Instructions On How To Close A Vanguard Account
Below are the exact steps for closing your Vanguard brokerage account online. You can also close your account by calling Vanguard directly.
Step 1: Log In To Your Account
Log in to your brokerage account at
www.vanguard.com,
and click the “Personal investors” link. You can also go straight to the personal
investors' site at
https://investor.vanguard.com/home.
You will need to enter your username and password to sign in. Vanguard may send you a temporary security code for verification. You can choose to receive the code by text or phone call. Enter the code online to continue the login process.
Step 2: Zero Out Your Account
You’ll need to sell all your Vanguard funds before closing the account. Only accounts with a zero balance can be closed. If your account already has no holdings, you can move on to Step 3.
To sell your funds, go to the “Sell Funds” page. Select all of your funds and check the box labeled, “Sell all shares.” Then click “continue” and choose how you want to receive the proceeds.
You can receive the money by check or move it to your bank account through an Electronic Bank Transfer or wire transfer. Be sure to review the transaction and then click “Submit.” You’ll get a confirmation showing the details of the transfer.
Once all money has been moved out of your Vanguard account, you are ready to close it.
Step 3: Close Your Account Online
Go to your online account homepage. From the “My Accounts” dropdown, choose “Profile & Account Settings.” If you don’t see “My Accounts,” look for a “Profile” icon at the top of the page instead. Clicking the “Profile” icon will also take you to the “Profile & Account Settings” page.
On the “Profile & Account Settings” page, click "Accounts & Trading" and then choose "Close account." On the next screen, select your account and click “Continue.” Confirm that you want to close the account and click “Submit.” Your account will then be closed.
Broker Promotions
If you are opening a new investment account or are moving your Vanguard account to another company,
check if the new firm offers promotions for opening an account.
See
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Close Your Vanguard Brokerage Account By Phone
You can close your Vanguard account by phone by contacting Vanguard’s Client Services at 1-877-662-7447. Client Services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Eastern time.
You will need to sell all funds and move out any remaining cash before closing the account. You’ll also need to answer security questions for verification. Vanguard Client Services can guide you through the process over the phone.
What Happens After Your Account Is Closed?
After you close your account, you can no longer make transactions or access account statements. However, you can still view earlier tax forms, transaction confirmations, and transaction history.
You will receive a final statement for the month in which the account was closed. This final statement will show all the transactions that brought your account down to a zero balance.
Potential Issues Closing Your Account
Below are a few possible issues you may run into while trying to close your Vanguard account.
Securities With No Value (Or Not Trading)
If you own a security that has no value or is not currently trading, you may need to abandon the security before the account can be closed.
“Mutual Fund Only” Accounts
Vanguard legacy mutual fund-only accounts are more limited than brokerage accounts. If you need to close one, calling Vanguard directly is the safest route. Some legacy accounts have also been or are being transitioned to the brokerage platform.
Closing Someone Else’s Account
For security reasons, you can close only your own account online. If you need to close someone else’s account, you will need to call Vanguard Client Services for help.
Further Assistance
If you have any questions or run into issues, call Vanguard Client Services at 1-877-662-7447. You may also be able to use Vanguard’s chat feature after logging in online.
Updated on 4/14/2026.
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