How to Send Vanguard a Check: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Have you ever wanted to contribute to your Vanguard account with a check but felt unsure about the process? Maybe you received a bonus, a tax refund, or a gift, and you want to put that money to work in your investments. It can feel a little intimidating to send a check to a financial institution, but I’m here to tell you it’s a straightforward and secure process. Let's walk through it together!
Ready to get started and send your money to the right place? Let's dive in.
Step 1: Get Everything You Need in One Place
First things first, let's gather our supplies. Think of this as preparing your workspace before starting a project. This will make the entire process much smoother and prevent any last-minute scrambling.
Here’s your checklist:
Your check: This should be made payable to Vanguard. Do not make the check payable to yourself.
Your Vanguard account number: This is crucial! You can find this on your account statements, on the Vanguard website when you log in, or on the mobile app. It's usually a 10-digit number.
A printer and paper: You'll need to print a Vanguard form to accompany your check.
A pen: To fill out the form and endorse the check if needed.
A standard envelope: For mailing everything.
A stamp: Don't forget this!
A reliable mailbox or post office: For sending your package on its way.
Step 2: Fill Out Your Check Correctly
Now, let's focus on the check itself. This is a very important step to ensure your money gets credited to the correct account without any delays.
Pay to the Order of: Write "Vanguard" on this line.
Date: Fill in the current date.
Amount: Write the numerical amount in the box and the written amount on the line below. Make sure they match! For example, if you are sending $1,000, write "$1,000.00" in the box and "One thousand and 00/100 dollars" on the line.
Memo line: This is a critical part of the process. Write your 10-digit Vanguard account number and the account type (e.g., "IRA," "Roth IRA," "Brokerage," etc.) on the memo line. This helps Vanguard's processing team quickly and accurately credit the funds to your account.
Your Signature: Sign the check just as you normally would.
Step 3: Print the Correct Vanguard Form
Vanguard requires a specific form to accompany your check. This form tells them exactly what to do with the money—whether to deposit it into your settlement fund or invest it in a specific fund.
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
Log in to your Vanguard account on the Vanguard website.
Navigate to the "Forms" or "Service Forms" section. You can usually find this by searching on their site or looking in the "My Accounts" or "Profile" sections.
Look for the form titled "Additional Purchase" or "Additional Investment" form. For a general brokerage account, it may be a simple deposit slip. For an IRA or other retirement account, there will be a specific contribution form.
Download and print the form.
Important Note: Make sure you are printing the most current version of the form from the Vanguard website. Forms can be updated, and using an outdated form could cause delays.
Step 4: Fill Out the Vanguard Form
Now it’s time to fill out the form you just printed. Follow the instructions on the form carefully.
Account Information: Enter your name, address, and your Vanguard account number.
Investment Instructions: Indicate how you want the money to be invested. You'll have a few options:
Deposit into your settlement fund: This is a good option if you want to hold the cash in your account and decide what to do with it later.
Invest in a specific fund: You'll need to provide the fund name and ticker symbol (e.g., "VTSAX").
Amount: Write the amount of your check on the form.
Signature: Sign and date the form.
Step 5: Prepare Your Mail
You have your check and your completed form. Now it’s time to get everything ready to mail.
Place the check and the completed form in a standard envelope.
Seal the envelope securely.
Step 6: Address and Mail Your Envelope
This is a critical step. You must use the correct mailing address to ensure your check reaches Vanguard's processing center.
 |
The standard mailing address for checks is:
Vanguard PO Box 1110 Valley Forge, PA 19482-1110
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
Double-check this address on the Vanguard website to confirm it is still current.
Write the return address on the envelope.
Affix the correct postage.
Drop the envelope in a mailbox or take it to a post office. For larger amounts, consider sending it via certified mail with a return receipt for added security and tracking.
Step 7: Track the Status and Confirm the Deposit
After you mail the check, you can track its progress.
Log in to your Vanguard account online.
Check the "Activity" or "Transaction History" section of your account.
Look for a pending transaction. It may take a few business days for the check to be received, processed, and the funds to be credited to your account.
Once the funds appear in your account, you can confirm that the transaction was successful. You did it! You successfully sent a check to Vanguard.
 |
| How To Send Vanguard A Check |
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to find my Vanguard account number?
You can find your account number on your account statements, by logging into your account on the Vanguard website or mobile app, or on any correspondence you receive from Vanguard.
How to make a check payable to Vanguard?
Tip: Watch for summary phrases — they give the gist.
Simply write "Vanguard" on the "Pay to the Order of" line. Do not write your name or the name of a specific fund.
How to fill out the memo line on the check?
Write your 10-digit Vanguard account number and the account type (e.g., "IRA," "Brokerage," "Roth IRA") on the memo line. This is crucial for proper and timely processing.
How to get the correct form for sending a check?
Log in to your Vanguard account on their website, navigate to the "Forms" or "Service Forms" section, and download the "Additional Purchase" or "Additional Investment" form.
How to ensure my check is sent to the correct address?
Use the official mailing address provided on the Vanguard website. The standard address for checks is Vanguard, PO Box 1110, Valley Forge, PA 19482-1110. Always verify this on their website for any updates.
How to confirm Vanguard received my check?
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
Log in to your Vanguard account and check the "Activity" or "Transaction History" section. A pending transaction should appear once they begin processing your check.
How to track my mailed check?
If you want to track your check, you can send it via certified mail with a return receipt or use a courier service that provides tracking information.
How to avoid delays in processing my check?
Ensure your check is filled out correctly, your account number is on the memo line, you include the correct form, and you use the proper mailing address.
How to send a check for a retirement account like an IRA?
Follow all the steps above, but make sure you use the specific "IRA Contribution" form available on the Vanguard website, which helps them track your contributions for tax purposes.
How to deposit a check directly without a form?
While it is possible in some cases, it is highly recommended to include the accompanying form. Sending a check without the form can cause significant delays in processing, as Vanguard will have to contact you for instructions.
 |
