Ranking: 17 / 18 Score: 20.50
Understand our Ranking Methodology
Understand our Ranking Methodology
| Standard Platform | Commissions & Fees | ||
| Account Opening: | B | Stock Trades: | $20.00 |
| Stock Trading: | D | Option Trades: | $30.00 + $1.50/cnt |
| Options Trading: | review n/a | Option Ex. & Ass.: | $30.00 + $0.00/cnt |
| Charts: | F | Mutual Funds: | Click for Options |
| Research Tools: | D | Margin Rates: | 5.250% - 7.750% |
| Advanced Platforms | Acct Maintenance Fees: | Click for Info | |
| No Advanced Platform | Acct Transfer Fees: | Click for Info | |
| Stock Trading: | n/a | Commission Free ETFs: | Yes |
| Options Trading: | n/a | Discounts Available: | Click for Offers |
| Charts: | n/a | Other Features | |
| Research Tools: | n/a | DRIPs: | Yes |
| Mobile Platforms | Extended Hrs. Trading: | Yes | |
| iPhone App: | C | Stock Order Types: | Click for Info |
| iPad App: | D | Clearing Firm: | Click for Info |
| Android App: | D | Tax Reporting: | Click for Options |
| BlackBerry App: | No | Mint.com Compatible: | Yes |
| Mobile Website: | Yes (no review) | Wikinvest Compatible: | Yes |
To get free trades, free cash and other great deals
visit our Discounts and Special Offers page
visit our Discounts and Special Offers page
Company Background:
Vanguard was founded by John C. Bogle on May 1, 1975 in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Vanguard has a unique company structure, with the funds themselves owning the company and each contributing to the shared costs of the business. The company is chiefly known for its mutual funds, which currently hold $1.3 trillion in assets spread across 160 funds. The company's oldest fund, Wellington, actually predates the company itself, having been formed in 1929 and managed by the Wellington Management Company. In 1976, Vanguard launched the first indexed mutual fund, which eventually grew to become the world's largest mutual fund.
Vanguard is currently headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania. The company's Chairman and CEO is F. William McNabb III. Vanguard launched its website in 1995. It is a self clearing broker.
Review Summary:
Vanguard has a poor trading engine, terrible research tools, the worst charts we have ever seen and severely lacking iPhone and iPad apps. Combine this with excessive commissions and fees in all areas and you are left without a compelling reason to choose this broker. The lone bright spot is an impressive selection of Vanguard branded commission free ETFs. Even with this feature, investors of all stripes should steer clear of Vanguard.
See our Broker Rankings Page to compare Vanguard with other brokers