Updated 2026-03-20
ADP vs Ascensus 401(k) Comparison
Compare ADP Retirement Services (#7, 8.1/10) and Ascensus (#18, 6.8/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | ADP | Ascensus |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.1/10 | 6.8/10 |
| Rank | #7 | #18 |
| AUM | $130 billion | $800 billion |
| Participants | 3 million | 12 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 90,000+ | 100,000+ |
| Founded | 1949 | 1975 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | ADP | Ascensus |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.4/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.0/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.7/5 | 3.3/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | ADP | Ascensus |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $2,000 - $5,000/year base | Varies by advisor and plan |
| Expense Ratios | Varies by investment partner | 0.03% - 1.5% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.35% - 0.75% | Set by financial advisor |
ADP Strengths
- Direct payroll integration
- Automatic contribution processing
- Strong compliance support
- Easy setup for ADP payroll clients
Ascensus Strengths
- Largest independent recordkeeper in the US
- Works through financial advisor network
- Supports 401(k), IRA, 529, and HSA plans
- Strong compliance and administration
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | ADP | Ascensus |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | ADP Retirement Portal | Ascensus Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via ADP portal, Phone (800-695-7526) | Through financial advisor, Phone (800-345-6363), Plan administrator portal |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose ADP if you want:
- ADP payroll users
- Multi-state employers
- HR bundle seekers
- Compliance-focused companies
Choose Ascensus if you want:
- Financial advisor clients
- Businesses wanting advisor-guided plans
- Multi-plan employers
- Open architecture seekers
Our Verdict: ADP vs Ascensus
ADP Retirement Services wins this comparison with a score of 8.1/10 vs 6.8/10. ADP excels with direct payroll integration, making it the stronger choice for most investors in this matchup. However, the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, employer plan availability, and investment preferences.
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ADP vs Ascensus: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between ADP Retirement Services and Ascensus for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. ADP offers payroll integration while Ascensus is known for largest independent. In terms of fees, ADP charges Varies by investment partner expense ratios compared to Ascensus's 0.03% - 1.5%. ADP manages $130 billion in assets and serves 3 million participants, while Ascensus has $800 billion AUM and 12 million participants.
Key Differences: ADP vs Ascensus
When comparing ADP and Ascensus, consider their core strengths: ADP excels with direct payroll integration, while Ascensus stands out for largest independent recordkeeper in the us. Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. ADP's customer service rating is 4.0/5 compared to Ascensus's 3.7/5. For mobile experience, ADP scores 3.7/5 while Ascensus scores 3.3/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose ADP if you prioritize adp payroll users. Choose Ascensus if you're looking for financial advisor clients. Your decision should also consider your employer's plan availability, fee sensitivity, desired investment options, and customer service expectations. For detailed reviews, visit our individual ADP and Ascensus provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
ADP Retirement Services scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 8.1/10. ADP is best for adp payroll users, while Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
ADP charges expense ratios of Varies by investment partner with admin fees of $2,000 - $5,000/year base. Ascensus charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by advisor and plan. ADP's fees rating is 3.4/5 compared to Ascensus's 3.5/5.
Yes, you can roll over between ADP and Ascensus. ADP uses ADP Retirement Portal for rollovers, while Ascensus uses Ascensus Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
ADP offers 401(k) loans. Ascensus offers 401(k) loans. Both providers typically allow loans up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.
ADP scores 3.5/5 for investment options, while Ascensus scores 4.0/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. ADP's investment options include Partner Fund Lineups, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Ascensus offers Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. ADP is best for adp payroll users, multi-state employers, hr bundle seekers, compliance-focused companies. Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients, businesses wanting advisor-guided plans, multi-plan employers, open architecture seekers. Compare admin fees: ADP charges $2,000 - $5,000/year base vs Ascensus's Varies by advisor and plan.
Pavlo Pyskunov
Managing Director & Investment Fund Director
Pavlo Pyskunov analyzes employer-sponsored retirement plans using IRS publications and DOL Form 5500 filings, helping workers maximize their 401(k) savings through data-driven guidance.
Last updated: 2026-03-20