
• Investment strategy content.

The Browse tab offers:

• Investment goal setting,
• Product overviews,
• “Vanguard Perspective” — expert commentary and thought leadership.

Why the Vanguard App Stands Out

The Vanguard app closely mirrors the simplicity of the web version, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned investors.

Key benefits include:

• Instant trading credit for Vanguard ETFs,
• Support for fractional shares,
• Intuitive interface with clean navigation,
• In-depth research and educational tools.

Final Thoughts

Using the Vanguard mobile app is a straightforward experience once you understand the flow. From adding funds and placing trades to researching investments and learning from experts, the app covers all the essentials for personal investing.

If your goal is to invest in stocks or ETFs on the Vanguard app, especially Vanguard’s own offerings, you’ll find the process smooth and intuitive.

Whether you’re new to investing or switching brokers, the Vanguard app is a reliable tool that gives you control over your financial future right from your phone.