How to invest

What is the difference between a wire and a bank transfer?

2 minute read

Electronic bank transfer (EBT)

An EBT is a safe and convenient way for you to send money to and from Vanguard. Learn how to set up your bank for EBT.

You can use an EBT to purchase Vanguard funds right away but you’ll have to wait seven calendar days before you can use the funds to purchase brokerage products like stocks or ETFs.
Withdraws via EBT typically take 2 to 3 business days for the funds to arrive in your bank account from Vanguard.
You may process a purchase directly into a Vanguard mutual fund.
Vanguard does not charge a fee for EBT transfers.*

Wire

A wire is another safe method for sending money to and from Vanguard. You’ll need these instructions to wire funds to Vanguard, and you can wire funds out of Vanguard directly from the sell page.

Funds wired to your Vanguard account are available immediately after the deposit. These funds may be used to buy Vanguard mutual funds or other brokerage securities.
You may not contribute to an IRA account via wire.
Vanguard does not charge a fee for receiving incoming wires.
Vanguard Brokerage charges a $10 wire fee for each holding you are redeeming from. (The fee isn't charged to clients with at least $1 million in qualifying Vanguard assets.)*

*Check with your bank to determine if it charges a fee to send or receive EBT or wire transactions.