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Understanding investment types

How to buy an ETF

You need a brokerage account to invest in ETFs (exchange-traded funds). If you have any questions along the way, we're happy to help.
3 minute read

Already have a Vanguard Brokerage Account?

Enjoy commission-free trades when you buy or sell ETFs online.

Review our complete commission & fee schedules for details

Get help choosing your Vanguard ETFs

Need to open a brokerage account?

Step 2

Open your account online in about 10 minutes

It doesn't take long to open an account if you have some information handy, such as your Social Security and bank account numbers.

Open your brokerage account online

Step 3

Add money to your settlement fund

For newly opened brokerage accounts, you must have money in your settlement fund before you can buy an ETF.

Fractional investing allows you to trade a Vanguard ETF for any dollar amount you choose, regardless of the ETF’s share price.

Electronically transfer money into your settlement fund (logon required)

Explore even more investment opportunities

See what else you can buy and sell through your Vanguard Brokerage Account, including:

Vanguard's & other companies' mutual funds

Stocks

CDs

Bonds

ALREADY INVESTING IN ETFs SOMEWHERE ELSE?

With an account transfer, you can treat yourself to the benefits of consolidation.

Transfer an account to Vanguard

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Already have a Vanguard Brokerage Account?

Buy a Vanguard ETF

Open your account online

Open your account online

You must buy and sell Vanguard ETF Shares through Vanguard Brokerage Services (we offer them commission-free online) or through another broker (who may charge commissions). See the Vanguard Brokerage Services Commission and Fee Schedules for limits. Vanguard ETF Shares are not redeemable directly with the issuing Fund other than in very large aggregations worth millions of dollars. ETFs are subject to market volatility. When buying or selling an ETF, you will pay or receive the current market price, which may be more or less than net asset value.

All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest.