You can link a bank account to Vanguard through the website or by phone, and the process takes about five business days once verified
To add a bank account to Vanguard, log into your account online, go to the Transfer & Payments section, select Link a Bank Account, and enter your routing number and account number. Vanguard will send two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to that account within one to two business days. You then return to Vanguard, confirm the exact amounts of those deposits, and the account becomes linked. The whole process takes about five business days from start to finish.
If you prefer not to use the website, you can call Vanguard at 1-800-992-8327 and ask a representative to link the account for you over the phone. You will need your bank's routing number and your account number ready. Phone linking follows the same verification process with the two test deposits.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to link a bank account to Vanguard.
- Vanguard sends two small test deposits to verify the account is yours, which takes one to two business days.
- You must confirm the exact amounts of those test deposits in your Vanguard account to complete the link.
- The entire process takes about five business days, and you can do it online or by calling 1-800-992-8327.
- Once linked, you can use that bank account to transfer money into and out of your Vanguard investments.
Finding Your Routing Number and Account Number
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. Your account number is unique to your checking or savings account. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account — the routing number comes first, then the account number.
If you do not have a check, log into your bank's website or app and look for account details or account information. Most banks display both numbers there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to read you the routing number and account number for the account you want to link.
What Happens During the Verification Process
After you enter your bank account information into Vanguard, the system sends two small deposits to that account. These are real money transfers, usually between 1 cent and 99 cents each. They arrive within one to two business days, depending on your bank's processing speed.
Check your bank account for these deposits. Write down the exact amounts — for example, $0.37 and $0.82. Then return to Vanguard, go back to the bank account linking section, and enter those two amounts. Vanguard confirms they match what it sent, which proves you own the account. Once confirmed, the account is linked and ready to use.
Linking Through the Vanguard Website
Log into your Vanguard account at vanguard.com. From the main menu, select Transfer & Payments or Transfers. Look for the option that says Link a Bank Account or Add a Bank Account.
Enter your bank's routing number and your account number in the fields provided. Select whether it is a checking or savings account. Vanguard will ask you to confirm the account holder's name matches your Vanguard account name. Review all the information for accuracy, then submit. You will see a confirmation message that Vanguard has begun the verification process.
The two test deposits will arrive at your bank within one to two business days. Once you see them, log back into Vanguard, return to the Transfer & Payments section, and select Verify Bank Account or a similar option. Enter the exact amounts of the two deposits and submit. The account will then show as linked and verified.
Linking Over the Phone with Vanguard
Call Vanguard at 1-800-992-8327 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time). Tell the representative you want to link a bank account to your Vanguard account.
Have your bank's routing number and account number ready. The representative will enter this information into your account and explain that two test deposits will arrive within one to two business days. They will also give you a reference number for your records. When the deposits arrive, call back, reference that number, and provide the exact amounts so the representative can verify and complete the link.
Common Reasons a Bank Account Link Fails
The most common reason a link fails is entering the routing number or account number incorrectly. Double-check both numbers against your check or your bank's website before submitting. Even one digit wrong will cause the verification to fail.
Another reason is that the account holder's name on your bank account does not match the name on your Vanguard account. If you recently changed your name or the accounts are under different names, contact Vanguard or your bank to update the name first. Some banks also block transfers from new sources as a security measure — if this happens, contact your bank and tell them you are linking the account to Vanguard, and they can remove the block.
If the two test deposits do not arrive after three business days, contact Vanguard. The deposits may have been sent to the wrong account, or your bank may have rejected them. Vanguard can resend the deposits or investigate what went wrong.
What to Do If You Cannot Confirm the Test Deposit Amounts
If you cannot find the two test deposits in your bank account after three business days, log into your bank's website and search your transaction history carefully. Sometimes deposits appear under a different name or description than you expect. Search for "Vanguard" or look for any deposits under $1.
If you still cannot find them, contact your bank's customer service and ask whether they received two small deposits from Vanguard. Your bank can tell you the exact amounts or confirm that the deposits were rejected. If your bank rejected them, ask why — it may be a security block that you can remove by calling the bank directly.
If the deposits were rejected or lost, contact Vanguard at 1-800-992-8327 and explain the situation. Vanguard can resend the test deposits or, in some cases, use an alternative verification method such as confirming a recent transaction from that account.
Using Your Linked Bank Account
Once your bank account is verified and linked, you can use it to transfer money into your Vanguard account to invest, or transfer money out of Vanguard back to your bank. Go to Transfer & Payments in your Vanguard account, select the linked bank account, choose the amount and direction (into or out of Vanguard), and submit the transfer request.
Transfers typically take one to three business days, depending on your bank and the direction of the transfer. Outgoing transfers (from Vanguard to your bank) often arrive faster than incoming transfers. You can link multiple bank accounts if you want to transfer from different sources, and you can remove a linked account at any time through the same Transfer & Payments section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. Vanguard accepts both checking and savings accounts. When you enter your account information, you will select which type it is. The process and timing are the same for both.
What if my bank account is in a different name than my Vanguard account?
The account holder's name must match. If your bank account is under a different name, you cannot link it to Vanguard. You would need to update the name on one of the accounts first, or link a different bank account that is in the same name as your Vanguard account.
How long does it take to transfer money once the account is linked?
Transfers usually take one to three business days. Transfers from your bank to Vanguard may take longer than transfers from Vanguard back to your bank. Weekends and bank holidays can add extra time.
Can I remove a linked bank account?
Yes. Go to Transfer & Payments in your Vanguard account, find the linked account, and select Remove or Delete. The account will be unlinked immediately, and you will no longer be able to transfer money using that account.
Do I have to keep the test deposits in my bank account?
No. Once you confirm the amounts in Vanguard and the account is verified, you can withdraw or spend the test deposits. They are your money and serve only to verify that you own the account.