How To View Your Spouse’s Account Within Vanguard (2024)

December 2, 2015 By Jonathan Ping 8 Comments

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How To View Your Spouse’s Account Within Vanguard (1)My wife and I both hold IRAs at Vanguard.com, and we each have our own usernames and passwords. This used to work out fine – I would login to either one when I needed to update our portfolio-tracking spreadsheet. But after enabling two-factor authentication, it became a nuisance as the security code would be sent only to her cell phone and she’d then have to forward it back to me within 10 minutes.

I’m sure we are not the only household where one person wants to view their spouse or partner’s investment information. There are now two ways to deal with this situation.

Vanguard now allows you to add a secondary phone number for two-factor authentication. You can now add a second phone number and choose between receiving your security codes by voice message or text message. This way, both my wife and I will get a text when either of us logs into one of our accounts.

Vanguard lets you grant direct view-only access another Vanguard account holder. With this option, now my wife’s IRA holdings show up on my primary account view right next to my own IRAs. So convenient! As the family’s CIO, I now only have to log into the other account to make our annual IRA contribution. This is exactly what I’ve wanted for a while.

Instructions. First, log into the account that you wish to share. Then, click on “My Accounts”, and then “Account maintenance” as shown below:

How To View Your Spouse’s Account Within Vanguard (2)

Next, scroll down a bit and click on “Account permissions”:

How To View Your Spouse’s Account Within Vanguard (3)

Since we were already joint owners on a taxable brokerage account, the process was quite streamlined and only took a few clicks. Otherwise, you may need to provide the full name, account number, and other personal information in order to identify the correct target account.

Here is a screenshot showing exactly what you can and can’t do with this authorization. Essentially, it is “view-only access” as opposed to be being able to alter account settings and initiate any buy or sell transactions. (Click to enlarge.)

How To View Your Spouse’s Account Within Vanguard (4)

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How To View Your Spouse’s Account Within Vanguard (2024)

FAQs

How To View Your Spouse’s Account Within Vanguard? ›

After logging in to Vanguard, click on “Profile & account settings” at the top. Then click on the Security tab and “Account permissions.” The grantee must also have a Vanguard account. The account owner needs one of the grantee's Vanguard account numbers.

How do I add my spouse to my Vanguard account? ›

On the Beneficiaries page, choose the account (for non-retirement) or account grouping (for retirement) you'd like to designate beneficiaries for. Then, designate your beneficiaries using the Add another beneficiary option. Select Continue. You'll be able to add back-up beneficiaries later.

Can I add my spouse to my Vanguard brokerage account? ›

Get it done in 4 easy steps

It's easy to open joint accounts and individual accounts online, and it takes just a few minutes. You can choose an individual account (in your name only) or a joint account (with multiple equal owners), or you can open other types of taxable accounts.

Can I open a Vanguard account for my wife? ›

It's not a joint account, but rather a separate IRA set up in your spouse's name. You must be married and filing a joint tax return in order to open a spousal IRA.

How do I find my account at Vanguard? ›

Please log in to our site with the Vanguard username and password you already have. That way, you can access all of your accounts in one place, with one name, with one password.

How do I add my wife to my account? ›

To add an authorized signer to an account, both you and the individual will usually need to go the bank to fill out an application and provide proper identification. There may be other conditions or terms specific to your bank, so it's best to inquire in advance.

Can I add my spouse to my investment account? ›

Joint brokerage accounts are usually used by spouses, relatives, partners and business associates, but it's important to remember that a joint brokerage account be opened between any two adults who share mutual financial goals.

Can husband and wife have separate brokerage accounts? ›

When you open a brokerage account, it may be possible to make it a joint account. Sometimes it makes sense for couples to have a joint account if they are working on a shared financial goal. In other circ*mstances, it may be best to maintain separate accounts -- or separate accounts may be the only option.

Can you have two individual Vanguard accounts? ›

Yes, you can open and manage multiple Vanguard accounts using the same username and password.

Can I transfer my brokerage account to my wife? ›

If you already own stocks and want to give them to another person, the process will involve transferring the stocks from your brokerage account to the brokerage account of the recipient. If the recipient doesn't have an active brokerage account, they'll need to open one.

Should married couples have joint investment accounts? ›

According to Dominique Broadway, a financial planner and Founder of Finances Demystified, you should generally avoid combining your investment accounts with your spouse. She notes, however, that every couple is different and should take their own personal relationship into account when thinking about this decision.

How does a joint brokerage account work? ›

A joint brokerage account is a portfolio that you share with someone else. This means that the two of you both can make decisions about the assets in this account, and the two of you both own the assets or cash in it.

Can you change an individual brokerage account to a joint account? ›

How do I change an individual account into a joint or trust account and vice versa? Brokerage accounts cannot simply be retitled like most bank accounts. Instead, a brand new account with an updated title must first be opened and then the assets are “journaled” from the old account to the new account.

How much should you have in 401k by 30? ›

By age 30, Fidelity recommends having the equivalent of one year's salary stashed in your workplace retirement plan. So, if you make $50,000, your 401(k) balance should be $50,000 by the time you hit 30.

Why can't i access my Vanguard account? ›

If you forgot your username or password, you can restore access now. For additional help, call a Vanguard representative at 800-997-2798 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Eastern time. Are you trying to access your personal investment accounts? Please log on to our personal investors site.

How do I set up online access to my Vanguard account? ›

Sign up for account access

In just a few minutes, you'll have online access to your retirement plan account at Vanguard.com® through your company intranet. To sign up, you'll need your Social Security number and your plan number, which is <092038>. Click Register Now to begin.

Can I add my wife to my checking account online? ›

Opening a joint bank account is similar to setting up individual accounts. Most banks will allow you to sign up online or in person as long as you have the required information for both owners. You'll likely need: Identification.

Can I open account for my wife? ›

Your spouse or partner can open a separate account and enjoy the same banking benefits and services as you - regardless of their income.

How do you do joint accounts when married? ›

Keep the process simple if you and your spouse already have accounts at the same bank. You'll both have to show up with valid ID. Then you can close one spouse's accounts completely, transfer their money to the other spouse's accounts, and add their name.

Can I invest in my wifes name? ›

Shares may have been purchased in your wife's name or fixed deposits may be placed in her name – but the gains from the wife's shares or income from such fixed deposits shall be clubbed with your income. Under Income Tax, this is considered as your own income and taxed at slab rates applicable for you.

What happens to investments when a spouse dies? ›

If you have stocks in a brokerage account, you can name one or more individuals as beneficiaries. This means that once you pass away, your beneficiaries will inherit the brokerage account in its entirety, including any stocks you held at the time of your death.

What is the difference between joint account and individual account? ›

Single and Joint Accounts are very similar, except for one major difference: a joint account can be shared by two or more people, whereas a single account can only have one account holder. Contrary to popular belief, joint bank accounts are not only for couples.

How are brokerage accounts divided during marriage? ›

In California, financial investments are divided according to California's laws governing community property. Any assets acquired during the course of a marriage in California are considered community or marital property and are divided equally upon divorce.

Is it illegal to have two brokerage accounts? ›

The short answer is that yes, you can have more than one brokerage account. There's no legal limit to the number of investment accounts one person can have. And in some cases, having multiple brokerage accounts could be the best move for your financial situation.

Can I manage someone's brokerage account? ›

By managing a friend's money, you may be breaking the law. Investment professionals must be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the state in which they operate.

Is it safe to keep more than $500000 in a brokerage account? ›

Is it safe to keep more than $500,000 in a brokerage account? It is safe in the sense that there are measures in place to help investors recoup their investments before the SIPC steps in. And, indeed, the SIPC will not get involved until the liquidation process starts.

Which is better Vanguard or Fidelity? ›

Fidelity: 2023 Comparison. Vanguard and Fidelity are both retirement powerhouses, but Fidelity offers a more well-rounded platform that also caters to active traders. Arielle O'Shea leads the investing and taxes team at NerdWallet.

What is the advantage of a Vanguard brokerage account? ›

All Vanguard Brokerage clients pay $0 commission to trade ETFs (exchange-traded funds) and stocks online. You also have access to more than 160 no-transaction-fee mutual funds from Vanguard and more than 3,000 funds from other companies.

How do you transfer stock between spouses? ›

To transfer certificated shares in a publicly traded company, the transferor spouse can either sign the back of the stock certificate or execute a power of attorney allowing the recipient spouse to change the securities' ownership and deliver the stock certificate to the other spouse.

What is the difference between joint and individual brokerage accounts for married couple? ›

An individual brokerage account is an investment portfolio that belongs only to you. No one else has rights or ownership over it. A joint brokerage account is an investment portfolio that belongs to you and someone else. You can both make decisions over the portfolio's assets and can both withdraw money from it.

Can I transfer my stocks to my husband? ›

Anyone can transfer shares of stock to someone else if the receiver has a brokerage account. This type of gifting can be done with basic personal and account information. One can either transfer shares they already own, or buy them in their account and then transfer them.

Should my wife and I have separate 401k? ›

The working spouse should max out his/her 401(k) contributions, and collect any employer's match or profit-sharing contributions provided by the company. If the working spouse has additional income to save, he/she can contribute to an IRA in addition to the 401(k) contributions.

Can my wife and I both max out 401k? ›

Spouses can jointly maximize on the tax benefits of 401(k)s.

The IRS allows each 401(k) participant to contribute a maximum of $19,500, $26,000 for those over 50. Married couples who file their taxes joinlty can defer taxes on both spouse's 401(k) contributions.

Who pays taxes on a joint investment account? ›

To report the income to the other parties, the primary account holder may need to issue a Form 1099 to the owner of the income, usually the other joint tenant. This is called nominee reporting. Consult your tax professional for assistance with nominee reporting.

What happens to a joint brokerage account when one person dies? ›

Establishing a New Account

Once the necessary documents are received, a new account is typically set up for the beneficiary or estate, at which time securities registered in the name of the deceased person will be transferred.

Who owns what in a joint account? ›

If you're married or in a civil partnership, money in a joint account belongs to both of you equally.

Are joint brokerage accounts taxable? ›

Not only are joint brokerage accounts taxable – meaning any gains incurred in the account must be reported to the IRS, even if you don't take the proceeds out of the account – but contributions can also trigger gift tax liabilities.

Can I remove my name from a joint investment account? ›

Once a person has agreed to become a joint owner or signer on a checking, savings, or credit card, they can't be removed from the account. If you want an account in your name only, you'll need to close the account and apply for a new one.

Is Vanguard safe to invest in? ›

For advanced investors, high financing rates on margin trading could be a drawback. “I recommend Vanguard as long as you are focusing on stocks and ETFs on the US market. It is a renowned provider that could be a great choice for beginners but also for more sophisticated investors.

What are the different levels of Vanguard accounts? ›

Vanguard has four main service levels: Voyager, Voyager Select, Flagship, and Flagship Select. Note: For Vanguard, your benefit level is calculated on how much you have invested in Vanguard mutual funds and ETFs. If you have other funds or even stocks, that doesn't count towards your service level.

Can I retire at 60 with 500k? ›

The quick answer is “yes”! With some planning, you can retire at 60 with $500k. Remember, however, that your lifestyle will significantly affect how long your savings will last.

Is $100,000 in retirement at 30 good? ›

That's pretty good, considering that by age 30, you should aim to have the equivalent of your annual salary saved. The median earnings for Americans between 25 and 34 years old is $40,352, meaning the 16 percent with $100,000 in savings are well ahead of schedule. How much should you have stashed away at other ages?

How much money do you need to retire with $100000 a year income? ›

This means that if you make $100,000 shortly before retirement, you can start to plan using the ballpark expectation that you'll need about $75,000 a year to live on in retirement. You'll likely need less income in retirement than during your working years because: Most people spend less in retirement.

How do I check my Vanguard account? ›

How do I log on? º Go to www.vanguard.com. º Click Go to the site. º If you are a registered user of Vanguard.com, enter your user name and then click Log on. º Enter your password and click Submit. º If you have not registered, click Sign up for access and follow the instructions on the screen.

Why is Vanguard not letting me withdraw? ›

When you sell funds you'll need to wait for the trade to settle before you can withdraw the cash. This normally happens 2 business days after the trade completes.

Can I give someone access to my Vanguard account? ›

The account owner can grant authorization to anyone — a sibling, an adult child, or even a non-family member.

Can I open an account for someone else in in Vanguard? ›

You can set up an account with shared ownership or create one in your name alone.

How do I withdraw money from Vanguard? ›

Once you have cash available in your account, you can withdraw it following these steps:
  1. Log into your account.
  2. Select 'Payments' from the 'My Portfolio' menu.
  3. Select 'Money out'
  4. Any money held as cash and available for withdrawal will be shown here. Select 'Withdraw cash'
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Does Vanguard allow beneficiaries on joint accounts? ›

You cannot add beneficiaries to all Vanguard account types. For example, we don't allow you to add beneficiaries to joint accounts because joint accounts simply pass to the surviving owner.

What is the difference between a joint account and an individual account? ›

Single and Joint Accounts are very similar, except for one major difference: a joint account can be shared by two or more people, whereas a single account can only have one account holder. Contrary to popular belief, joint bank accounts are not only for couples.

Should spouses have separate investment accounts? ›

According to Dominique Broadway, a financial planner and Founder of Finances Demystified, you should generally avoid combining your investment accounts with your spouse. She notes, however, that every couple is different and should take their own personal relationship into account when thinking about this decision.

Who pays taxes on a joint brokerage account? ›

To report the income to the other parties, the primary account holder may need to issue a Form 1099 to the owner of the income, usually the other joint tenant. This is called nominee reporting. Consult your tax professional for assistance with nominee reporting.

Who owns funds in a joint account? ›

If you're married or in a civil partnership, money in a joint account belongs to both of you equally.

What happens to a joint brokerage account when one spouse dies? ›

Broadly speaking, if the account has what is termed the “right of survivorship,” all the funds pass directly to the surviving owner. If not, the share of the account belonging to the deceased owner is distributed through his or her estate.

Can a joint account owner also be the beneficiary? ›

Joint account owners can designate beneficiaries to take over assets as a "payable on death" listing. For accounts with a rights of survivorship, both parties must die for beneficiaries to inherit the funds. Tenants in common account allow beneficiaries to take the percentage of the account owned by the deceased.

Can a joint account holder see my other accounts? ›

With joint accounts, all account holders can see every transaction in the account. This could create a level of visibility that makes one or both potential account holders uncomfortable. Shared liability. If one account holder mismanages funds, the other account holders are liable.

Is there a downside to joint account? ›

Cons of Joint Bank Accounts

A joint bank account can cause disagreements on spending autonomy, responsibilities and ownership of assets and money. Partners with a joint bank account may feel they have to ask for permission to spend money.

What are the disadvantages of a joint account? ›

You'll lose some privacy. All other account holders will be able to see what you're spending money on. If one of the account holders takes money out of the joint account, there aren't many options for getting it back. If the account goes overdrawn, each joint account holder is responsible for the whole amount owed.

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