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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

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Need to open a brokerage account?

General investing accounts

Joint & individual accounts

Use these if you've maxed out your retirement contributions for the year and you want to save even more, or if you want to set money aside for an emergency fund or a big future expense.

Learn more about joint & individual accounts
 

UGMA/UTMA accounts

With a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) account, the minor owns the account but you control it until he or she reaches the age of majority (18 to 21, depending on your state).

Learn more about UGMA/UTMA accounts

Retirement accounts

Roth & traditional IRAs

You can invest in a Roth or traditional IRA as long as you (or your spouse) are employed and earning income. IRAs offer a great way to save for retirement even if you're already investing in a 401(k) or 403(b) at work.

Compare Roth & traditional IRAs

SEP-IRAs

If you're self-employed or you own a small company, a SEP-IRA offers higher contribution limits than a Roth or traditional IRA allows.

See what a Vanguard SEP-IRA has to offer

Other types of accounts

Trust accounts hold investments that are tied to an existing personal trust.

Organization accounts are available for corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and sole proprietorships; endowments and foundations; estates; professional associations; or unincorporated enterprises.

Step 1

Choose an account type based on what you're saving for

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

Settlement fund

The holding place where you keep the money you need to pay for the ETF shares you want to buy and where we'll place the proceeds when you sell ETF shares.

Learn more about settlement funds & time frames

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)

Want to learn more?

Find out what an ETF is

Get details on fees & minimums for Vanguard ETFs

Get answers to common ETF questions

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

We're here to help

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Already have a Vanguard Brokerage Account?

Buy a Vanguard ETF

Open your account online

Get started

Open your account online

Get started

You must buy and sell Vanguard ETF Shares through Vanguard Brokerage Services (we offer them commission-free) or through another broker (which 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.