What you need before you start

To add a bank account to Vanguard, you will need your account number and routing number from the bank you want to link. You can find both on a check, or by logging into your bank's website or calling the bank directly. Vanguard will also need your account type — checking or savings — and the account holder's name as it appears at the bank.

You must be logged into your Vanguard account to add a bank account. If you do not have a Vanguard account yet, you will need to open one first through their website or by phone at 1-800-662-7447. Once you are logged in, the bank linking process takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need your bank's routing number and your account number, which appear on checks or in your bank's online portal.
  • Vanguard links bank accounts through their website or mobile app by entering account details and confirming ownership through small test deposits.
  • The verification process typically takes one to three business days, during which Vanguard deposits two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your bank account.
  • You must confirm the exact amounts of those test deposits back in your Vanguard account to complete the link.
  • Once verified, the bank account can be used to fund Vanguard investments, transfer money out, or set up automatic contributions.

Adding the bank account through Vanguard's website

Log into your Vanguard account and go to the "Account" or "Accounts" section, usually found in the main menu. Look for an option labeled "Bank Accounts," "Linked Accounts," or "Add Bank Account" — the exact wording varies depending on your account type and whether you are using the classic or newer Vanguard website layout. Click that option.

Enter your bank's routing number and your account number in the fields provided. Double-check both numbers against your check or your bank's website — a single digit wrong will cause the verification to fail. Select whether the account is checking or savings, and confirm that the account holder's name matches what is registered at your bank. Then submit the form.

The verification step and what to expect

After you submit your bank account information, Vanguard will send two small test deposits to that account within one to three business days. These deposits are typically less than $1 each and appear as credits from Vanguard in your bank's transaction history. The amounts are random and different each time, so you cannot guess them.

Check your bank account for these deposits. Once you see them, log back into Vanguard and navigate to the same bank account linking section. You will see a prompt asking you to enter the exact amounts of the two test deposits. Type in both amounts and submit. If the amounts match, Vanguard will confirm the account is verified and you can begin using it when ready.

If you do not see the test deposits after three business days, check that you entered the routing and account numbers correctly. If the numbers were wrong, you will need to start over with the correct information. If the numbers were correct but deposits still did not arrive, contact Vanguard at 1-800-662-7447 to troubleshoot.

Linking through the Vanguard mobile app

The process on the Vanguard mobile app is nearly identical to the website. Open the app, tap "Account" or "Menu," then look for "Bank Accounts" or "Linked Accounts." Enter your routing number, account number, account type, and account holder name. Submit the form.

You will still receive the two test deposits to your bank account within one to three business days. Once they arrive, return to the app, navigate back to the bank account section, and enter the deposit amounts to verify. The account will be linked once verification is complete.

What happens if verification fails

Verification fails most often because the routing number or account number was entered incorrectly. If this happens, Vanguard will show an error message. You can delete the failed entry and start over with the correct numbers. There is no penalty for failed attempts, and you can try as many times as needed.

In rare cases, your bank may block the test deposits if it flags them as suspicious activity. This is more common with smaller banks or credit unions. If this happens, contact your bank and let them know you are expecting small deposits from Vanguard. Ask them to allow the deposits through. Then wait another business day or two and check again. Once the deposits arrive, complete the verification in Vanguard as normal.

Using your linked bank account

Once your bank account is verified, you can use it to fund new investments, transfer money from Vanguard back to your bank, or set up automatic monthly or weekly contributions. When you initiate a transfer from your bank to Vanguard, the money typically arrives within one to three business days. Transfers from Vanguard to your bank usually take the same timeframe.

You can link multiple bank accounts to a single Vanguard account if you need to. Each account must go through the same verification process with test deposits. You can also remove a linked bank account at any time through the same "Bank Accounts" or "Linked Accounts" section where you added it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a bank account in someone else's name?

No. The name on the bank account must match the name on your Vanguard account. If you are a joint account holder at the bank, you can use the account only if your name is listed as the primary or co-owner. Vanguard verifies this during the test deposit process.

What if I entered the wrong routing number and the test deposits went to the wrong bank?

Contact Vanguard when ready at 1-800-662-7447. They can cancel the pending deposits and help you start over with the correct routing number. The deposits will not reach the wrong account if you catch the error quickly enough.

How long does it take to transfer money once the bank account is linked?

Transfers from your bank to Vanguard typically take one to three business days. Transfers from Vanguard back to your bank take the same timeframe. Weekends and bank holidays can add extra time. Vanguard will show the transfer status in your account during the process.

Can I link an international bank account?

Vanguard generally only accepts U.S. bank accounts. If your bank account is outside the United States, contact Vanguard directly at 1-800-662-7447 to discuss your options. Some international customers may be able to use wire transfers instead of linking a bank account.

What if I do not see the test deposits after five business days?

Wait one more business day — sometimes deposits take longer depending on your bank's processing speed. If still nothing appears, log into Vanguard and check whether the bank account is still in "pending" status. If it is, contact Vanguard at 1-800-662-7447 with your routing and account numbers so they can investigate whether the deposits were sent to the correct account.