Updated 2026-03-20
Ascensus vs Slavic401k 401(k) Comparison
Compare Ascensus (#18, 6.8/10) and Slavic401k (#25, 6.1/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Ascensus | Slavic401k |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 6.8/10 | 6.1/10 |
| Rank | #18 | #25 |
| AUM | $800 billion | $3 billion |
| Participants | 12 million | 50,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 100,000+ | 2,500+ |
| Founded | 1975 | 1995 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Ascensus | Slavic401k |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.5/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.0/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Customer Service | 3.7/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.3/5 | 3.0/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Ascensus | Slavic401k |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by advisor and plan | $1,200 - $2,500/year + per-participant |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.5% | Varies by investment choice |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 for stocks/ETFs, varies for options |
| Advisory Fees | Set by financial advisor | N/A - self-directed |
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
Slavic401k Strengths
- Full self-directed brokerage within 401(k)
- Trade individual stocks, ETFs, options
- Maximum investment flexibility
- TD Ameritrade/Schwab brokerage window
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Ascensus | Slavic401k |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Ascensus Portal | Slavic401k Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Through financial advisor, Phone (800-345-6363), Plan administrator portal | Phone (800-356-3009), Online portal |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, In-kind transfer of securities, 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 Slavic401k if you want:
- Self-directed investors
- Active traders
- Sophisticated investors
- Those wanting maximum 401(k) flexibility
Our Verdict: Ascensus vs Slavic401k
Ascensus wins this comparison with a score of 6.8/10 vs 6.1/10. 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 Slavic401k: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Ascensus and Slavic401k for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Ascensus offers largest independent while Slavic401k is known for self-directed. In terms of fees, Ascensus charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to Slavic401k's Varies by investment choice. Ascensus manages $800 billion in assets and serves 12 million participants, while Slavic401k has $3 billion AUM and 50,000 participants.
Key Differences: Ascensus vs Slavic401k
When comparing Ascensus and Slavic401k, consider their core strengths: Ascensus excels with largest independent recordkeeper in the us, while Slavic401k stands out for full self-directed brokerage within 401(k). 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 Slavic401k's 3.4/5. For mobile experience, Ascensus scores 3.3/5 while Slavic401k scores 3.0/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Ascensus if you prioritize financial advisor clients. Choose Slavic401k if you're looking for self-directed investors. 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 Slavic401k provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ascensus scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 6.8/10. Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients, while Slavic401k is best for self-directed investors. 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. Slavic401k charges Varies by investment choice expense ratios with admin fees of $1,200 - $2,500/year + per-participant. Ascensus's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Slavic401k's 3.2/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Ascensus and Slavic401k. Ascensus uses Ascensus Portal for rollovers, while Slavic401k uses Slavic401k Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Ascensus offers 401(k) loans. Slavic401k 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 Slavic401k scores 4.8/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Ascensus's investment options include Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds. Slavic401k offers Individual Stocks, ETFs, Mutual 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. Slavic401k is best for self-directed investors, active traders, sophisticated investors, those wanting maximum 401(k) flexibility. Compare admin fees: Ascensus charges Varies by advisor and plan vs Slavic401k's $1,200 - $2,500/year + per-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