How to Close a Vanguard Account in 2025

How to close a Vanguard account online, on the app, or by calling in. Fee to delete a Vanguard account in 2025.

Instructions On How To Close A Vanguard Account

Below are the clear steps to 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 log in directly at https://investor.vanguard.com/home.

Enter your username and password. Vanguard may also send a temporary security code by text or phone call. Type the code online to finish logging in.

Step 2: Zero Out Your Account

You must sell all Vanguard funds before closing your account. Only accounts with a zero balance can be closed. If there are no funds in your account, skip to Step 3.

To sell your funds, go to the “Sell Funds” page. Select all funds and check the box for “Sell all shares.” Click “continue” and choose how you’d like to receive the money.

You can get your money by check, Electronic Bank Transfer (EBT), or wire transfer. Review the transfer details and then click “Submit.” You’ll get a confirmation with the transfer information.

Once the money has left your Vanguard account, you’re ready to close it.

Step 3: Close Your Account Online

Go to your account homepage. From the “My Accounts” dropdown, select “Profile & Account Settings.” If you don’t see “My Accounts,” click the “Profile” icon at the top of the page instead. Both options take you to the “Profile & Account Settings” page.

On this 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 it and click “Submit.” The account will now 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

Close Your Vanguard Brokerage Account By Phone

You can close your Vanguard account by calling Client Services at 1-877-662-7747. They are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern time.

You’ll need to sell all funds and transfer any remaining cash first. You will also need to answer security questions. A representative will walk you through the process.

What Happens After Your Account Is Closed?

After closing, you can no longer make trades or see live statements. You will still have access to past tax forms, confirmations, and transaction history.

You’ll also receive a final monthly statement showing the activity that brought your account to a zero balance.

Potential Issues Closing Your Account

Here are some issues that could come up when trying to close your Vanguard account:

Securities With No Value (Or Not Trading)

If you hold a security that has no value or is not trading, you must abandon it before the account can be closed.

“Mutual Fund Only” Accounts

Vanguard “mutual fund only” accounts cannot be closed online. You must call Vanguard to close them. If the account has had no activity for 12–18 months, it will close automatically.

Closing Someone Else’s Account

For security, you can only close your own account. To close another person’s account, call Vanguard Client Services for help.

Further Assistance

If you have questions or issues, call Vanguard Client Services at 1-877-662-7747. You may also be able to use Vanguard’s online chat feature after logging in. (Note: the chat tool is still in Beta at the time of writing.)

Find a Financial Advisor

If you are looking for a professional financial advisor in your area, you can

Visit Wiser Advisor

Updated on 9/24/2025.