Updated 2026-03-30
ADP vs Transamerica 401(k) Comparison
Compare ADP Retirement Services (#7, 8.1/10) and Transamerica (#11, 7.5/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | ADP | Transamerica |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.1/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Rank | #7 | #11 |
| AUM | $130 billion | $300 billion |
| Participants | 3 million | 6 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 90,000+ | 35,000+ |
| Founded | 1949 | 1904 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | ADP | Transamerica |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.4/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.5/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.0/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.7/5 | 3.5/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | ADP | Transamerica |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $2,000 - $5,000/year base | $750 - $3,000/year |
| Expense Ratios | Varies by investment partner | 0.25% - 1.2% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.35% - 0.75% | 0.35% - 0.85% |
ADP Strengths
- Direct payroll integration
- Automatic contribution processing
- Strong compliance support
- Easy setup for ADP payroll clients
Transamerica Strengths
- complete financial wellness programs
- Flexible plan design options
- Strong educational resources and tools
- Integrated workplace benefits platform
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | ADP | Transamerica |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | ADP Retirement Portal | Transamerica.com |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via ADP portal, Phone (800-695-7526) | Online via Transamerica.com, Phone (800-755-5801) |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, 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 Transamerica if you want:
- Mid-sized companies
- Integrated benefits seekers
- Financial wellness focus
Our Verdict: ADP vs Transamerica
ADP Retirement Services wins this comparison with a score of 8.1/10 vs 7.5/10. 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 Transamerica: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between ADP Retirement Services and Transamerica for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. ADP offers payroll integration while Transamerica is known for workplace benefits. In terms of fees, ADP charges Varies by investment partner expense ratios compared to Transamerica's 0.25% - 1.2%. ADP manages $130 billion in assets and serves 3 million participants, while Transamerica has $300 billion AUM and 6 million participants.
Key Differences: ADP vs Transamerica
When comparing ADP and Transamerica, consider their core strengths: ADP excels with direct payroll integration, while Transamerica stands out for complete financial wellness programs. 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 Transamerica's 3.8/5. For mobile experience, ADP scores 3.7/5 while Transamerica scores 3.5/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose ADP if you prioritize adp payroll users. Choose Transamerica if you're looking for mid-sized companies. 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 Transamerica 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 Transamerica is best for mid-sized companies. 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. Transamerica charges 0.25% - 1.2% expense ratios with admin fees of $750 - $3,000/year. ADP's fees rating is 3.4/5 compared to Transamerica's 3.6/5.
Yes, you can roll over between ADP and Transamerica. ADP uses ADP Retirement Portal for rollovers, while Transamerica uses Transamerica.com. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
ADP offers 401(k) loans. Transamerica 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 Transamerica scores 3.7/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. ADP's investment options include Partner Fund Lineups, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Transamerica offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value.
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. Transamerica is best for mid-sized companies, integrated benefits seekers, financial wellness focus. Compare admin fees: ADP charges $2,000 - $5,000/year base vs Transamerica's $750 - $3,000/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