How to Invest

Transfer in 3 steps

Learn how to transfer your outside assets to Vanguard.

 

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Starting your transfer

Most account transfers are easy to do online. Watch our video tutorial to see how.

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How to transfer your account from another investment firm to Vanguard.

 

Where you invest matters. You can transfer your IRA or non-retirement account held at another investment firm to an account at Vanguard using our simple and clear online process. 

 

Before you transfer your assets to Vanguard, here are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Be sure to check if your current firm charges any fees or has additional requirements to transfer.
  • Many transfers can be completed online. If your transfer requires paperwork, we'll provide a pre-filled form at the end of this process for you to print, sign, and mail to Vanguard.
  • Most assets can move "in-kind," meaning they won’t need to be sold to transfer and you will remain invested in the market throughout the transfer process.
  • It’ll take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete an online transfer request.
  • Most transfers take as little as 5 to 7 days. If paperwork is required, the transfer may take longer. Vanguard will keep you updated throughout the transfer process.
  • You’ll need your username and password or account number for your other firm, plus a copy of your most recent account statement.

 

To start your asset transfer, select Open an Account on Vanguard's Personal Investor homepage. Select the transfer option to begin.

Then, select the type of account that’s moving from your other firm.

Be sure to take note of the frequently asked questions on each page, which are there to help you better understand the transfer process.

 

Next, you’ll connect directly to your account at your other firm. Start by selecting or typing in that firm’s name.

The easiest way to access your investments to transfer is to enter your username and password for your other firm. Or you can manually enter your account number. You can also choose whether to transfer some or all of your assets.

Then, you’ll tell us where the assets should go.

If you're already a Vanguard client, you'll see accounts that are eligible to receive your transfer...or you can open a new account.

If you’re new to Vanguard, we'll open a new account to receive this transfer. As part of this process, we’ll gather some personal and employment information.

 

Next, you’ll review your transfer details for accuracy, and accept any agreements.

If your request can be completed electronically, we’ll work with your other firm to transfer your assets. If your transfer can’t be processed electronically, we’ll provide you with your next steps.

 

Thank you, and we look forward to partnering with you on your financial journey.

Move assets between your Vanguard accounts using internal transfers

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Step 1
Identify which accounts you’d like to transfer

All of your assets will move “in kind,” meaning there’s no buying or selling. You can transfer between like account types—such as an individual account to an individual account—or unlike account types—such as an individual account to a joint account. However, please note that any transfers between unlike account types may require paperwork.

Step 2
Gather your information

We make it easy to electronically connect with your other firm to start the transfer. If you’re new to Vanguard, you’ll need to open an account, which you can do within the transfer process.

Before you begin, be sure to have:

  • Your username and password or account number from your other firm.
  • The dollar amount your wish to transfer.

You’ll also need to know whether you want to transfer some or all of your assets.

Please note: If your transfer cannot be completed electronically, you’ll need a copy of your account statement dated within the last 90 days.

Step 3
Initiate the transfer

Digital transfers may take as little as 5 to 7 days. You can follow your transfer’s progress online via the “Track Your Transfer” link on your Account Details page.

If paperwork is required, the transfer may take longer. To initiate your paperwork transfer, you must:

  • Print, sign, and mail the Vanguard transfer form along with an account statement from your other firm.

What happens behind the scenes?

Vanguard contacts the other institution

We’ll reach out to the other institution and provide them with the information you give us.

Firm confirms information

Your other firm will confirm the information we send before transferring the assets to Vanguard.

Assets are transferred

We’ll keep in touch with you along the way.

Learn more about transfers 

Still have more questions about how to transfer your assets to Vanguard?

Transfer FAQs

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Ready to get started?

New to Vanguard and looking to consolidate your savings?

Start your transfer

Already a Vanguard client? Log in to start your transfer.

Log in

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