Updated 2026-03-20
Ascensus vs Employee Fiduciary 401(k) Comparison
Compare Ascensus (#18, 6.8/10) and Employee Fiduciary (#24, 6.2/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Ascensus | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 6.8/10 | 6.2/10 |
| Rank | #18 | #24 |
| AUM | $800 billion | $6 billion |
| Participants | 12 million | 80,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 100,000+ | 3,000+ |
| Founded | 1975 | 2004 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Ascensus | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.5/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.0/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Customer Service | 3.7/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.3/5 | 2.5/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Ascensus | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by advisor and plan | $1,500/year + $30/participant |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.5% | 0.03% - 0.15% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | Set by financial advisor | Included as 3(38) fiduciary |
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
Employee Fiduciary Strengths
- Full 3(38) investment fiduciary services included
- Among the lowest all-in costs
- Consistently rated best by independent reviewers
- Low-cost Vanguard fund lineup
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Ascensus | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Ascensus Portal | Employee Fiduciary Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Through financial advisor, Phone (800-345-6363), Plan administrator portal | Phone (877-401-5100), Online portal |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Ascensus if you want:
- Financial advisor clients
- Businesses wanting advisor-guided plans
- Multi-plan employers
- Open architecture seekers
Choose Employee Fiduciary if you want:
- Cost-conscious small businesses
- Employers wanting fiduciary protection
- Index fund believers
- Plan sponsors seeking simplicity
Our Verdict: Ascensus vs Employee Fiduciary
Ascensus wins this comparison with a score of 6.8/10 vs 6.2/10. Ascensus excels with largest independent recordkeeper in the us, 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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Ascensus vs Employee Fiduciary: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Ascensus and Employee Fiduciary for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Ascensus offers largest independent while Employee Fiduciary is known for 3(38) fiduciary. In terms of fees, Ascensus charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to Employee Fiduciary's 0.03% - 0.15%. Ascensus manages $800 billion in assets and serves 12 million participants, while Employee Fiduciary has $6 billion AUM and 80,000 participants.
Key Differences: Ascensus vs Employee Fiduciary
When comparing Ascensus and Employee Fiduciary, consider their core strengths: Ascensus excels with largest independent recordkeeper in the us, while Employee Fiduciary stands out for full 3(38) investment fiduciary services included. Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Ascensus's customer service rating is 3.7/5 compared to Employee Fiduciary's 4.2/5. For mobile experience, Ascensus scores 3.3/5 while Employee Fiduciary scores 2.5/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Ascensus if you prioritize financial advisor clients. Choose Employee Fiduciary if you're looking for cost-conscious small businesses. 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 Ascensus and Employee Fiduciary provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ascensus scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 6.8/10. Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients, while Employee Fiduciary is best for cost-conscious small businesses. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
Ascensus charges expense ratios of 0.03% - 1.5% with admin fees of Varies by advisor and plan. Employee Fiduciary charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios with admin fees of $1,500/year + $30/participant. Ascensus's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Employee Fiduciary's 4.8/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Ascensus and Employee Fiduciary. Ascensus uses Ascensus Portal for rollovers, while Employee Fiduciary uses Employee Fiduciary Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Ascensus offers 401(k) loans. Employee Fiduciary offers 401(k) loans. Both providers typically allow loans up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.
Ascensus scores 4.0/5 for investment options, while Employee Fiduciary scores 3.2/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Ascensus's investment options include Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds. Employee Fiduciary offers Vanguard Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Bond Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients, businesses wanting advisor-guided plans, multi-plan employers, open architecture seekers. Employee Fiduciary is best for cost-conscious small businesses, employers wanting fiduciary protection, index fund believers, plan sponsors seeking simplicity. Compare admin fees: Ascensus charges Varies by advisor and plan vs Employee Fiduciary's $1,500/year + $30/participant.
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