- Vanguard is rated extremely positively on Good Money Guide, especially for long-term, low-cost investing.
- Experts highlight Vanguard’s reputation as one of the world’s leading passive investment providers, offering some of the cheapest funds and ETFs available, making it ideal for investment ISA and pension investors focused on steady growth. The platform is praised for simplicity, transparency and value, though it has a narrower fund range than full-service brokers.
- Customer reviews on Good Money Guide are generally strong, with users appreciating low fees and reliable performance, while occasional criticism centres on limited features and fewer investment options compared with larger platforms.
Vanguard Expert rating
Our expert rating is the average of the areas listed here, each scored out of 5 by our team.Our experts have rated Vanguard across five key areas of our review framework.
- Pricing4.5
- Market Access4.5
- App & Platform4.0
- Customer Service4.0
- Research & Analysis4.5
Pros
- Low fees
- Diversified funds
- Established company
Cons
- No individual share investing
- No Sector-specific funds
See full expert review
Our verdict
Vanguard is one of the world’s largest providers of investment funds and a great low-cost investment platform but not for everyone. Founded in 1975, the firm has over 50 million clients and more than $9 trillion in assets under management today.
Vanguard is famous for pioneering the concept of index investing. This is an approach to investing that involves passively tracking the performance of stock market indexes such as the FTSE 100 and the S&P 500, instead of trying to actively beat the market by picking individual stocks.
One thing that’s unique about Vanguard is that it’s owned by the funds managed by the company (and therefore its own customers). This structure helps the firm keep fees low and prioritise strong long-term returns for investors.
What does Vanguard offer for UK investors?
The Vanguard UK platform offers investors a lot of options. In terms of accounts, you can choose to invest within:
- A Stocks and Shares ISA
- A Personal Pension
- A Junior ISA
- A General Account
As for the investments available on the platform, one can invest in:
- Index funds
- Actively-managed funds
- Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
- LifeStrategy funds
- Target Retirement funds
- ESG funds
Through these funds, investors can get exposure to a broad range of markets, indexes, and asset classes, even if all the products are from Vanguard itself (there are no funds from other managers on the platform).
It’s worth noting that you can’t invest in individual stocks with Vanguard UK. If you’re looking to buy stocks, you’ll need an account with another platform such as Hargreaves Lansdown or AJ Bell.
You also can’t invest in specific sectors such as Technology or Healthcare. If you’re looking for funds that offer exposure to individual sectors, you’ll need to invest with another platform such as Interactive Investor or Moneybox.
In Summary
- Vanguard UK offers access to a broad range of funds including index funds, active funds, ETFs, and ESG funds.
- You can invest within a Stocks and Shares ISA, Personal Pension, Junior ISA, or General Account.
- Vanguard’s annual charges are low at 0.15% per year (capped at £375).
- There may be cheaper platforms out there depending on the size of your portfolio and what type of funds you invest in.
- There is currently no app for Vanguard UK, but the company is in the process of developing one.
- You can’t invest in individual stocks, or funds targeting specific sectors, with Vanguard.
Overall though, there are plenty of options for investors. With over 70 funds on the platform, investors can build a customised portfolio that is suited to their individual needs and goals.
Vanguard Customer reviews
Customer ratings come from reviews left on this site. Every review is read and approved before it is published.Based on 2 reviews
- Excellent50%
- Very good0%
- Basic0%
- Poor0%
- Bad50%
Read customer reviews
Very unprofessional
I was trying to set up an investment and retirement account. After creating an account, it took weeks for me to get a hold of anybody. They never even reached out to me. I repeated my Social Security number and ZIP Code to them several times and they came back with six different names. None of them matching mine. They seem very unorganized very unreliable, very unprofessional and that made me very uncomfortable trusting them with millions of dollars. To give a company millions of dollars when they can’t even pull up my account or find me in the system after I had created an entire account with them was very scary. I came to Vanguard because their percentage rates were the best and much lower, but I found it worth it to just go with Charles Schwab and pay the higher fee and get the outstanding customer service I expected.
Vanguard Investor UK
Straightforward low cost, no nonsense investment platform that is simple to understand and easy to use. Very user friendly and un-complicated with an easy to read and navigate desktop. Regular market and investment news articles that are not over-long. Their Lifestrategy range of investment funds are ideal for a beginner investor who hasn’t got the time or knowledge to pick individual shares, funds or ETFs themselves. Just choose your risk level and either invest a lump sum of make regular contributions, then sit back and watch your investment grow. Or you can opt for their Managed version. There are some better performing options out their, but you could do a whole lot worse. Their Lifestrategy range is extremely popular and always appears in the top 10 of multi asset funds by ‘Defacto’ recommended by financial advisors.
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Where To Buy Vanguard Funds
| Name | Logo | GMG Rating | Customer Reviews | ETF Annual Fees | ETFs Available | CTA | Tag | Feature | Expand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | GMG Rating | Customer Reviews | ETF Annual Fees £0 | ETFs Available 2,000 | See Offer Capital at risk | Featured | Features:
| *Invest at least £300 by 31 July to get free SpaceX shares worth up to £1,000. T&Cs apply. IG ETF Investing & Trading Expert ratingOur expert rating is the average of the areas listed here, each scored out of 5 by our team.4.3Very good Our experts have rated IG ETF Investing & Trading across five key areas of our review framework.
Pros
Cons
Our verdictIG offer over 2000 UK-eligible ETFs from just 0.04%. You can buy and sell individual ETFs or let their investment experts do it for you with the Smart Portfolios. IG is also one of the best platforms for ETF spread betting and CFD trading Is IG good for ETF investing and trading?Yes, with IG you have the option of either investing in the long term by buying ETFs in their general investment account, SIPP or ISA. Or you can speculate on them going up or down by going long or short via CFDs or financial spread bets. For more advanced investors you also have the options of investing in leveraged and inverse ETFs. These allow you to invest in ETFs that go up as the market goes down, which can be very useful for hedging your long-term portfolio against short term market crashes. You can also invest in ETFs that move based on how volatile the markets are. So as well as investing in company and index performance, you can for example, invest in the ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF to potentially profit from volatile markets. Fees: Share dealing fees have just been removed which means you can buy and sell UK and US ETFs for free, with the exception of the FX charge when you buy US-denominated ETFs, where the foreign exchange fees are 0.5% on the conversion. A good choice for frequent ETF investors who want access to the US markets.
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| | GMG Rating | Customer Reviews | ETF Annual Fees £59.88 | ETFs Available 1,000 | See Offer Capital at risk | Features:
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| | GMG Rating | Customer Reviews | ETF Annual Fees 0% – 0.25% | ETFs Available 1,500 | See Offer Capital at risk | Features:
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 | GMG Rating | Customer Reviews | ETF Annual Fees 0% – 0.45% | ETFs Available 2,000+ | See Offer Capital at risk | Features:
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| | GMG Rating | Customer Reviews | ETF Annual Fees £0 | ETFs Available 1,050 | See Offer Capital at risk | Features:
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| | GMG Rating | Customer Reviews | ETF Annual Fees £0 | ETFs Available 100+ | Features:
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Vanguard News & Analysis
Vanguard CEO: Investing should feel like an extension of saving, not gambling
Fear is the biggest obstacle preventing more Britons from investing, according to Salim Ramji, the Vanguard CEO. Vanguard’s latest British Money Mindset Report, examines why millions of people continue to hold large amounts of cash despite the long-term benefits of investing. Speaking at the launch event at the Spotify Headquarters in London, Ramji said the
Vanguard’s British Money Mindset Report: What The Experts Think
Younger investors are increasingly interested in investing because they feel they need to take greater control of their financial futures, according to a panel discussion at the launch of Vanguard’s British Money Mindset Report. The panel was chaired by award-winning BBC journalist Katty Kay, alongside Steph McGovern, broadcaster and co-host of The Rest Is Money,
Vanguard launches new ‘Targeted Support’ service to help first-time investors overcome the confidence gap
Vanguard has unveiled a new digital guidance service designed to help first-time investors overcome what it believes is the biggest barrier to investing, confidence. During an exclusive preview at the launch of its inaugural British Money Mindset Report, Liz Waldron, Head of Product & Client Experience, and James Norton, Head of Retirement & Investments, demonstrated
How to invest in Vanguard funds
Investing in Vanguard funds is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it in three simple steps: Open an account with Vanguard. To do this, you’ll need your National Insurance number and your debit card details. Note that when you open an account, you’ll have to choose a type of investment account. You may want
Vanguard reignites ETF price war with swathe of fee cuts
ETF investing platform Vanguard has fired a salvo in an ongoing ETF price war between asset management giants with its move to cut fees on 87 of its products. The Financial Times reported that Vanguard’s latest round of fee cuts will apply to US and overseas index trackers, as well as its actively managed stock
What does the new Vanguard £4 monthly fee mean for investors?
Vanguard UK is set to introduce an account fee of £4 a month for “DIY” customers who choose their own investments on its platform. The new Vanguard £4 monthly fee will apply to customers with up to £32,000 invested across ISAs, personal pensions and general investment accounts from 31 January 2025. Investors are currently charged
Best Vanguard Mutual Funds: Explained & Ranked
If you’re looking to invest in the stock market cost-effectively, Vanguard mutual funds could be the perfect solution for you. Known for its low fees, Vanguard offers investment products that enable you to build a diversified portfolio at a minimal cost. In this guide, we are going to cover everything you need to know about
What is Vanguard FTSE UK All Share Index Unit Trust?
The Vanguard FTSE UK All Share Unit Trust (ISIN: GB00BPN5P782) is a passive British equity fund. As its name implies, the goal of the fund is the capture the equity returns from the broadest part of the London stock market. FTSE All Share Index is the key index that the Trust tracks. Vanguard, the US fund
What is the VUSA Vanguard ETF (LON:VUSA) and is it a good investment?
What is the VUSA Vanguard ETF (LON:VUSA) and is it a good investment? Vanguard’s VUSA ETF (LON:VUSA) is an exchange-traded fund whose share price mimics the movement the widely-followed blue-chip US S&P 500 Stock Index. This equity index, as its name implies, is comprised of 500 largest stocks in the US (factsheet) and is one
Vanguard FAQ
Yes, Vanguard is a good platform for beginners. Through Vanguard, those with a small amount of money to invest can get diversified exposure to the world’s financial markets at a low cost.
Vanguard is a reputable investment manager that is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). So, it should be viewed as safe. However, investing does involve risk. And when you invest with Vanguard, there is a chance that the value of your investments could fall.
In the unlikely event that Vanguard went under, your money and investments would be returned to you as quickly as possible or transferred to another provider. Note here that Vanguard holds your investments separately from its own in accordance with FCA rules.
Vanguard UK has very low fees and charges. But depending on the size of your account and the type of funds you invest in, there could be cheaper options out there.
No. With Vanguard, you can only invest in funds.
Vanguard GBP ETFs
| ETF | Name | Price | 1M % Change | 6 M % Change | 1 Y% Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LON:V3AB | Vanguard Funds Plc ESG Global All Cap UCITS ETF Accumulating | 6.72 | 1.51 | 10.89 | 14.29 |
| LON:V3AM | Vanguard Funds Plc ESG Global All Cap UCITS ETF - Dist | 6.21 | 1.31 | 10.11 | 12.91 |
| LON:V3EL | Vanguard Funds Plc ESG Developed Europe All Cap UCITS ETF Dist | 5.81 | -4.28 | -0.34 | 6.02 |
| LON:V3GP | Vanguard Funds PLC Vanguard ESG Global Corporate Bond UCITS | 4.15 | -1.89 | -4.16 | -5.03 |
| LON:V3GS | Vanguard Funds Plc ESG Global Corporate Bond UCITS ETF | 5.04 | -1.37 | -2.33 | -1.18 |
| LON:V3MM | Vanguard Funds plc ESG Emerging Markets All Cap UCITS ETF Inc | 6.61 | -0.60 | 5.09 | 11.47 |
| LON:V3PM | Vanguard Funds Plc ESG Developed Asia Pacific All Cap UCITS ETF Inc | 7.89 | 1.41 | 14.85 | 30.41 |
| LON:VAGP | Vanguard Funds plc Global Aggreg Bond UCITS ETF GBP H Dis | 21.65 | -1.68 | -3.78 | -4.84 |
| LON:VAGS | Vanguard Funds plc Global Aggreg Bond UCITS ETF GBP H Acc | 25.28 | -1.56 | -2.43 | -1.75 |
| LON:VAPX | Vanguard Funds plc FTSE Developed Asia Pacific ex-Japan UCITS ETF | 34.93 | -0.91 | 14.56 | 41.88 |
| LON:VCPA | Vanguard Funds Plc USD Corporate Bond UCITS ETF - Acc | 45 | 0.18 | -1.25 | -2.51 |
| LON:VDJP | Vanguard Funds Plc FTSE Japan UCITS ETF - Dist | 53.12 | -1.02 | 8.45 | 20.24 |
| LON:VDPG | Vanguard Funds plc FTSE Developed Asia Pacific ex Japan UCITS ETF | 44.83 | -0.29 | 15.66 | 44.61 |
| LON:VECP | Vanguard Funds plc EUR Corporate Bond UCITS ETF | 39.84 | -2.14 | -5.19 | -7.22 |
| LON:VEMA | Vanguard Funds Plc USD Emerging Markets Government Bond UCITS ETF | 46.53 | -0.62 | -1.11 | -1.75 |
| LON:VEMT | Vanguard Funds plc USD Emerging Markets Government Bond UCITS ETF | 31.4 | -1.26 | -3.65 | -6.77 |
| LON:VERG | Vanguard Funds plc FTSE Developed Europe Ex UK UCITS ETF (GBP) | 50.53 | -3.79 | 1.34 | 9.70 |
| LON:VERX | Vanguard Funds plc FTSE Developed Europe ex-UK UCITS ETF | 41.59 | -4.04 | -0.62 | 6.94 |
| LON:VETY | Vanguard Funds plc Eurozone Govt Bd EUR UCITS(GBP) | 17.96 | -2.66 | -6.51 | -8.92 |
| LON:VEUA | Vanguard Funds plc FTSE Developed Europe UCITS ETF EUR Accumulation | 50.07 | -3.62 | 0.91 | 9.97 |
| LON:VEUR | Vanguard Funds plc FTSE Developed Europe UCITS ETF | 41.52 | -4.00 | -1.03 | 6.96 |
| LON:VEVE | Vanguard Funds plc FTSE Developed World UCITS | 109.3 | 1.04 | 9.29 | 13.01 |
| LON:VFEG | Vanguard Funds plc FTSE Emerging Markets UCITS ETF (GBP) | 66.18 | -0.50 | 4.22 | 9.61 |
| LON:VFEM | Vanguard Funds plc FTSE Emerging Markets UCITS ETF USD(GBP) | 61.57 | -1.33 | 2.50 | 7.17 |
| LON:VGER | Vanguard Funds plc Vanguard Germany All Cap UCITS ETF | 29.79 | -4.09 | -2.17 | -0.03 |
| LON:VGOV | Vanguard Funds plc UK Gilt UCITS ETF GBP | 15.2 | -0.98 | -2.94 | -5.71 |
| LON:VGVA | Vanguard Funds Plc UK Gilt UCITS ETF - Accumulation | 20.23 | -0.59 | -1.03 | -1.80 |
| LON:VHVG | Vanguard Funds plc FTSE Developed World UCITS ETF | 115.6 | 1.31 | 10.12 | 14.52 |
| LON:VHYG | Vanguard Funds Plc FTSE All World High Dividend Yield UCITS ETF | 78.85 | -2.39 | 5.43 | 17.76 |
| LON:VHYL | Vanguard Funds plc FTSE All World High Dividend Yield UCITS ETF | 68.22 | -2.97 | 3.80 | 14.60 |
| LON:VJPB | Vanguard Funds Plc FTSE Japan UCITS ETF USD Acc | 37.98 | 1.74 | 12.33 | 22.04 |
| LON:VJPN | Vanguard Funds plc FTSE Japan Equity UCITS ETF | 40.25 | 1.64 | 11.43 | 19.79 |
| LON:VMID | Vanguard Funds plc FTSE 250 UCITS ETF | 36.76 | -2.31 | 5.00 | 9.02 |
| LON:VMIG | Vanguard Funds plc FTSE 250 UCITS ETF Acc | 45.96 | -1.42 | 7.31 | 13.03 |
| LON:VNRG | Vanguard Funds Plc FTSE North America UCITS ETF USD Acc | 147.16 | 2.44 | 11.60 | 12.92 |
| LON:VNRT | Vanguard Funds plc FTSE North America UCITS ETF | 142.21 | 2.24 | 11.14 | 11.87 |
| LON:VSCA | Vanguard Funds Plc USD Corporate 1-3 Year Bond UCITS ETF - Acc | 46.74 | 1.85 | 2.68 | 1.41 |
| LON:VUAG | Vanguard Funds plc S&P 500 UCITS ETF USD ACC (GBP) | 112.84 | 2.64 | 11.66 | 13.05 |
| LON:VUCP | Vanguard Funds plc USD Corporate Bond UCITS ETF | 33.95 | -0.41 | -3.39 | -7.11 |
| LON:VUKE | Vanguard Funds plc FTSE 100 UCITS ETF GBP | 45.37 | -3.96 | -1.69 | 7.49 |
| LON:VUKG | Vanguard Funds Plc FTSE 100 UCITS ETF GBP ACC | 56.37 | -3.23 | 0.04 | 10.88 |
| LON:VUSA | Vanguard Funds plc S&P 500 UCITS ETF USD(GBP) | 110.51 | 2.44 | 11.17 | 11.93 |
| LON:VUSC | Vanguard Funds Plc USD Corporate 1-3 Year Bond UCITS ETF | 36.73 | 1.55 | 0.80 | -2.57 |
| LON:VUSD | Vanguard Funds Plc S&P 500 UCITS ETF USD DIS | 146.24 | 0.10 | 8.68 | 12.65 |
| LON:VUTA | Vanguard Funds Plc USD Treasury Bond UCITS ETF - Acc | 20 | 0.35 | -0.89 | -2.91 |
| LON:VUTY | Vanguard Funds plc Treasury Bond USD UCITS (GBP) | 15.49 | 0.00 | -2.64 | -6.57 |
| LON:VWRD | Vanguard Funds plc FTSE All-World UCITS ETF (USD) Distributing | 186.24 | -1.49 | 6.22 | 13.11 |
| LON:VWRL | Vanguard Funds plc FTSE All-World UCITS ETF (USD) Distributing - GBP | 140.68 | 0.80 | 8.58 | 12.36 |
| LON:VWRP | Vanguard Funds plc FTSE All-World UCITS ETF (USD) Accumulating | 145.62 | 1.07 | 9.47 | 13.91 |