Vanguard 401(k) Plan
Malvern, Pennsylvania
Vanguard 401K plan details: employer match info, participant login access, withdrawal options, and full plan review. 2026 data with contacts, details.
Plan Analysis
Vanguard, in the Funds & Trusts sector and headquartered in Pennsylvania, manages a 401(k) program with $11.6B in total plan assets across 25,466 active participants, established 42 years ago. Plan assets grew 13.4% year-over-year, reflecting solid investment returns and contributions. With an average balance of $457K per participant, this plan ranks well above the national median 401(k) balance of approximately $35,000. The employer contributed an average of $12,789 per active participant, equivalent to 52% of the 2026 employee deferral limit. Participants contributed an average of $9,800 each through employee deferrals. Distributions totaled $614.1M (5% of assets), reflecting normal retirement and separation activity. Vanguard sponsors 131 retirement plans, providing employees with diverse savings options.
Use our 401(k) calculator to see how your contributions could grow, or review the 2026 IRS limits.
Vanguard 401(k) Data Insights
Key observations from the most recent Form 5500 filing
- Legacy plan: Established 42 years ago (1982), making it one of the longest-running 401(k) plans in its sector. Long-established plans often have more favorable terms and lower administrative costs.
- Higher expenses: Plan expenses of $616.3M represent 5.3% of assets, above the industry average. Participants should review fund expense ratios within their accounts.
- Strong returns: The plan generated $2.0B in investment income (17.1% of assets), reflecting favorable market conditions and investment selection during the filing year.
- Low loan usage: Participant loans of $67.2M represent just 0.6% of plan assets - well below the industry average, suggesting strong employee financial wellness.
How Vanguard Compares
Comparison against 284 employer 401(k) plans in our database
| Metric | Vanguard | Database Median | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Balance per Participant | $457K | $140K | ▲ 227% above median |
| Employer Contribution per Participant | $13K | $3K | ▲ 270% above median |
| YoY Asset Growth | 13.4% | 12.9% | ▬ Near median |
| Total Assets vs. Funds & Trusts Sector | $11.6B | $980.4M | ▲ 1087% above sector median |
Vanguard 401(k) Employer Match
Employer contributions of $12,789 per participant annually (may include profit sharing or non-elective contributions)
Use our employer match calculator to see how much free money you could earn.
Vanguard 401(k) Plan Features
Plan features derived from DOL Form 5500 filing data
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Employer Match | Employer contributions of $12,789 per participant annually (may include profit sharing or non-elective contributions) |
| Roth 401(k) | Available - after-tax contributions with tax-free qualified withdrawals |
| 401(k) Loans | Available - up to 5 years |
| Company Stock | Available as an investment option (limit to 10-15% of portfolio to manage concentration risk) |
| 457 Plan | Also offers a 457 plan - eligible employees can contribute to both for double tax-advantaged savings |
| Plan History | Established 1982 - 42 years of retirement benefits |
How to Maximize Your Vanguard 401(k)
Consider increasing your contribution rate annually - even 1% more per year adds up significantly over time
Evaluate the Roth 401(k) option if you expect your tax rate to be higher in retirement
Use 401(k) loans only as a last resort - they reduce your retirement savings growth
Use our 401(k) calculator to project your retirement savings and find the right contribution rate
Use our 401(k) calculator to project your savings growth, or check how much free match money you could earn.
Vanguard 401(k) Login
Access your Vanguard 401(k) account through Vanguard.
First-time users: register with your SSN and date of birth. For help, call (610) 669-1000.
Contact Information
Filing Information
EIN: 23-1945930
Plan Effective Date: 1982-01-01
Source: DOL Form 5500 (Latest Filings)
Vanguard 401(k) Withdrawals
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Age 59½+ Withdrawals | Penalty-free withdrawals available after age 59½ |
| Rule of 55 | Penalty-free if you leave Vanguard at age 55+ |
| Hardship Withdrawals | Check with plan administrator |
| 401(k) Loans | Available - up to lesser of $50,000 or 50% of vested balance (5-year term) |
| Rollover | Roll over to new employer plan or IRA when leaving Vanguard |
| Total Distributions (Latest Filing) | $614.1M paid to departing/retired participants |
| Outstanding Loans | $67.2M in active participant loans |
2026 Contribution Limits for Vanguard 401(k)
See the full breakdown in our 2026 contribution limits guide, including rules for catch-up contributions (50+) and super catch-up (60-63).
| Category | Limit | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Employee Deferral | $24,500 | Standard elective deferral limit for all participants |
| Catch-Up (Age 50+) | +$8,000 | Additional contributions for participants age 50 and over (total: $32,500) |
| Super Catch-Up (Age 60-63) | +$11,250 | SECURE 2.0 enhanced catch-up for ages 60-63 (total: $35,750) |
| Total Annual Additions (415 Limit) | $72,000 | Maximum combined employee + employer contributions |
| Compensation Cap | $350,000 | Maximum compensation considered for contributions |
| Vanguard Avg. Employee Deferral | $9,800 | 40% of the $24,500 limit (based on latest Form 5500 filing) |
| Vanguard Avg. Employer Contribution | $12,789 | Employer contributes $325.7M total across 25,466 participants |
Vanguard 401(k) Plan Details
Data from DOL Form 5500 (Latest Filings)
| Plan Name | Active Participants | Total Assets | Employer Contributions | Participant Contributions | 401(k) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THE VANGUARD RETIREMENT AND SAVINGS PLAN | 17,477 | $11.1B | $311.1M | $214.0M | Yes |
| AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN | 415 | $81.6M | $2.5M | $4.3M | Yes |
| VANGUARD LOGISTICS SERVICES (USA) INC. 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN | 397 | $53.4M | $287K | $1.9M | Yes |
| VANGUARD TRUCK HOLDINGS, LLC 401(K) PLAN | 866 | $43.6M | $1.2M | $5.1M | Yes |
| VANGUARD APPRAISALS, INC. 401(K) PLAN | 67 | $28.1M | $411K | $486K | Yes |
| THE VANGUARD COMPANY 401(K) SAVINGS PLAN | 60 | $27.3M | $1.4M | $956K | Yes |
| VANGUARD DIRECT 401(K) RETIREMENT PLAN | 133 | $24.7M | $104K | $983K | Yes |
| VANGUARD FURNITURE CO., INC. EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN | 634 | $21.2M | $568K | $2.1M | Yes |
| VANGUARD PACKAGING 401(K) PLAN | 216 | $19.8M | $299K | $1.2M | Yes |
| VANGUARD INDUSTRIES EAST 401(K) PLAN | 189 | $19.7M | $350K | $669K | Yes |
| VANGUARD MEDICAL GROUP, PA 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN | 216 | $15.9M | $531K | $1.1M | Yes |
| VANGUARD NATIONAL TRAILER, INC. 401(K) SAVINGS PLAN | 588 | $15.7M | $511K | $1.4M | Yes |
| VANGUARD INTEGRITY PROFESSIONALS NV 401(K) PLAN | 84 | $13.3M | $303K | $839K | Yes |
| VANGUARD PRODUCTS CORPORATION 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN | 75 | $10.7M | $50K | $436K | Yes |
| VANGUARD EMS RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN | 199 | $10.3M | $101K | $556K | Yes |
| VANGUARD CONSTRUCTION, INC. 401(K) PLAN | 59 | $9.0M | $204K | $428K | Yes |
| VANGUARD COMMUNICATIONS 401(K) RETIREMENT PLAN | 24 | $8.6M | $135K | $288K | Yes |
| VANGUARD MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES, INC. 401(K) RATE GROUP PROFIT SHARING PLAN AND TRUST | 18 | $8.0M | $175K | $69K | Yes |
| VANGUARD RENEWABLES 401(K) PLAN | 233 | $7.7M | $1.1M | $2.1M | Yes |
| VANGUARD GASTROENTEROLOGY LLP 401(K) SAVINGS AND PROFIT SHARING PLAN | 25 | $7.6M | $19K | $132K | Yes |
| VANGUARD CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT CO., INC. 401(K) PLAN | 83 | $7.1M | $80K | $598K | Yes |
| VANGUARD CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN & TRUST | 101 | $6.9M | $276K | $644K | Yes |
| VANGUARD INTERNATIONAL USA LLC 401(K) PLAN | 27 | $6.6M | $114K | $290K | Yes |
| BAY-VANGUARD FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN | 106 | $6.1M | $92K | $473K | Yes |
| PHOENIX VANGUARD INC. 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN AND TRUST | 95 | $6.1M | N/A | $499K | Yes |
| VANGUARD AG, INC. 401(K) PLAN | 6 | $5.5M | $22K | $28K | Yes |
| VANGUARD HEALTHCARE, LLC 401(K) SAVINGS PLAN | 838 | $5.4M | $51K | $374K | Yes |
| VANGUARD TOOL & MFG. CO., INC. 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN | 21 | $5.2M | $80K | $153K | Yes |
| VANGUARD PRODUCTS GROUP, INC. 401(K) PLAN | 0 | $4.3M | $88K | $264K | Yes |
| COMPLIANCE 401(K) MULTIPLE EMPLOYER PLAN | 115 | $3.8M | $185K | $279K | Yes |
| COMPLIANCE 401(K) MULTIPLE EMPLOYER PLAN | 115 | $3.8M | $185K | $279K | Yes |
| VANGUARD SKIN SPECIALISTS 401(K) PLAN | 62 | $3.7M | $49K | $437K | Yes |
| PRECISION STEEL SERVICES, INC. 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN | 42 | $3.6M | $219K | $178K | Yes |
| VANGUARD ENERGY PARTNERS 401(K) PLAN | 103 | $3.5M | $191K | $360K | Yes |
| VANGUARD PAI LUNG, LLC 401(K) PLAN | 53 | $3.1M | $69K | $152K | Yes |
| VANGUARD IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS, INC. 401K PLAN | 18 | $2.7M | $10K | $46K | Yes |
| VANGUARD ORGANIZATION, INC. 401K PROFIT SHARING PLAN AND TRUST | 9 | $2.7M | $39K | $103K | Yes |
| VANGUARD RESEARCH 401(K) PLAN | 5 | $2.5M | $46K | $85K | Yes |
| VANGUARD FIRE SYSTEMS LP 401(K) SALARY REDUCTION PLAN AND TRUST | 16 | $2.3M | $58K | $142K | Yes |
| VANGUARD SALES DBA LARRABEE COMPANY 401(K) PLAN | 7 | $2.3M | N/A | $56K | Yes |
| VANGUARD REALTY ADVISORS, LLC 401(K) PLAN | 10 | $2.2M | $45K | $122K | Yes |
| VANGUARD COMPUTERS, INC. RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN | 30 | $2.1M | $92K | $212K | Yes |
| VANGUARD PACKAGING CORPORATION 401(K) PLAN AND TRUST | 4 | $2.1M | $126K | $84K | Yes |
| VANGUARD MAINTENANCE & ELECTRICAL, INC. 401(K) PLAN | 60 | $1.8M | $77K | $121K | Yes |
| VBS 401(K) RETIREMENT PLAN | 6 | $1.5M | $241K | $62K | Yes |
| VANGUARD ENERGY SOLUTIONS, LLC 401(K) PLAN | 19 | $1.5M | $103K | $222K | Yes |
| VMC RETIREMENT PLAN | 71 | $1.5M | $108K | $184K | Yes |
| VANGUARD INVESTORS, LTD. 401(K) PLAN | 6 | $1.5M | $23K | $30K | Yes |
| VANGUARD PROPERTY GROUP 401(K) PLAN | 7 | $1.4M | $14K | $106K | Yes |
| VANGUARD CLEANING SYSTEMS INC 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN & TRUST | 9 | $1.4M | $0 | $118K | Yes |
| VANGUARD DURST DIGITAL PRINTING SYSTEMS, LLC 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN | 33 | $1.3M | $93K | $171K | Yes |
| VANGUARD INTERNATIONAL SOLUTIONS, INC. 401(K) PLAN | 37 | $1.3M | $0 | $354K | Yes |
| VANGUARD COMMERCIAL FLOORING, LLC RETIREMENT PLAN | 16 | $1.3M | $83K | $167K | Yes |
| VANGUARD AUTO GROUP 401(K) PLAN | 178 | $1.3M | $31K | $201K | Yes |
| VANGUARD AUTO GROUP 401(K) PLAN | 178 | $1.3M | $31K | $201K | Yes |
| VANGUARD VASCULAR & VEIN, PLLC 401(K) RETIREMENT PLAN | 20 | $1.1M | $54K | $89K | Yes |
| VANGUARD CLINICAL INC. 401(K) PLAN | 61 | $927K | $166K | $306K | Yes |
| VANGUARD UTILITY SERVICE, INC. 401(K) PLAN | 34 | $802K | $10K | $27K | Yes |
| VANGUARD PROPERTIES INC 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN & TRUST | 44 | $789K | $114K | $232K | Yes |
| BRETT SYSTEMS, INC. 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN | 12 | $768K | $40K | $83K | Yes |
| PROFIT SHARING PLAN TRUST AGREEMENT | 1 | $743K | N/A | N/A | Yes |
| VANGUARD DENTAL LLC 401(K) PLAN | 7 | $730K | $19K | $46K | Yes |
| VANGUARD HOBBIES, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN | 8 | $690K | N/A | N/A | Yes |
| VANGUARD 401(K) PLAN | 11 | $674K | $0 | $15K | Yes |
| VANGUARD MANAGEMENT SERVICES I, LLC. 401(K) PLAN | 3 | $649K | $6K | $35K | Yes |
| THE VANGUARD EYE INSTITUTE 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN | 2 | $645K | $53K | $30K | Yes |
| VANGUARD REAL ESTATE SOLUTIONS LLC 401K | 25 | $640K | $68K | $132K | Yes |
| VANGUARD CONSTRUCTION CO INC 401K PROFIT SHARING PLAN & TRUST | 8 | $631K | $12K | $79K | Yes |
| VANGUARD ARCHIVES 401(K) PLAN | 15 | $563K | $47K | $45K | Yes |
| VANGUARD SYSTEMS INC D/B/A K2 GROUP PROFIT SHARING PLAN | 2 | $497K | $55K | $54K | Yes |
| VANGUARD PHARMA LLC 401(K) PLAN | 10 | $473K | $27K | $75K | Yes |
| VANGUARD PACIFIC 401(K) PLAN | 12 | $472K | $11K | $32K | Yes |
| CHESAPEAKE VANGUARD DESIGN, INC. PROFIT SHARING PLAN | 3 | $445K | N/A | N/A | Yes |
| PLAN DE RETIRO DE CLINICA | 7 | $437K | $7K | $20K | Yes |
| VANGUARD ELECTRIC 401(K) PLAN | 16 | $420K | $39K | $71K | Yes |
| VANGUARD CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS 401(K) PLAN | 3 | $408K | $15K | $18K | Yes |
| VANGUARD PEST CONTROL CO. INC. 401(K) PLAN | 7 | $400K | $29K | $80K | Yes |
| VANGUARD RESEARCH & TITLE SVCS, INC. 401(K) | 15 | $386K | $12K | $17K | Yes |
| VANGUARD BENEFITS GROUP, LLC 401(K) PLAN | 3 | $385K | $9K | $27K | Yes |
| VANGUARD PLASTIC SURGERY, PLLC 401(K) PLAN | 13 | $377K | $27K | $50K | Yes |
| VANGUARD HEALTH 401(K) | 61 | $333K | $58K | $96K | Yes |
| VANGUARD HEALTHCARE STAFFING, LLC 401(K) PLAN | 4 | $325K | $7K | $1K | Yes |
| HARDY & ASSOCIATES, INC. 401(K) PLAN | 11 | $324K | $21K | $81K | Yes |
| VANGUARD SECURITY 401(K) PLAN | 24 | $313K | $40K | $76K | Yes |
| VANGUARD CULINARY 401(K) PLAN | 214 | $312K | $52K | $125K | Yes |
| VANGUARD MARKETING AND INVESTMENTS, INC. PROFIT SHARING PLAN | 2 | $296K | N/A | N/A | Yes |
| VDG 401(K) PLAN | 16 | $260K | $18K | $24K | Yes |
| VANGUARD FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. 401(K) PLAN | 11 | $257K | $3K | $5K | Yes |
| VANGUARD MANAGEMENT GROUP LLC 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN & TRUST | 24 | $230K | $18K | $35K | Yes |
| VANGUARD LEGAL GROUP, PC RETIREMENT PLAN | 8 | $227K | $118K | N/A | Yes |
| FIRST VANGUARD RENTALS & SALES 401(K) PLAN | 16 | $177K | $32K | $64K | Yes |
| VANGUARD DESIGN INC. 401K PLAN | 15 | $176K | $9K | $46K | Yes |
| VANGUARD LEGAL SOLUTIONS | 5 | $172K | $6K | $9K | Yes |
| VANGUARD LAW, LLC 401(K) PLAN | 3 | $139K | $30K | $19K | Yes |
| VANGUARD TRANSPORTATION LLC | 23 | $126K | $19K | $43K | Yes |
| AW VANGUARD 401(K) | 13 | $113K | N/A | $75K | Yes |
| RETIREMENT FOUNDATIONS 401(K) PLAN FBO VANGUARD VETERINARY CLINIC FM211, P. C. | 3 | $91K | $17K | $14K | Yes |
| VESSEL VANGUARD GROUP 401(K) PLAN | 5 | $86K | $20K | $51K | Yes |
| WHYHR 401(K) PLAN | 5 | $77K | $10K | $41K | Yes |
| VANGUARD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT L 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN & TRUST | 14 | $76K | $18K | $53K | Yes |
| VANGUARD SOLAR 401(K) PLAN | 13 | $72K | $37K | $37K | Yes |
| VANGUARD SETTLEMENT SERVICES 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN & TRUST | 2 | $69K | $24K | $15K | Yes |
| H QUEST 401(K) RETIREMENT PLAN | 10 | $64K | $26K | $34K | Yes |
| VANGUARD VISA LAW PC 401(K) PLAN | 11 | $63K | $0 | $62K | Yes |
| VANGUARD MUSIC AND PERFORMING 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN & TRUST | 30 | $63K | $0 | $24K | Yes |
| VANGUARD REALTY ALLIANCE LLC 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN & TRUST | 3 | $45K | $4K | $6K | Yes |
| VANGUARD PROPERTIES INC 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN & TRUST | 43 | $26K | $0 | $0 | Yes |
| VANGUARD RESTAURANT GROUP, INC. 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN | 12 | $22K | N/A | $463 | Yes |
| VANGUARD AQUATICS - 401K | 43 | $21K | N/A | $7K | Yes |
| VANGUARD MACHINE, INC 401(K) PLAN | 1 | $15K | $0 | $0 | Yes |
| VANGUARD TALENT INC 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN & TRUST | 0 | $9K | $0 | $0 | Yes |
| VANGUARD PLUMBING SERVICES, INC. | 2 | $5K | $2K | $3K | Yes |
| VANGUARD EXECUTIVE SEARCH, INC. 401(K) PLAN/TRUST | 1 | $4K | N/A | $500 | Yes |
| VANGUARD ORGANIZATION, INC. PREVAILING WAGE PROFIT SHARING PLAN AND TRUST | 4 | $3K | $2K | N/A | Yes |
| VANGUARD MEDIA GROUP LLC. 401K | 2 | $2K | $765 | $1K | Yes |
| VANGUARD SOLUTIONS INCORPORATE 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN & TRUST | 0 | $2K | $0 | $0 | Yes |
| VANGUARD MARKETING 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN AND TRUST | 2 | $589 | $5K | $7K | Yes |
| VANGUARD CATASTROPHE CLAIMS SE 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN & TRUST | 0 | $469 | $0 | $0 | Yes |
| VANGUARD PHARMACY INC | 2 | $392 | $182 | $182 | Yes |
| VANGUARD PROTECTIVE SERVICES 401(K) PLAN | 2 | $186 | $0 | $0 | Yes |
| VANGUARD ENTERPRISES, INC 401(K) PLAN | 3 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes |
| VANGUARD ENERGY SERVICES RETIREMENT PLAN | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes |
| VANGUARD VISA LAW PC 401(K) PLAN | 0 | $0 | N/A | $55K | Yes |
| VANGUARD MARKETING 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN AND TRUST | 0 | $0 | $599 | $825 | Yes |
| VANGUARD ARMS 401(K) PLAN | 0 | $0 | $4K | $4K | Yes |
| VANGUARD WINES, LLC 401(K) PLAN | 0 | $0 | $827 | $4K | Yes |
| STREAMLINE CXO RETIREMENT PLAN | 0 | $0 | $11K | $4K | Yes |
| VANGUARD CORPORATE SERVICES LTD PROFIT SHARING PLAN | 0 | $0 | N/A | N/A | Yes |
| VANGUARD CATASTROPHE CLAIMS SE 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN & TRUST | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes |
| VANGUARD GASTROENTEROLOGY LLP 401(K) SAVINGS AND PROFIT SHARING PLAN | 0 | $0 | N/A | N/A | Yes |
| VANGUARD IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS, INC. 401K PLAN | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes |
Plan Type Details
Primary Plan: THE VANGUARD RETIREMENT AND SAVINGS PLAN
Plan Types: DC (401(k)); DC (Money Purchase); DC (Target Benefit); DC (Other); Offset; DC (Stock Bonus); DC (SIMPLE 401(k)); IRA (SIMPLE); 457 Plan
Funded By: Trust
Financial Summary
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Assets (Beginning of Year) | $10,265,984,987 |
| Total Assets (End of Year) | $11,641,134,518 |
| Employer Contributions | $325,692,792 |
| Participant Contributions | $249,564,678 |
| Total Distributions | $614,126,190 |
| Total Income (Gains/Losses) | $1,988,695,365 |
| Total Expenses | $616,341,758 |
| Outstanding Participant Loans | $67,236,178 |
Participant Breakdown
Plan Review & Rating
Editorial rating based on DOL Form 5500 data
Ratings are based on publicly available plan data, participant feedback, and industry benchmarks. Individual experience may vary. This is not financial advice. Data sourced from DOL Form 5500 filings.
People Also Ask About Vanguard 401(k)
The Vanguard 401(k) match is Employer contributions of $12,789 per participant annually (may include profit sharing or non-elective contributions). Compared to the average Fortune 500 match of 4-6% of salary, Vanguard's % maximum is below average. However, your own contributions are always fully vested, and the plan offers other advantages like mega backdoor Roth access. Always contribute at least enough to get the full match - it's free money.
Vesting schedules determine when employer match contributions fully belong to you. Common schedules include immediate vesting, 3-year cliff vesting, or 6-year graded vesting. At Vanguard, with $325.7M in annual employer contributions across the plan, understanding your vesting timeline matters before considering a job change. Contact Vanguard HR for the exact vesting schedule.
Withdrawals from your Vanguard 401(k) are generally available after age 59½, upon separation from service, disability, or financial hardship. The plan processed $614.1M in distributions during the last filing year. Early withdrawals before age 59½ may be subject to a 10% penalty plus income taxes. The Rule of 55 allows penalty-free withdrawals if you leave Vanguard at age 55 or older.
Yes, you can roll over your Vanguard 401(k) to a Traditional IRA (for pre-tax funds) or Roth IRA (for Roth 401(k) funds). With an average balance of $457K per participant, a direct rollover avoids the mandatory 20% withholding that applies to indirect rollovers. Contact your plan administrator or the receiving IRA custodian to initiate the transfer.
Many Fortune 500 companies, including Vanguard, have auto-enrollment features. With 25,466 active participants and $249.6M in annual employee deferrals, the plan demonstrates strong participation. Auto-enrollment typically starts at 3-6% of salary with annual escalation. You can opt out or change your contribution rate at any time through the plan provider portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vanguard offers an employer match of Employer contributions of $12,789 per participant annually (may include profit sharing or non-elective contributions). Use our employer match calculator to see how much free money you could earn.
You can access your Vanguard 401(k) account through the plan provider's participant portal. The plan serves 25,466 active participants. If you're a current or former employee, use the login link above or contact the plan administrator at the phone number listed on this page. First-time users will need to register using their Social Security number and date of birth.
For 2026, Vanguard 401(k) participants can contribute up to $24,500 in employee deferrals. Participants aged 50+ can contribute an additional $8,000 in catch-up contributions (total $32,500). Those aged 60-63 can make super catch-up contributions of $11,250 (total $35,750). Currently, Vanguard participants contribute an average of $9,800 per year in employee deferrals. Employer contributions are separate from these limits.
Many Vanguard 401(k) plans offer loan provisions. As of the latest filing, Vanguard participants had $67.2M in outstanding loans (averaging $2,640 across participants with active loans). The IRS limits 401(k) loans to the lesser of $50,000 or 50% of your vested balance. With an average account balance of $457K in the Vanguard plan, the maximum potential loan amount for a fully vested participant would vary accordingly. Check with your plan administrator for specific loan terms, or see our withdrawal rules guide.
When you leave Vanguard, you have several options for your 401(k): keep it in the plan (if the balance is over $7,000), roll it over to a new employer's plan, roll it to an IRA, or take a cash distribution (subject to taxes and potential penalties). In the most recent filing year, the plan processed $614.1M in distributions to departing or retired participants. Employer match contributions may be subject to a vesting schedule.
According to the most recent Form 5500 filing, the Vanguard 401(k) plan has 25,466 active participants managing $11.6B in plan assets. The average account balance is $457K per participant.
Many major employers, including Vanguard, offer both traditional pre-tax and Roth after-tax 401(k) contribution options. Given that Vanguard participants average $9,800 in annual deferrals, choosing between Roth and traditional depends on whether you expect your tax bracket to be higher or lower in retirement. Contact the Vanguard plan administrator for availability.
The Vanguard 401(k) plan typically offers a range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, actively managed funds, and potentially company stock. The plan generated $2.0B in total investment income during the last filing year. Use our 401(k) calculator to project growth, or log into your account to see current options.
For 2026, Vanguard matches Employer contributions of $12,789 per participant annually (may include profit sharing or non-elective contributions). The 2026 employee deferral limit is $24,500 ($32,500 if 50+, $35,750 if 60-63). Use our match calculator to estimate your free money.
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Disclaimer: Information on this page is sourced from public DOL Form 5500 filings and is provided for educational purposes only. This is not financial, tax, or investment advice. Plan details may have changed since the last filing. Always consult your plan administrator, HR department, or a qualified financial advisor for the most current information about your 401(k) plan. 401K.is is not affiliated with Vanguard or their plan providers.
Last updated: March 2026 | Data source: DOL Form 5500 (Latest Filings) | Filed: 2025-10-10