VTSAX on Robinhood: Can You Buy It, and What to Do Instead?
So you opened your Robinhood app, typed ‘VTSAX’ into the search bar, and… nothing happened. You’re not crazy. You’ve probably seen VTSAX recommended everywhere as a smart, simple investment, so it’s natural to wonder if you’re missing something. The good news is there’s a simple reason why, and an even simpler solution.
The issue isn’t with your app or your search skills; it’s about what VTSAX actually is. In practice, it’s a specific type of fund that Robinhood’s platform isn’t designed to trade, similar to how some stores only carry certain brands. This is a common point of confusion for new investors, but it’s an easy hurdle to clear once you know the secret.
Fortunately, there is a nearly identical investment—run by the same company with the same goal—that you can buy instantly on Robinhood. This guide will show you exactly what to search for instead, how it’s basically the same thing, and the clear steps to build a total market portfolio with Robinhood. Let’s turn that search bar confusion into your first confident investment.
The 1-Minute Explanation: Why Robinhood Doesn’t List VTSAX
The reason VTSAX is missing comes down to a behind-the-scenes difference in how certain funds are bought and sold. VTSAX is a mutual fund. Think of a mutual fund like placing a takeout order at a restaurant that only processes all its orders once, at a set price, after closing time. You can put your order in anytime, but it only gets filled at the end of the day. This is how many traditional investment funds operate.
Robinhood, on the other hand, is built for the fast-paced world of ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds). An ETF trades just like a stock—you can buy or sell it instantly, any time the stock market is open, at a price that changes from second to second. Robinhood’s platform is designed for this live, on-demand trading experience.
Because Robinhood is structured for the instant trading of stocks and ETFs, it isn’t set up for the “end-of-day” system that mutual funds like VTSAX use. But this isn’t a dead end. In fact, there is an ETF that is virtually identical to VTSAX, built by the same company, that you can buy on Robinhood.
Meet VTI: The Robinhood-Friendly Twin to VTSAX
The ETF we mentioned—the nearly identical twin to VTSAX—is called the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF, and its ticker symbol is VTI. This three-letter code is precisely what you need to search for on Robinhood to achieve your goal of investing in the entire U.S. stock market with a single purchase.
Essentially, VTI is VTSAX’s sibling, just repackaged for easy trading. It’s created and managed by the exact same company (Vanguard) and is built to do the exact same job: own a tiny slice of over 3,000 U.S. companies, from giants like Apple and Amazon to much smaller businesses. You aren’t settling for a lesser alternative; you’re simply choosing the version that’s compatible with Robinhood’s platform.
Because both funds share the same goal and the same manager, their contents are virtually the same. You get the same powerful diversification and low-cost philosophy, just in a format that you can trade instantly during market hours. So, when you type ‘VTI’ into your app, you are effectively buying the total stock market, just as you intended.
Is VTI Just as Good? A Side-by-Side Reality Check
It’s a fair question. When you’re investing your money, you want to be sure you’re getting the real deal. The great news is that for all practical purposes, VTI and VTSAX are the same investment. You’re not picking a “B-team” player; you’re just using the key that fits Robinhood’s door.
Here’s how they compare on the three things that matter most for a beginner investor:
- Holdings: Both funds own the exact same collection of 3,500+ U.S. stocks, including giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon. This gives you instant diversification, which is the powerful strategy of not putting all your eggs in one basket.
- Creator: Both are managed by the same reputable company, Vanguard.
- Cost (Expense Ratio): Both have famously low fees. The expense ratio—a tiny annual fee for managing the fund—is 0.03% for VTI and 0.04% for VTSAX.
That tiny difference in cost is the most significant distinction between them, and it’s almost too small to notice. A 0.03% expense ratio means you pay just 30 cents per year for every $1,000 you invest. With VTSAX, you’d pay 40 cents. The difference is literally a dime a year on a thousand-dollar investment.
VTI gives you the same powerful diversification and ownership of the total stock market as VTSAX, with a nearly identical cost. You can confidently buy VTI on Robinhood knowing you’re achieving the exact goal you set out to accomplish.
How to Buy VTI on Robinhood in 3 Simple Steps
Ready to make it happen? The best part about investing in VTI on Robinhood is that you don’t need a lot of money to start. While a single share of VTI can cost over $200, Robinhood lets you buy a small piece—or a “fractional share”—of it. This means you can get started with as little as $1. This powerful feature, often called dollar-based investing, puts you in control.
This guide will walk you through the exact clicks. It’s even easier than ordering food delivery.
- Search for VTI: Open your Robinhood app and tap the search icon (a magnifying glass) at the bottom. In the search bar at the top, type in VTI.
- Review and Tap ‘Trade’: The first result should be “Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF.” Tap on it to see the fund’s details. When you’re ready, tap the green “Trade” button at the bottom.
- Place Your Buy Order: Select “Buy.” You’ll be asked to enter an amount. Instead of choosing shares, make sure you’re entering a dollar amount. Type in whatever you’re comfortable with—$10, $50, $100—and Robinhood will buy the corresponding slice of a VTI share for you. Review the order and swipe up to submit.
And that’s it! By making that one purchase, you’ve become a part-owner in thousands of U.S. companies.
Put Your Investments on Autopilot: Setting Up Recurring Buys for VTI
Buying your first piece of VTI is a huge step. But logging in every week or payday to do it all over again can feel like a chore. Thankfully, you can put this entire process on autopilot. By setting up a recurring investment, you can automatically build a total market portfolio on Robinhood without lifting a finger. It’s the ultimate ‘set it and forget it’ strategy for growing your money.
This automated approach does more than save time; it’s a powerful strategy for success because it takes emotion out of investing. You’re simply buying a consistent amount whether the market is up or down. This consistency is the secret sauce for turning small, regular contributions into significant wealth over time without the stress of trying to guess the market’s next move.
When you go to buy VTI, look for an option to schedule your investment. You can choose to invest a set amount daily, weekly, or monthly—whatever fits your budget. By turning on this feature, you’re not just buying an investment; you’re building a disciplined habit that makes you a confident, long-term investor.
From Confused to Confident: You Now Own the Whole Market
You came here trying to solve a puzzle: why the famous VTSAX wasn’t showing up in your Robinhood app. You’ve not only solved that mystery but also unlocked the core difference between a mutual fund and an ETF—a concept that trips up many new investors. More importantly, you now know its nearly identical twin, VTI, is the key you were looking for.
Your next step is simple and powerful. Open the app and try investing in VTI, even with a small amount. This single action is how you begin to build a total market portfolio without the stress of picking individual stocks. With this one purchase, you’ve put the principle of diversification to work for you immediately.
Forget the feeling of trying to find a needle in a haystack. You’re no longer guessing which company will win; you’re betting on the entire field. By understanding the VTSAX and Robinhood dynamic, you’ve learned how to own a small piece of thousands of companies. You’re not just trading—you’re methodically building wealth.