I believe the problem is when you have checkwriting on an account, but don't use the checks for too long a time. I have been using Vanguard checks for QCD donations from my IRA account. They have been processed without any problems, and I don't need to apply to keep the checkwriting active.goingup wrote: ↑Fri Apr 08, 2022 9:01 ammaj-maj wrote: ↑Fri Apr 08, 2022 8:04 am About two months ago I was notified that a check I wrote on my MM account, as a gift, had been rejected by Vanguard. I found this only because I occasionally check my account for Messages. I should have been sent a direct email when this error was discovered by V.
I think Vanguard is trying to eliminate checks altogether. A few years ago I got notification that I would have to "opt in" in order to continue to use checks for MM accounts. Did you opt in for check writing? I shredded our Vanguard check books and now ACH funds to our bank checking when I need to write a large check.
Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
Re: Disappointed in Vanguard
Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
Re: Disappointed in Vanguard
Homestretch/maj: My son didn't want to setup a bank account or use the mobile app when starting his IRA. Fidelity just gave him a form to print out and fill out to send a check in. Simple. Vanguard originally stated they could do something similar to accommodate a paper check, but we just never got that far.
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I'll check out the rest of this thread as well.
Thanks LadyGeek, sorry to post to wrong forum.by LadyGeek » Fri Apr 08, 2022 9:13 am
I merged bobsmith's thread into the ongoing discussion.
Thank you LongRoad, but too late. He's out of state but I just spoke to him. He just finished setting it up with Fidelity, simple and easy. This was a Roth IRA, so I assume that $100 would have had to have gone into a separate taxable account which he never setup. My main goal was to get him into an IRA and show him how investing works (index, buy & hold).by LongRoad » Fri Apr 08, 2022 9:44 am
If your son decides to open his 2021 IRA with Fidelity, the account can be opened completely online. Open the account using the appropriate link on this page for the new account type to get a $100 bonus when the account is funded.
That's just crazy. The staff from start to finish acted like they had no idea there was a website problem and just let me bang my head against the wall and yet this has been going on for some time?? I'm a long term buy and hold index investor and intend to guide my son in this philosophy. He's only 19. This could have been a lifetime relationship he could have had with the company. It really blows the mind to think Vanguard is dropping the ball with new accounts.goingup » Fri Apr 08, 2022 10:10 am
I have read several terrible anecdotal accounts on the forum such as yours. The gist is people trying to set up a new Roth account get an error message that the process can't be completed on line. They call in, wait on hold, are given the run-around, and still no success.
I have wondered if Vanguard has quietly decided they don't want new Roth (little guy) customers. Instead of overtly saying they don't want new Roth customers, they just make it too hard to complete the process. I'm a longtime Vanguard customer, too, but no longer recommend them to others.
Homestretch/maj: My son didn't want to setup a bank account or use the mobile app when starting his IRA. Fidelity just gave him a form to print out and fill out to send a check in. Simple. Vanguard originally stated they could do something similar to accommodate a paper check, but we just never got that far.
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I'll check out the rest of this thread as well.
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Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
To me, the constant trickle of reports of people running into problems creating new accounts with family or friends is one of the most concerning regarding Vanguard’s customer service. Clearly not everyone is having a problem but even tech savvy users are being stopped dead in their tracks. This seems to indicate the problems really are on Vanguard’s side and they haven’t been too quick to fix them.bobsmith wrote: ↑Fri Apr 08, 2022 10:34 am …
That's just crazy. The staff from start to finish acted like they had no idea there was a website problem and just let me bang my head against the wall and yet this has been going on for some time?? I'm a long term buy and hold index investor and intend to guide my son in this philosophy. He's only 19. This could have been a lifetime relationship he could have had with the company. It really blows the mind to think Vanguard is dropping the ball with new accounts.
Fortunately, as I think you are learning in your other thread, there are many very good options in index funds as well as custodians for those funds. No one will revoke your buy and hold boglehead credentials for using index funds someplace else.
Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
I usually defend Vanguard to try to maintain an objective playing field around here since there’s an echo chamber effect of complaints these days and all of the brokerage firms have IT issues. However, someone I personally know recently tried to create a 529 account at Vanguard and ran into similar issues. They tried online first but the site kept crashing, leading them to call and being on hold for a long time, and then basically had to set the accounts up via the phone. Took well over an hour. They had more patience than me, I would have given up the minute the website failed and went to Schwab or fidelity.PersonalFinanceJam wrote: ↑Fri Apr 08, 2022 1:22 pmTo me, the constant trickle of reports of people running into problems creating new accounts with family or friends is one of the most concerning regarding Vanguard’s customer service. Clearly not everyone is having a problem but even tech savvy users are being stopped dead in their tracks. This seems to indicate the problems really are on Vanguard’s side and they haven’t been too quick to fix them.bobsmith wrote: ↑Fri Apr 08, 2022 10:34 am …
That's just crazy. The staff from start to finish acted like they had no idea there was a website problem and just let me bang my head against the wall and yet this has been going on for some time?? I'm a long term buy and hold index investor and intend to guide my son in this philosophy. He's only 19. This could have been a lifetime relationship he could have had with the company. It really blows the mind to think Vanguard is dropping the ball with new accounts.
Fortunately, as I think you are learning in your other thread, there are many very good options in index funds as well as custodians for those funds. No one will revoke your buy and hold boglehead credentials for using index funds someplace else.
Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
We've been investing in Vanguard and Fidelity since the '80s. I find customer service in both financial institutions has deteriorated over time. I experience long wait times and conflicting answers from different agents at both Vanguard and Fidelity....very disconcerting. Recently, to get a definitive answer for an important question regarding 401(k) rules at Fidelity, I asked for a specialist. I knew he was knowledgable because he explained in detail the reasons behind the rule.
Can’t Get Through To Speak at Vanguard
[Thread merged into here --admin LadyGeek]
Any help here?
While I can log on easy enough, I have had trouble exchanging investments.
I’ve called dozens of times and get automated messages. They ask me for an extension #,!
Any help here?
While I can log on easy enough, I have had trouble exchanging investments.
I’ve called dozens of times and get automated messages. They ask me for an extension #,!
Re: Can’t Get Through To Speak at Vanguard
Calling on tax day is probably not going to work out well. You might have better luck tomorrow morning.
Re: Can’t Get Through To Speak at Vanguard
I called about an hour and a half ago.
I got a message to leave a number and they'd call back between 21 and 31 minutes.
They called and my question was answered. It was not a tax question; it was a bond purchase question for the bond folks.
I got a message to leave a number and they'd call back between 21 and 31 minutes.
They called and my question was answered. It was not a tax question; it was a bond purchase question for the bond folks.
Re: Can’t Get Through To Speak at Vanguard
What specific trouble are you having? If you provide a few more details, someone here on the forum might be able to help you do this online.
Re: Can’t Get Through To Speak at Vanguard
Been attempting to make an exchange in my retirement account, which I’ve done in the past. It won’t let me do it. While, I called on tax day, I experienced the same last week. I also was on the Vanguard site. When I call, they didn’t even respond except to ask for an extension.
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Re: Can’t Get Through To Speak at Vanguard
You're going to have to expand on the above description if you want help from the forum.
What error message occurs? What does "It won't let me do it" mean?
Isn't there an "Exchange" link next to the "Buy" and "Sell" links? What happens when you click it?
Regards,
If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear. -George Orwell
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Re: Can’t Get Through To Speak at Vanguard
You may have to log onto the web to do exchanges or purchases. The app won’t allow me to do purchases, sales or exchanges in my SIMPLE IRA. All of the other accounts are okay on the app.diceman3 wrote: ↑Mon Apr 18, 2022 12:27 pmBeen attempting to make an exchange in my retirement account, which I’ve done in the past. It won’t let me do it. While, I called on tax day, I experienced the same last week. I also was on the Vanguard site. When I call, they didn’t even respond except to ask for an extension.
Being wrong compounds forever.
Re: Can’t Get Through To Speak at Vanguard
What number are you calling? It seems that being asked for an extension could mean that you are calling corporate and not customer support.
Re: Can’t Get Through To Speak at Vanguard
I'm gonna guess OP sold a mutual fund, is now subjected to frequent trading limits, and cannot exchange back into what he previously sold.
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Customer Service
[merged this into existing topic - moderator prudent]
What in the world has happened at Vanguard? As a client for 30+ years, the customer service I've received just since January 2022 has been horrible. What is Vanguard's motivation to abandon its retail clients?
What in the world has happened at Vanguard? As a client for 30+ years, the customer service I've received just since January 2022 has been horrible. What is Vanguard's motivation to abandon its retail clients?
Re: Can’t Get Through To Speak at Vanguard
Not correct.
I have a Flagship account in 7 figures, and my Vanguard Flagship Rep was [personally identifiable information removed by admin LadyGeek]. I have been dialing 800 962 5029, and have called that number for many years.
Appreciate your help. If this continues, I will have to consider local Schwab.
Re: Can’t Get Through To Speak at Vanguard
Vanguard began eliminating named Flagship Reps in 2019. See old thread:diceman3 wrote: ↑Mon Apr 18, 2022 1:26 pmNot correct.
I have a Flagship account in 7 figures, and my Vanguard Flagship Rep was [personally identifiable information removed by admin LadyGeek]. I have been dialing 800 962 5029, and have called that number for many years.
Appreciate your help. If this continues, I will have to consider local Schwab.
viewtopic.php?t=293483
Vanguard requires over 5 million to qualify for a personal rep.
https://investor.vanguard.com/client-benefits
Contacting Vanguard
[merged this and a reply into existing topic - moderator prudent]
Has anyone had trouble contacting Vanguard. Every time i tried last week, I got a recorded message telling me to leave my number and someone would get back to me. Never happened. Today was even worse. I called 3 times and got the same recorded message and never got a returned call. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to reach someone at Vanguard.
Has anyone had trouble contacting Vanguard. Every time i tried last week, I got a recorded message telling me to leave my number and someone would get back to me. Never happened. Today was even worse. I called 3 times and got the same recorded message and never got a returned call. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to reach someone at Vanguard.
The only constant is CHANGE!!
Re: Can’t Get Through To Speak at Vanguard
Have you gone to the website to look for other numbers? When I Google vanguard I see 800 992 8327 for brokerages and 800 523 1188 for 401ks and IRAsdiceman3 wrote: ↑Mon Apr 18, 2022 1:26 pmNot correct.
I have a Flagship account in 7 figures, and my Vanguard Flagship Rep was [personally identifiable information removed by admin LadyGeek]. I have been dialing 800 962 5029, and have called that number for many years.
Appreciate your help. If this continues, I will have to consider local Schwab.
Crom laughs at your Four Winds
Re: Can’t Get Through To Speak at Vanguard
I got through today with this number: +1 (800) 345-1344diceman3 wrote: ↑Mon Apr 18, 2022 1:26 pmNot correct.
I have a Flagship account in 7 figures, and my Vanguard Flagship Rep was [personally identifiable information removed by admin LadyGeek]. I have been dialing 800 962 5029, and have called that number for many years.
Appreciate your help. If this continues, I will have to consider local Schwab.
I left my phone number and got a call back in 30 minutes.
The person who called changed me to the bond desk; my fixed income question was answered, and I was done in 3 minutes.
I have a Voyager account
Re: Can’t Get Through To Speak at Vanguard
Wrong phone number. For Flagship services call 800-345-1344.diceman3 wrote: ↑Mon Apr 18, 2022 1:26 pmNot correct.
I have a Flagship account in 7 figures, and my Vanguard Flagship Rep was [personally identifiable information removed by admin LadyGeek]. I have been dialing 800 962 5029, and have called that number for many years.
Appreciate your help. If this continues, I will have to consider local Schwab.
(Oops, didn't see hudson's post while I was typing with same info above).
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Re: Contacting Vanguard
Tomorrow or later in the week might be better given that today is tax day. Probably why it was exceptionally busy last week.
Cheers
Cheers
Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
I merged diceman3's thread into the ongoing discussion.
(Thanks to the member who reported the post and provided a link to this thread.)
(Thanks to the member who reported the post and provided a link to this thread.)
Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
As a longtime Vanguard customer, it pains me to say the customer service rot has finally hit close to home.
I previously wrote about a family member having great difficulties opening 529 accounts with the Vanguard website failing and requiring calls and an inordinate amount of time to get the accounts set up.
Well, another family member recently was locked out of their account due to "Vanguard does not recognize this computer." The call to Vanguard resulted in a two hour wait time to have the account reset. I gave the benefit of the doubt to Vanguard and chalked it up as user error since the device not recognized issue can be attributed to user set security settings somethings. However, even after Vanguard reset the account and settings, the next day the error returned and the user could not log in AGAIN. The second time resulted in a three hour wait time to get someone on the line at Vanguard to fix it.
My advice to this family member was to switch to Fidelity or Schwab. Both incidents shock my confidence in Vanguard, and I now only have $4.53 left in my Vanguard account and transferred everything out. I need to have full confidence in the firm handling my finances, and not being able to reach them when something goes wrong is too big of a risk to take for me. I still am a fan of Vanguard index funds above all others, but as a brokerage I had to take my business elsewhere.
I previously wrote about a family member having great difficulties opening 529 accounts with the Vanguard website failing and requiring calls and an inordinate amount of time to get the accounts set up.
Well, another family member recently was locked out of their account due to "Vanguard does not recognize this computer." The call to Vanguard resulted in a two hour wait time to have the account reset. I gave the benefit of the doubt to Vanguard and chalked it up as user error since the device not recognized issue can be attributed to user set security settings somethings. However, even after Vanguard reset the account and settings, the next day the error returned and the user could not log in AGAIN. The second time resulted in a three hour wait time to get someone on the line at Vanguard to fix it.
My advice to this family member was to switch to Fidelity or Schwab. Both incidents shock my confidence in Vanguard, and I now only have $4.53 left in my Vanguard account and transferred everything out. I need to have full confidence in the firm handling my finances, and not being able to reach them when something goes wrong is too big of a risk to take for me. I still am a fan of Vanguard index funds above all others, but as a brokerage I had to take my business elsewhere.
Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
Sorry to hear the problems everyone is having. I have Flagship and dedicated rep. The only way to reach her with a question is by leaving message online and explain exactly what i need done. she calls back next day with response but it is not the kind help i used to get before.
i only use my PC to make transactions. not everyone has that luxury.
very concerning that enuff moved their entire account out. did that make them reach out to you?
i only use my PC to make transactions. not everyone has that luxury.
very concerning that enuff moved their entire account out. did that make them reach out to you?
Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
I never heard from Vanguard when I transferred my accounts out, but I prefer it that way. I tested Fidelity and Schwab out a bit before making the move, and found Schwab to be the superior of the two so I went that route. Schwab reached out to welcome me and it's been a mostly smooth transition and experience. No regrets other than losing automatic investments into Vanguard mutual funds in my taxable account.
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Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
FYI, while I am now retired and no longer regularly contributing to our accounts, it appears that Schwab does have automatic investing for any Schwab mutual funds. I divested of nearly all Vanguard funds over the past year and note that I do have the option for automatic investing for the Schwab mutual funds we now hold.
Depending on what allocation and funds you prefer, you may find that some of Schwab's funds have equal or lower expense ratios and equivalent or better performance than similar offerings from Vanguard.
Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
It was an adjustment, but it’s not so bad. Every other Friday on payday I wake up, enter an order for VTI, and that’s it. Takes less than 30 sec. I’m really happy with Schwab’s executions, too, and I place pre market orders and get the exact opening price or in a few instances even better.Cheez-It Guy wrote: ↑Mon Apr 25, 2022 6:06 amBut that's the functionality I use most. Literally every week. Can't beat it, and the automation eliminates so much friction and potential emotional error.
ETFs have been easier for me to TLH, too, so it all evens out in the end.
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Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
Glad that's working for you. The challenge is that you (currently) have to not only do that on the defined schedule, but also commit psychologically to doing it each time, which could be increasingly difficult in certain economic circumstances, as opposed to making a one-time decision and putting it on autopilot. I would really miss that.
Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
No, it's not a problem for me at all, I've done it before for years at Vanguard prior to using their mutual funds. It's really very simple: get paid, invest, pay off credit card, all while drinking my morning coffee, not a challenge at all. I'd much rather do this simple transaction two times a month and have all the benefits of Schwab including great banking than to deal with Vanguard IT issues for no reason.Cheez-It Guy wrote: ↑Mon Apr 25, 2022 10:35 am Glad that's working for you. The challenge is that you (currently) have to not only do that on the defined schedule, but also commit psychologically to doing it each time, which could be increasingly difficult in certain economic circumstances, as opposed to making a one-time decision and putting it on autopilot. I would really miss that.
Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
What phone number are you folks using? My flagship number is now being answered by Compass?
Not actually answered but put on hold
Can't find a Vanguard working number
Not actually answered but put on hold
Can't find a Vanguard working number
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Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
Check the upper right corner in your online account screen. It should say “Flagship” and show the phone # below it.
Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
I'm really dense as I don't see it.
Can you be more specific? Really appreciate your help.
Perhaps their phone number would suffice
Can you be more specific? Really appreciate your help.
Perhaps their phone number would suffice
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Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
The more I read this thread. The more I want out of Vanguard 100%. Looks like schwab will be the winner.
Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
Yes I understand but I have also have terrible service from vanguard and it's been getting worse the last few years.
My question is how does it work if I move all my money from these ETF's I own at Vanguard. Do I start over and buy at the price today or do they keep there value.
If that makes sense???
Or would it be better to just leave it alone. It's well over six figures.
Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
You can move your shares over to another brokerage without selling and re-buying, so the shares would retain their original purchase date and purchase price (only important for taxable accounts). You can buy/sell/hold Vanguard ETF's at other brokerages without added expense.
Last edited by rkhusky on Wed Apr 27, 2022 7:06 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Is Vanguard Outsourcing Calls Out Of The Country?
A bit off track. Discover is well-known for having US customer service.UpperNwGuy wrote: ↑Wed Dec 22, 2021 7:22 pmUse call centers in the US staffed by US people.CyclingDuo wrote: ↑Wed Dec 22, 2021 7:13 pmWhat do you suggest Vanguard do - both in the service and covering the costs - to remove the echo chamber sound and accents?UpperNwGuy wrote: ↑Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:18 pmI'm not buying the "America is a melting pot" explanation. I know for a fact that Chase outsources credit card phone calls other than their Sapphire cards. The outsourcing is to a foreign country on the other side of the world. You can tell immediately by the "echo chamber" sound and by the accents of the customer service reps. Vanguard may very well be following Chase's example.CyclingDuo wrote: ↑Wed Dec 22, 2021 1:16 pm Welcome to 2021 regarding staffing shortages which may result in long waits - no matter which company you try and call.
America is a huge melting pot with many accents, dialects, as well as remote workers who may or may not always have the best headset and microphone or connection during your call.
Be patient, respectful, understanding - and hang in there.
Edit: Sorry. I did not realize that I was replying to your post from 4 months ago.
Setting Up Vanguard Accounts
[Thread merged into here --admin LadyGeek]
Hey can I just vent here a second to say what a PIA it is to set up/transfer assets from Fidelity to Vanguard. My wife and I are interested in their PAS service and I cannot be more disappointed at these first few ridiculous steps in trying to open accounts. When we called in both of our online app processes returned errors. I made the mistake of calling in separately for each of us - and now each rep has come up with his own "work around" for signing documents and opening accounts. I'm hoping we can hit the threshold for a dedicated PAS manager if not I think we'll look somewhere else. I'm getting emails from different people and of course none of them have a way to reach them directly. Frustrating. And I consider myself somewhat tech savvy lol. I will say that when you do get a person on the phone they are very helpful and considerate. Everyone I've talked to has been really patient and professional.
Hey can I just vent here a second to say what a PIA it is to set up/transfer assets from Fidelity to Vanguard. My wife and I are interested in their PAS service and I cannot be more disappointed at these first few ridiculous steps in trying to open accounts. When we called in both of our online app processes returned errors. I made the mistake of calling in separately for each of us - and now each rep has come up with his own "work around" for signing documents and opening accounts. I'm hoping we can hit the threshold for a dedicated PAS manager if not I think we'll look somewhere else. I'm getting emails from different people and of course none of them have a way to reach them directly. Frustrating. And I consider myself somewhat tech savvy lol. I will say that when you do get a person on the phone they are very helpful and considerate. Everyone I've talked to has been really patient and professional.
Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
I merged Fredz4000's thread into the ongoing discussion.
Please state your concerns in a civil, factual manner.
Please state your concerns in a civil, factual manner.
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Re: Setting Up Vanguard Accounts
Consider that if you aren’t receiving service that lives up to your expectations now while trying to transfer assets into Vanguard (i.e., the “honeymoon phase”), you may not be satisfied with service once the assets are at Vanguard. Per other forum posts, even though you are paying an AUM fee, Vanguard PAS reps’ service level isn’t always timely or stellar.
Reconsider whether Vanguard is the brokerage for you. Fidelity (your current brokerage) and Schwab have good service and having a local office, if any, can be helpful. If you transfer to Schwab, you should be able to receive an account transfer bonus.
Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
ACATS in kind transfer.em4772193 wrote: ↑Wed Apr 27, 2022 6:48 amYes I understand but I have also have terrible service from vanguard and it's been getting worse the last few years.
My question is how does it work if I move all my money from these ETF's I own at Vanguard. Do I start over and buy at the price today or do they keep there value.
If that makes sense???
Or would it be better to just leave it alone. It's well over six figures.
Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
starboi wrote: ↑Wed Apr 27, 2022 12:27 pmACATS in kind transfer.em4772193 wrote: ↑Wed Apr 27, 2022 6:48 amYes I understand but I have also have terrible service from vanguard and it's been getting worse the last few years.
My question is how does it work if I move all my money from these ETF's I own at Vanguard. Do I start over and buy at the price today or do they keep there value.
If that makes sense???
Or would it be better to just leave it alone. It's well over six figures.
Thanks for all the info. I will be opening an account with charles schwab very soon and then make the phone calls to Vanguard to move everything and close account.
Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
You can start the transfer completely online at Schwab if there's no 401k involved, won't likely need to contact Vanguard (I didn't), just need the VG account numbersem4772193 wrote: ↑Tue May 10, 2022 8:10 pmstarboi wrote: ↑Wed Apr 27, 2022 12:27 pmACATS in kind transfer.em4772193 wrote: ↑Wed Apr 27, 2022 6:48 amYes I understand but I have also have terrible service from vanguard and it's been getting worse the last few years.
My question is how does it work if I move all my money from these ETF's I own at Vanguard. Do I start over and buy at the price today or do they keep there value.
If that makes sense???
Or would it be better to just leave it alone. It's well over six figures.
Thanks for all the info. I will be opening an account with charles schwab very soon and then make the phone calls to Vanguard to move everything and close account.
Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
Don't call Vanguard. Just tell Schwab you want to move the funds and let them take care of it.
I don't have Schwab, but this should work: Transfers: Moving Accounts to Schwab | Charles Schwab
I did everything I needed online when I moved my stuff to Fidelity. I also got a bonus for doing so. See: Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Check that thread for possible bonuses for transferring to Schwab.
I don't have Schwab, but this should work: Transfers: Moving Accounts to Schwab | Charles Schwab
I did everything I needed online when I moved my stuff to Fidelity. I also got a bonus for doing so. See: Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Check that thread for possible bonuses for transferring to Schwab.
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Re: Is Vanguard Outsourcing Calls Out Of The Country?
FIRNA doesn't license non-US residents so Vanguard cannot "outsource" their phone staff - the issue is with the prime job market few smart / diligent people want to work at a call center for 45K a year or w/e Vanguard is now paying so they're scraping the bottom of the barrel in terms of hiring. Post 2008 there were lots of smart people working the phones because there were literally no other jobs available - now if you're smart you aren't going to go work in a call center for low wages.UpperNwGuy wrote: ↑Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:18 pmI'm not buying the "America is a melting pot" explanation. I know for a fact that Chase outsources credit card phone calls other than their Sapphire cards. The outsourcing is to a foreign country on the other side of the world. You can tell immediately by the "echo chamber" sound and by the accents of the customer service reps. Vanguard may very well be following Chase's example.CyclingDuo wrote: ↑Wed Dec 22, 2021 1:16 pm Welcome to 2021 regarding staffing shortages which may result in long waits - no matter which company you try and call.
America is a huge melting pot with many accents, dialects, as well as remote workers who may or may not always have the best headset and microphone or connection during your call.
Be patient, respectful, understanding - and hang in there.
I suppose it is possible they've hired contractors to troubleshoot website login issues and address updates (they used to do this occasionally) since you can do that without a FINRA license but I doubt they're outsourcing to foreign countries. You can always get around this by claiming you want to do a trade, since you do need to be FINRA licensed to place a trade, then claim you've changed your mind.
Source: I used to work at Vanguard, including in the call center.
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Help! Can't get Vanguard to remove account block
[Thread merged into here --admin Ladygeek]
First timer poster. Long time (30+yrs) w/ Vanguard.
Earlier this year I requested Vanguard block selling/exchanging/etc. on all my accounts out of an abundance of caution after someone hacked my email. I did the block over the phone then in writing per Vanguard instruction.
About a month later, I followed Vanguard instructions to unblock my accounts by sending them another letter of instruction (which they basically dictated to me and I had notarized).
That was > 2 months and tens of hours on the phone ago and my accounts are still blocked. At one point I was told that sending another "unblock" letter was the best way forward, which I did, with no change in status.
Every time I call, the Vanguard rep says they'll send my info along for processing and I should check back in 24-48 hours, which I of course do, only to be told my accounts are still blocked and they'll send my info along for processing again.
I finally got a call from someone who said they were a supervisor and would fix this and would call me back with status by the end of the week. Yesterday (may 13) was the end of the week and sure enough, no call. In past calls I've even offered to fly to Valley Forge or Texas or wherever to prove who I am to solve this.
I have a mid 7-figure amount w/ Vanguard. Not that it matter how much a person has w/ them but gee wiz anyway.
I'm basically desperate. Has anyone gone thru this or have any ideas short of hiring an attorney. And does anyone have an attorney suggestion? Thank you.
First timer poster. Long time (30+yrs) w/ Vanguard.
Earlier this year I requested Vanguard block selling/exchanging/etc. on all my accounts out of an abundance of caution after someone hacked my email. I did the block over the phone then in writing per Vanguard instruction.
About a month later, I followed Vanguard instructions to unblock my accounts by sending them another letter of instruction (which they basically dictated to me and I had notarized).
That was > 2 months and tens of hours on the phone ago and my accounts are still blocked. At one point I was told that sending another "unblock" letter was the best way forward, which I did, with no change in status.
Every time I call, the Vanguard rep says they'll send my info along for processing and I should check back in 24-48 hours, which I of course do, only to be told my accounts are still blocked and they'll send my info along for processing again.
I finally got a call from someone who said they were a supervisor and would fix this and would call me back with status by the end of the week. Yesterday (may 13) was the end of the week and sure enough, no call. In past calls I've even offered to fly to Valley Forge or Texas or wherever to prove who I am to solve this.
I have a mid 7-figure amount w/ Vanguard. Not that it matter how much a person has w/ them but gee wiz anyway.
I'm basically desperate. Has anyone gone thru this or have any ideas short of hiring an attorney. And does anyone have an attorney suggestion? Thank you.