Updated 2026-03-30
Empower vs Nationwide 401(k) Comparison
Compare Empower Retirement (#4, 8.7/10) and Nationwide (#13, 7.3/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Empower | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.7/10 | 7.3/10 |
| Rank | #4 | #13 |
| AUM | $1.4 trillion | $250 billion |
| Participants | 18 million | 3.5 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 71,000+ | 30,000+ |
| Founded | 2014 | 1926 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Empower | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.3/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.2/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.8/5 | 3.4/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Empower | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size | $800 - $3,500/year |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.0% | 0.30% - 1.3% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.25% - 0.89% | 0.45% - 0.95% |
Empower Strengths
- Strong participant education programs
- Excellent plan sponsor tools
- Competitive institutional pricing
- Personal Capital integration for all-in-one planning
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 | Empower | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Empower.com | Nationwide.com |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Empower.com, Phone (800-338-4015) | Online via Nationwide.com, Phone (877-677-3678) |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Annuity purchase, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Guaranteed lifetime income, Rollover to IRA |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Empower if you want:
- Mid to large employers
- Those valuing education
- Managed account seekers
- Income-focused retirees
Choose Nationwide if you want:
- Public sector employees
- Teachers and nonprofits
- Guaranteed income seekers
Our Verdict: Empower vs Nationwide
Empower Retirement wins this comparison with a score of 8.7/10 vs 7.3/10. Empower excels with strong participant education programs, 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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Empower vs Nationwide: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Empower Retirement and Nationwide for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Empower offers 2nd largest while Nationwide is known for public sector. In terms of fees, Empower charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to Nationwide's 0.30% - 1.3%. Empower manages $1.4 trillion in assets and serves 18 million participants, while Nationwide has $250 billion AUM and 3.5 million participants.
Key Differences: Empower vs Nationwide
When comparing Empower and Nationwide, consider their core strengths: Empower excels with strong participant education programs, 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. Empower's customer service rating is 4.3/5 compared to Nationwide's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, Empower scores 3.8/5 while Nationwide scores 3.4/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Empower if you prioritize mid to large employers. 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 Empower and Nationwide provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Empower Retirement scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 8.7/10. Empower is best for mid to large employers, while Nationwide is best for public sector employees. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
Empower charges expense ratios of 0.03% - 1.0% with admin fees of Varies by plan size. Nationwide charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios with admin fees of $800 - $3,500/year. Empower's fees rating is 4.3/5 compared to Nationwide's 3.4/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Empower and Nationwide. Empower uses Empower.com for rollovers, while Nationwide uses Nationwide.com. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Empower 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.
Empower scores 4.2/5 for investment options, while Nationwide scores 3.5/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Empower's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Mutual Funds. Nationwide offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Fixed Annuities.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Empower is best for mid to large employers, those valuing education, managed account seekers, income-focused retirees. Nationwide is best for public sector employees, teachers and nonprofits, guaranteed income seekers. Compare admin fees: Empower charges Varies by plan size 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