Get to know how online trading works

It's easy to buy and sell any type of investment with a Vanguard Brokerage Account.

Open or transfer accounts

Putting money in your account

Be prepared to pay for securities you purchase. Having money in your settlement fund makes it easy.

Add money to your accounts

Buying & selling mutual funds

Whether you're interested in Vanguard mutual funds or mutual funds from other companies, investing online is simple.

Buy & sell mutual funds

Trading stocks & ETFs

Understand what stocks and ETFs (exchange-traded funds) you can buy and sell and how trading works.

Investing in CDs & bonds

Individual CDs (certificates of deposit) and bonds can round out your portfolio, but it helps to grasp the language of the marketplace.

Securities

Stocks, bonds, money market instruments, and other investment vehicles.

Settlement fund

This holds the money you use to buy securities, as well as the proceeds whenever you sell.

Mutual fund

A type of investment that pools shareholder money and invests it in a variety of securities. Each investor owns shares of the fund and can buy or sell these shares at any time. Mutual funds are typically more diversified, low-cost, and convenient than investing in individual securities, and they're professionally managed.

Stock

An investment that represents part ownership in a corporation. Each share of stock is a proportional stake in the corporation's assets and profits.

ETF (exchange-traded fund)

A type of investment with characteristics of both mutual funds and individual stocks. ETFs are professionally managed and typically diversified, like mutual funds, but they can be bought and sold at any point during the day using straightforward or sophisticated strategies.

CD (certificate of deposit)

An insured, interest-bearing deposit that requires the depositor to keep the money invested for a specific period of time or face penalties. Brokered CDs can be traded on the secondary market.

Bond

A loan made to a corporation or government in exchange for regular interest payments. The bond issuer agrees to pay back the loan by a specific date. Bonds can be traded on the secondary market.

All brokerage trades settle through your Vanguard settlement fund.

Learn about the role of your settlement fund

Before you invest: Start by learning the basics

The markets are at your fingertips, and the choices can be dizzying. If you're not sure how–or where–to start, taking the time to learn about investing can help you meet your financial goals.

Get started investing

Decide what investments suit your goals and investing style

Finding the right investments starts with allocating your assets among stocks, bonds, and cash investments. Learn about these asset classes and more.

Find the asset mix that's right for you

Stick with your investment plan

If you began your investment journey with a solid plan, your best chance to achieve your goals may be simply to keep an eye on the plan.

Manage your portfolio for investment success
Ready to invest?

New to Vanguard or looking to consolidate your savings?

Open an account

What you need to open an account >

Already a Vanguard client? Log in and add a plan to your account.

Log in
Ready to invest?

New to Vanguard or looking to consolidate your savings?

Open an account

What you need to open an account >

Already a Vanguard client? Log in and add a plan to your account.

Log in

For more information about Vanguard mutual funds or ETFs, obtain a mutual fund or ETF prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are contained in the  prospectus; read and consider it carefully before investing.

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.

All brokered CDs will fluctuate in value between purchase date and maturity date. The original face amount of the purchase is not guaranteed if the position is sold prior to maturity. CDs are subject to availability.

Bonds are subject to the risk that an issuer will fail to make payments on time and that bond prices will decline because of rising interest rates or negative perceptions of an issuer's ability to make payments. Investments in bonds are subject to interest rate, credit, and inflation risk.