Already have a Vanguard Brokerage Account?
Enjoy commission-free trades when you buy or sell ETFs online.
How to invest
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
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).
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
ALREADY INVESTING IN ETFs SOMEWHERE ELSE?
With an account transfer, you can treat yourself to the benefits of consolidation.
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) 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.