Updated 2026-03-20

ADP vs Lincoln Financial 401(k) Comparison

Compare ADP Retirement Services (#7, 8.1/10) and Lincoln Financial (#17, 6.9/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeatureADPLincoln Financial
Overall Score8.1/106.9/10
Rank#7#17
AUM$130 billion$350 billion
Participants3 million8 million
Plan Sponsors90,000+10,000+
Founded19491905

Ratings Comparison

CategoryADPLincoln Financial
Fees & Costs3.4/53.3/5
Investment Options3.5/53.8/5
Customer Service4.0/53.9/5
Mobile App3.7/53.4/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypeADPLincoln Financial
Admin Fees$2,000 - $5,000/year baseVaries by plan size
Expense RatiosVaries by investment partner0.10% - 1.5%
Trading FeesPlan dependentPlan dependent
Advisory Fees0.35% - 0.75%0.40% - 1.0%

ADP Strengths

Lincoln Financial Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeatureADPLincoln Financial
Rollover PlatformADP Retirement PortalLincoln Financial Portal
Loans AvailableYesYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via ADP portal, Phone (800-695-7526)Online via Lincoln Financial portal, Phone (800-454-6265), Through plan administrator
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, Annuity conversion, 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 Lincoln Financial if you want:

  • Companies wanting guaranteed income options
  • Insurance-focused employers
  • Mid-size to large plans
  • Annuity seekers

Our Verdict: ADP vs Lincoln Financial

ADP Retirement Services wins this comparison with a score of 8.1/10 vs 6.9/10. 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.

Full ADP Review Full Lincoln Financial Review

Other Popular Comparisons

Fidelity vs Lincoln Financial

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

 Vanguard vs Lincoln Financial

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

 Schwab vs Lincoln Financial

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

 Empower vs Lincoln Financial

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

 T. Rowe Price vs Lincoln Financial

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

 Principal vs Lincoln Financial

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

ADP vs Lincoln Financial: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026

Choosing between ADP Retirement Services and Lincoln Financial for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. ADP offers payroll integration while Lincoln Financial is known for top 10 recordkeeper. In terms of fees, ADP charges Varies by investment partner expense ratios compared to Lincoln Financial's 0.10% - 1.5%. ADP manages $130 billion in assets and serves 3 million participants, while Lincoln Financial has $350 billion AUM and 8 million participants.

Key Differences: ADP vs Lincoln Financial

When comparing ADP and Lincoln Financial, consider their core strengths: ADP excels with direct payroll integration, while Lincoln Financial stands out for strong guaranteed income and annuity options. 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 Lincoln Financial's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, ADP scores 3.7/5 while Lincoln Financial scores 3.4/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose ADP if you prioritize adp payroll users. Choose Lincoln Financial if you're looking for companies wanting guaranteed income options. 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 Lincoln Financial 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 Lincoln Financial is best for companies wanting guaranteed income options. 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. Lincoln Financial charges 0.10% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by plan size. ADP's fees rating is 3.4/5 compared to Lincoln Financial's 3.3/5.

Yes, you can roll over between ADP and Lincoln Financial. ADP uses ADP Retirement Portal for rollovers, while Lincoln Financial uses Lincoln Financial Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.

ADP offers 401(k) loans. Lincoln Financial 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 Lincoln Financial scores 3.8/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. ADP's investment options include Partner Fund Lineups, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Lincoln Financial offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Fixed Annuities.

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. Lincoln Financial is best for companies wanting guaranteed income options, insurance-focused employers, mid-size to large plans, annuity seekers. Compare admin fees: ADP charges $2,000 - $5,000/year base vs Lincoln Financial's Varies by plan size.

Pavlo Pyskunov

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