You need a bank account linked to move money in and out
To deposit money into your Vanguard account or withdraw your investments, you have to connect a bank account first. Vanguard calls this a linked bank account or funding source. Without one, you cannot transfer money between Vanguard and your checking or savings account.
The process takes about five minutes to start, but Vanguard will verify the account by sending two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your bank. You have to confirm those amounts before the link is active — this verification step typically takes three to five business days.
You can link multiple bank accounts to the same Vanguard account, and you can change which one you use for transfers at any time. You can also remove a linked account if you no longer need it.
Key Takeaways
- You must link a bank account to Vanguard before you can deposit or withdraw money, and the process requires verification through two small test deposits.
- Vanguard sends two deposits under $1 each to your bank account, and you confirm the exact amounts in your Vanguard account to prove you own the bank account.
- The entire verification process usually takes three to five business days after you confirm the deposit amounts.
- You can link as many bank accounts as you need and switch between them for transfers without unlinking the others.
- You will need your bank account number, routing number, and account type (checking or savings) to start the linking process.
What information you need before you start
Gather these details from your bank statement, checkbook, or online banking login before you begin. You will need your routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank), your account number (the unique number for your specific account), and your account type (checking or savings).
If you are not sure where to find these numbers, log into your bank's website or app — most banks display them on the account overview page. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing and account numbers. Some banks print both on the bottom left of your checks.
Have your Vanguard login information ready as well. You will need to be logged into your Vanguard account to add the bank account.
The steps to link your bank account
Log into your Vanguard account on the website or through the Vanguard app. Go to the Account menu and look for an option called "Linked bank accounts," "Funding sources," or "Transfer settings" — the exact wording varies depending on your account type and whether you are using the website or app.
Click the button to add a new bank account. Vanguard will ask you to enter your bank's name, your account number, your routing number, and whether the account is checking or savings. Double-check these numbers before you submit — a mistake here will cause the verification to fail.
After you submit, Vanguard will tell you that verification is pending. Within one to three business days, two small deposits will appear in your bank account. The amounts will be different each time (for example, $0.34 and $0.67) and will come from Vanguard.
Once you see both deposits in your bank account, log back into Vanguard and find the pending bank account in your linked accounts list. Vanguard will ask you to enter the two deposit amounts. Type them in exactly as they appear — if you enter them wrong, you can try again, but too many failed attempts may lock you out temporarily.
What happens if verification fails
The most common reason verification fails is a typo in your account number or routing number. If the deposits do not arrive after five business days, go back to your bank account details in Vanguard and check that both numbers are correct. You can delete the pending account and start over with the correct information.
If you enter the deposit amounts incorrectly, Vanguard usually lets you try again. If you have tried multiple times and cannot get it right, contact Vanguard customer service — they can verify the account manually, though this takes longer.
Some banks flag small deposits from outside companies as suspicious and may delay them. If your bank has fraud protection turned on, you might need to contact your bank to confirm that the Vanguard deposits are legitimate before they will post to your account.
Linking a bank account from a different bank
The process is the same whether your bank account is at a large national bank, a credit union, or a smaller regional bank. You still need the routing number and account number, and you still receive the two verification deposits.
Some credit unions and smaller banks have different routing numbers for different branches or different types of transfers. If you are unsure which routing number to use, call your bank and tell them you are linking the account to an investment company — they will give you the correct number.
If your bank is outside the United States, you cannot link it directly to Vanguard. You would need to set up a transfer through a wire service or international money transfer company instead.
How to remove or change a linked bank account
To remove a linked bank account, log into Vanguard, go to your linked accounts list, and find the account you want to delete. Click the remove or delete option next to it. Vanguard will ask you to confirm — once you do, that account is no longer linked and you cannot use it for transfers.
Removing an account does not affect any money already in your Vanguard account. It only stops you from being able to transfer money to or from that specific bank account in the future.
To switch to a different linked bank account for your next transfer, straightforward select the new account when you start a deposit or withdrawal. You do not have to remove the old one first — you can keep multiple accounts linked and choose which one to use each time.
How long transfers take once your account is linked
Once your bank account is verified and linked, the time it takes to move money depends on the direction of the transfer. Deposits from your bank account to Vanguard usually take one to three business days. Withdrawals from Vanguard to your bank account also usually take one to three business days, though some banks process them faster.
Transfers initiated on a weekend or holiday will not start processing until the next business day. If you initiate a transfer on Friday afternoon, it may not arrive in your bank account until Tuesday or Wednesday.
Vanguard does not charge a fee for linking a bank account or for transfers to and from a linked account. Your bank may charge a fee for incoming or outgoing transfers, depending on your account type and bank — check your bank's fee schedule if you are unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a joint bank account?
Yes. If you are listed as an owner on the bank account, you can link it to your Vanguard account. The account does not have to be in your name alone. When you enter the account number and routing number, Vanguard will verify it the same way — through the two test deposits.
What if I do not see the two verification deposits after a week?
Contact your bank first to confirm they did not block the deposits as suspicious. If your bank says they never received them, contact Vanguard customer service with your bank account number and routing number. They can resend the deposits or verify the account manually.
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. When you enter your account information, you will select whether it is checking or savings. Vanguard accepts both. The verification process is the same either way.
Do I have to link a bank account to open a Vanguard account?
No. You can open a Vanguard account without a linked bank account. However, you will not be able to deposit money or move funds until you link one. If you already have money in a Vanguard account from a previous transfer or rollover, you can still manage it without a linked bank account.
What if I want to link a bank account at a different bank later?
You can add as many bank accounts as you need at any time. Log into your Vanguard account, go to your linked accounts, and add a new one. Each new account will go through the same two-deposit verification process.