The Vanguard Brokerage Account
Built to help you reach your goals. With no account minimums and access to a wide range of investments, you have the flexibility to invest for whatever you’re building.
What is the Vanguard Brokerage Account?
A brokerage account lets you buy and sell investments as you work toward your goals. Get access to stocks, ETFs (exchange-traded funds), mutual funds, bonds, and more, plus a settlement fund that holds your cash until you're ready to trade. Trade online and use the app to manage your investments when and where it’s convenient for you.
Designed to put your goals first: The Vanguard Brokerage Account
Investing should be accessible and straightforward. Get started and stay focused on your goals.
$0 commissions on online stock and ETF trades
Buy and sell stocks and ETFs online without commission fees. Other fees may apply.*
$0 account minimums
Start where you’re comfortable and invest at your own pace.
$0 early withdrawal penalties
Access your money when you need it without an early withdrawal penalty on nonretirement accounts.
$0 to open
There’s no fee or minimum investment amount to open an account. Other fees and commissions may apply.*
What can you do with a Vanguard Brokerage Account?
Use your account to invest toward your goals, manage your money online, and access a wide range of investment options.
1. Add money
Transfer money to your account and it will sweep to your settlement fund when it becomes available to invest. While you decide on investments, you can earn a competitive rate on cash in your settlement fund.
2. Explore investments
Choose from stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, and more.
3. Place your trade
Buy investments online or through the Vanguard app and manage your portfolio as your goals evolve.
Brokerage for today’s investor
Work toward building wealth automatically with recurring investments that help you consistently move towards your goals. Manage your investments on your terms, online or through the Vanguard app.
Trade stocks and ETFs
Invest in individual companies with stocks, or in groups of investments with ETFs.
Buy and sell mutual funds
Invest online with ease. Like ETFs, mutual funds let you invest in groups of investments. Choose from Vanguard mutual funds or options from other companies.
Invest in bonds
Explore fixed-income investments that can generate income and help bring balance to your portfolio.
The Vanguard Brokerage Account versus other accounts
Compare other accounts with the nonretirement Vanguard Brokerage Account and see which may fit your investing goals and needs best.
There may be other differences between these products that you may want to consider before choosing which option is best for you.
Explore brokerage account resources
Frequently asked questions
How do I open a nonretirement Vanguard Brokerage Account?
To open a nonretirement Vanguard Brokerage Account, simply log in or sign up for a brokerage account with us, then transfer money from your bank. After your account is opened, your money is typically available for investing within 3 to 7 days.* During that time, you can review investment options and decide what you’d like to buy. Once your money is available, you can purchase investments like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs and more.
How much money do I need to open a nonretirement Vanguard Brokerage Account?
You don’t need any money to open a Vanguard Brokerage Account. There’s no minimum investment required to get started, though investments still have their own minimums.
What can I invest in with a Vanguard Brokerage Account?
You can invest in stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, brokered CDs, and other securities available through Vanguard.
Can I withdraw money from a nonretirement Vanguard Brokerage Account at any time?
Yes. You can withdraw available cash without an early withdrawal penalty. If the money is invested, you may need to sell investments first and wait for the proceeds to become available.
Is a nonretirement Vanguard Brokerage Account right for my financial goals?
A nonretirement Vanguard Brokerage Account may be a good fit if you want to invest for a goal other than retirement or education, with flexibility in how much you invest and when you access your money.
How do I make sure my money is invested once I open a brokerage account?
When you open your Vanguard Brokerage Account and move your money over, the money first goes into the account’s settlement fund where there is lower risk, but you likely won’t see much fluctuation in its value.
For money you don’t need to use soon, you can place trades to buy investments. Once you’ve bought a mutual fund, ETF, stock, bond, or other investment, your money is invested in that particular security. Otherwise, your money will remain in the settlement fund.
Are brokerage accounts FDIC insured?
No, brokerage accounts aren’t FDIC-insured. FDIC insurance only applies to deposit accounts, such as checking and savings accounts, at participating banks. Brokerage accounts hold investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, which aren’t insured by the FDIC.
Brokerage assets, including the money market settlement fund, are protected by SIPC insurance. This insurance covers up to $500,000 in securities and up to $250,000 in cash if the firm fails. This coverage is automatic and doesn’t require any action on the part of Vanguard clients. Cash held in Vanguard Cash Deposit—a bank sweep product settlement fund option- is held by Program Banks. not covered by SIPC, but eligible for FDIC insurance.*
Learn more about FDIC and SPIC insurance