Updated 2026-03-30
ADP vs Nationwide 401(k) Comparison
Compare ADP Retirement Services (#7, 8.1/10) and Nationwide (#13, 7.3/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | ADP | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.1/10 | 7.3/10 |
| Rank | #7 | #13 |
| AUM | $130 billion | $250 billion |
| Participants | 3 million | 3.5 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 90,000+ | 30,000+ |
| Founded | 1949 | 1926 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | ADP | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.4/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.7/5 | 3.4/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | ADP | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $2,000 - $5,000/year base | $800 - $3,500/year |
| Expense Ratios | Varies by investment partner | 0.30% - 1.3% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.35% - 0.75% | 0.45% - 0.95% |
ADP Strengths
- Direct payroll integration
- Automatic contribution processing
- Strong compliance support
- Easy setup for ADP payroll clients
Nationwide Strengths
- Strong in 403(b) and 457 plans
- Guaranteed lifetime income options
- Good public sector solutions
- Stable value fund options
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | ADP | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | ADP Retirement Portal | Nationwide.com |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via ADP portal, Phone (800-695-7526) | Online via Nationwide.com, Phone (877-677-3678) |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Guaranteed lifetime income, Rollover to IRA |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose ADP if you want:
- ADP payroll users
- Multi-state employers
- HR bundle seekers
- Compliance-focused companies
Choose Nationwide if you want:
- Public sector employees
- Teachers and nonprofits
- Guaranteed income seekers
Our Verdict: ADP vs Nationwide
ADP Retirement Services wins this comparison with a score of 8.1/10 vs 7.3/10. 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 Nationwide: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between ADP Retirement Services and Nationwide for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. ADP offers payroll integration while Nationwide is known for public sector. In terms of fees, ADP charges Varies by investment partner expense ratios compared to Nationwide's 0.30% - 1.3%. ADP manages $130 billion in assets and serves 3 million participants, while Nationwide has $250 billion AUM and 3.5 million participants.
Key Differences: ADP vs Nationwide
When comparing ADP and Nationwide, consider their core strengths: ADP excels with direct payroll integration, while Nationwide stands out for strong in 403(b) and 457 plans. 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 Nationwide's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, ADP scores 3.7/5 while Nationwide scores 3.4/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose ADP if you prioritize adp payroll users. Choose Nationwide if you're looking for public sector employees. 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 Nationwide 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 Nationwide is best for public sector employees. 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. Nationwide charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios with admin fees of $800 - $3,500/year. ADP's fees rating is 3.4/5 compared to Nationwide's 3.4/5.
Yes, you can roll over between ADP and Nationwide. ADP uses ADP Retirement Portal for rollovers, while Nationwide uses Nationwide.com. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
ADP offers 401(k) loans. Nationwide 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 Nationwide scores 3.5/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. ADP's investment options include Partner Fund Lineups, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Nationwide 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. Nationwide is best for public sector employees, teachers and nonprofits, guaranteed income seekers. Compare admin fees: ADP charges $2,000 - $5,000/year base vs Nationwide's $800 - $3,500/year.
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: 2026-03-30