VTI vs SCHD: Head-to-Head Comparison
VTI vs SCHD: Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF has an expense ratio of 0.03% while Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF charges 0.06%. VTI holds 3,644 securities vs SCHD's 103. 5-year returns: 15.20% vs 12.10%.
Last updated: April 2026
Total Market vs Dividend
Quick Verdict
VTI edges out SCHD with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9.5 vs 9). It offers lower fees for new investors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% |
| AUM | $430.0B | $62.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 3.40% |
| Holdings | 3,644 | 103 |
| 1-Year Return | 25.80% | 12.90% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 15.20% | 12.10% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 12.80% | 11.50% |
| Beta | 1.00 | 0.82 |
| P/E Ratio | 24.5 | 16.8 |
VTI 5-year annualized return is 15.20% compared to SCHD's 12.10%. Over 10 years, VTI returned 12.80% vs SCHD's 11.50%.
View data table
| Period | VTI Return | SCHD Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 2.90% | 1.80% |
| 1 Year | 25.80% | 12.90% |
| 3 Year | 10.20% | 7.20% |
| 5 Year | 15.20% | 12.10% |
| 10 Year | 12.80% | 11.50% |
Key Differences Between VTI and SCHD
VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) is a u.s. total market fund managed by Vanguard. VTI gives you exposure to the entire U.S. stock market in one fund, covering large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies. With over 3,600 holdings, it is one of the most diversified U.S. equity ETFs you can buy. Beginners often choose VTI over S&P 500 funds because it includes smaller companies that have historically provided additional growth potential.
SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) is a u.s. large-cap dividend fund managed by Charles Schwab. SCHD focuses on high-quality U.S. companies with strong track records of paying and growing dividends. It uses a rules-based approach to select about 100 stocks that have consistently paid dividends for at least 10 years. Beginners who want both income and growth often find SCHD attractive because it combines a solid dividend yield with quality stock selection at a very low cost.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.03% vs 0.06%), number of holdings (3,644 vs 103), and 5-year returns (15.20% vs 12.10%).
VTI vs SCHD multi-factor comparison: VTI has a 0.03% expense ratio, 15.20% 5-year return, 3,644 holdings, 1.00 beta, and 1.30% yield. SCHD has 0.06% expense ratio, 12.10% 5-year return, 103 holdings, 0.82 beta, and 3.40% yield.
View data table
| Metric | VTI | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% |
| 5-Year Return | 15.20% | 12.10% |
| Holdings | 3,644 | 103 |
| Beta | 1.00 | 0.82 |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 3.40% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
0%
Holdings Overlap
VTI and SCHD share only 0% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
VTI and SCHD share 0% of their top holdings (low overlap). VTI has 3,644 total holdings and SCHD has 103.
View data table
| Metric | VTI | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 0% | 0% |
| Unique Holdings | 100% | 100% |
| Total Holdings | 3,644 | 103 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
VTI
Fee cost: $258
SCHD
Fee cost: $515
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $257 on a $10,000 investment. VTI saves you more in fees over time.
On a $10,000 investment over 20 years at 8% return, VTI (0.03% fee) grows to $46,351 while SCHD (0.06% fee) grows to $46,094. The fee difference costs $257.
View data table
| Year | VTI Value | SCHD Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,673 | $14,653 |
| 10 | $21,529 | $21,470 |
| 15 | $31,590 | $31,458 |
| 20 | $46,351 | $46,094 |
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose VTI if: You want investors who want complete u.s. stock market coverage in a single fund, beginners building a simple two-fund or three-fund portfolio, long-term investors who want small-cap exposure alongside large-caps. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.03%.
Choose SCHD if: You want income-focused investors who want a reliable and growing dividend stream, conservative investors who prefer lower volatility with quality companies, retirees or pre-retirees building a dividend income portfolio. It's managed by Charles Schwab with an expense ratio of 0.06%.
Can You Own Both VTI and SCHD?
Absolutely! With only 0% overlap, VTI and SCHD complement each other well. A simple portfolio might allocate 60% to one and 40% to the other, or you could pair them with a bond ETF like BND for a complete three-fund portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy VTI or SCHD?▾
VTI edges out SCHD with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9.5 vs 9). It offers lower fees for new investors. However, both are solid options. VTI is best for investors who want investors who want complete u.s. stock market coverage in a single fund, while SCHD is better suited for income-focused investors who want a reliable and growing dividend stream.
What is the difference between VTI and SCHD?▾
VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) tracks u.s. total market investments with 3,644 holdings and a 0.03% expense ratio. SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) focuses on u.s. large-cap dividend with 103 holdings at 0.06%. Their top holdings overlap by 0%.
Can I own both VTI and SCHD?▾
Yes! With only 0% holdings overlap, VTI and SCHD complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.