Updated 2026-03-30
ADP vs TIAA 401(k) Comparison
Compare ADP Retirement Services (#7, 8.1/10) and TIAA (#9, 7.9/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | ADP | TIAA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| Rank | #7 | #9 |
| AUM | $130 billion | $1.3 trillion |
| Participants | 3 million | 5 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 90,000+ | 15,000+ |
| Founded | 1949 | 1918 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | ADP | TIAA |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.4/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.0/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.7/5 | 3.9/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | ADP | TIAA |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $2,000 - $5,000/year base | Varies by institution |
| Expense Ratios | Varies by investment partner | 0.05% - 1.0% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 for TIAA funds |
| Advisory Fees | 0.35% - 0.75% | 0.30% - 1.0% |
ADP Strengths
- Direct payroll integration
- Automatic contribution processing
- Strong compliance support
- Easy setup for ADP payroll clients
TIAA Strengths
- Dominant in education sector
- Strong lifetime income/annuity options
- Mission-aligned for nonprofits
- Excellent retirement income planning
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | ADP | TIAA |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | ADP Retirement Portal | TIAA.org |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via ADP portal, Phone (800-695-7526) | Online via TIAA.org, Phone (800-842-2252), TIAA offices |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Lifetime income annuity, Systematic withdrawals, 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 TIAA if you want:
- Educators
- Nonprofits
- Healthcare workers
- Income-focused retirees
Our Verdict: ADP vs TIAA
ADP Retirement Services wins this comparison with a score of 8.1/10 vs 7.9/10. 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.
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ADP vs TIAA: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between ADP Retirement Services and TIAA for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. ADP offers payroll integration while TIAA is known for education focus. In terms of fees, ADP charges Varies by investment partner expense ratios compared to TIAA's 0.05% - 1.0%. ADP manages $130 billion in assets and serves 3 million participants, while TIAA has $1.3 trillion AUM and 5 million participants.
Key Differences: ADP vs TIAA
When comparing ADP and TIAA, consider their core strengths: ADP excels with direct payroll integration, while TIAA stands out for dominant in education sector. 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 TIAA's 4.3/5. For mobile experience, ADP scores 3.7/5 while TIAA scores 3.9/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose ADP if you prioritize adp payroll users. Choose TIAA if you're looking for educators. 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 TIAA 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 TIAA is best for educators. 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. TIAA charges 0.05% - 1.0% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by institution. ADP's fees rating is 3.4/5 compared to TIAA's 4.0/5.
Yes, you can roll over between ADP and TIAA. ADP uses ADP Retirement Portal for rollovers, while TIAA uses TIAA.org. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
ADP offers 401(k) loans. TIAA 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 TIAA 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. TIAA offers TIAA Funds, CREF Variable Annuities, 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. TIAA is best for educators, nonprofits, healthcare workers, income-focused retirees. Compare admin fees: ADP charges $2,000 - $5,000/year base vs TIAA's Varies by institution.
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