
To start, you can apply for a Vanguard 403(b) plan through their website, 403b.services.com. This is a convenient option for those who want to manage their retirement savings online.
You'll need to create an account and log in to access the application. Vanguard offers a range of investment options to suit different risk tolerance and financial goals.
The application process typically takes about 30 minutes to complete, and you'll need to provide some basic information about yourself and your employer.
Choosing a Provider
When selecting a provider for your Vanguard 403(b) Services, consider the importance of trust and experience. You can build for your future through low-cost mutual funds.
A mutual fund is a type of investment that pools shareholder money and invests it in a variety of securities. Each investor owns shares of the fund and can buy or sell these shares at any time.
Index funds are a type of mutual fund that seeks to track the performance of a particular market index. They're professionally managed and typically more diversified and low-cost than investing in individual securities.
To ensure your loved ones are taken care of, designate a beneficiary to receive the proceeds of your investment account after you pass away. A beneficiary is a person or organization designated to receive the proceeds.
A different take: What Is B Shares
Cost & Fees
Vanguard 403(b) Services offers transparent recordkeeping fees. Our fees are clear and straightforward, with just 2 types of fees: a monthly recordkeeping fee of $5 per plan participant ($60 annually) and the investment expense (expense ratio) for each fund you choose for your account.
Plan participants will never find a hidden fee or charge. That means no front-or back-end loads, commissions, surrender charges, or asset-based administration “wrap” fees. And we don’t charge you for taking a distribution from your account, as many of our competitors do.
The expense ratio is the annual operating expenses of a mutual fund or ETF, expressed as a percentage of the fund's average net assets. For example, if you had $10,000 invested in a fund with an expense ratio of 0.20%, you'd pay about $20 a year out of your investment returns.
Here's a comparison of Vanguard fees with the competition:
Our competitors can charge twice as many individual fees, making Vanguard 403(b) Services one of the lowest-cost 403(b) plans available. Anyone who contributes to a retirement plan, or is retired and receiving benefits from it, can benefit from Vanguard's transparent fees.
Broaden your view: Solo 401k Cost
Plan Sponsors and Participants

As a plan sponsor, you'll be pleased to know that Vanguard 403(b) Services provides premier recordkeeping to keep your plan organized and up-to-date.
Vanguard 403(b) Services partners with Newport Group to offer day-to-day support from an assigned client services team, giving you the help you need when you need it.
This team will work with you to ensure your plan is managed easily and efficiently, freeing up your time to focus on other important tasks.
A fresh viewpoint: 403 B Dc Plan
What Plan Sponsors Need to Know
As a plan sponsor, it's essential to understand what services are available to support your 403(b) plan. Vanguard 403(b) Services provides premier recordkeeping.
You'll have an assigned client services team to handle day-to-day support. This team is in partnership with Newport Group.
Having a dedicated team can make a big difference in managing your plan. They'll be there to answer questions and provide guidance when you need it.
Plan sponsors can rely on Vanguard 403(b) Services for easy plan management. This includes handling administrative tasks and providing support.
A well-managed plan can lead to increased participant satisfaction. By having a partner like Vanguard 403(b) Services, you can focus on what matters most - your participants.
Plan Participants' Essentials
You can build for your future today with low-cost funds and dedicated support through Vanguard 403(b) Services.
Low-cost funds are a great way to start building your future, and Vanguard 403(b) Services offers just that.
With dedicated support, you'll have a team behind you to help you make informed decisions about your retirement savings.
Building for your future today means taking control of your financial security, and Vanguard 403(b) Services can help you get started.
Application and Transfer
To establish a Vanguard 403(b)(7) account, you'll need to complete the New Account Application and Asset Transfer Form.
Print the form clearly in capital letters and black ink.
You can download the form from Vanguard's website at www.vanguard.com, or call them to order it at 1-800-662-2003.
To initiate a transfer of assets from your existing 403(b) annuity contract or 403(b)(7) custodial account, complete Sections 3 and 4 of the form.
If you're opening a new account without transferring assets, skip those sections.
For another approach, see: Pension Risk Transfer Market
The form requires you to provide employee information, including your Social Security Number, date of birth, name, and address.
You'll also need to indicate the type of plan you're applying for, such as an existing employer program or a new custodial account.
Here are the options for plan information:
- My employer has an existing 403(b)(7) program at Vanguard and I am a new participant.
- This is a new 403(b)(7) program at Vanguard for my employer.
- I have an existing 403(b)(7) custodial account at Vanguard and I am changing employers.
- This is an asset transfer.
- My Vanguard 403(b)(7) custodial account will be used solely for accepting 403(b)(7) asset transfers from another financial institution and I will not be making any current employee or employer contributions.
- This will be opened as a frozen account.
- This is a new 403(b)(7) custodial account to which my employer will make salary reduction contributions. I also wish to initiate an asset transfer.
Return the completed form and any required documents in the enclosed postage-paid envelope, or mail to The Vanguard Group, Small Business Services, P. O. Box 1106, Valley Forge, PA 19482-1106.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the phone number for Vanguard 403b services?
For Vanguard 403b services, call 877-859-5756. This number is for retirement plan recordkeeping and administrative services provided by The Vanguard Group, Inc.
How to set up a 403b account?
To set up a 403(b) account, enroll with your selected vendor and complete your employer's salary reduction agreement. This will allow you to start contributing to your account, either pre- or post-tax.
How much does it cost to set up a 403b?
Costs for setting up a 403(b) plan vary widely, ranging from 0.49% to 1.48% of assets annually. Learn more about the fees associated with small 403(b) plans and how to minimize them
Sources
- https://investor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans/403b-plans/participant
- https://investor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans/403b-plans/sponsor
- https://investor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans/403b-plans/low-cost
- https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/362627/vanguard-403b7-new-account-application-and-asset-transfer-form
- https://formspal.com/pdf-forms/other/vanguard-403-b-form/
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