Updated 2026-03-30
Empower vs TIAA 401(k) Comparison
Compare Empower Retirement (#4, 8.7/10) and TIAA (#9, 7.9/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Empower | TIAA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| Rank | #4 | #9 |
| AUM | $1.4 trillion | $1.3 trillion |
| Participants | 18 million | 5 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 71,000+ | 15,000+ |
| Founded | 2014 | 1918 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Empower | TIAA |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.3/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.2/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.8/5 | 3.9/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Empower | TIAA |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size | Varies by institution |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.0% | 0.05% - 1.0% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 for TIAA funds |
| Advisory Fees | 0.25% - 0.89% | 0.30% - 1.0% |
Empower Strengths
- Strong participant education programs
- Excellent plan sponsor tools
- Competitive institutional pricing
- Personal Capital integration for all-in-one planning
TIAA Strengths
- Dominant in education sector
- Strong lifetime income/annuity options
- Mission-aligned for nonprofits
- Excellent retirement income planning
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Empower | TIAA |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Empower.com | TIAA.org |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Empower.com, Phone (800-338-4015) | Online via TIAA.org, Phone (800-842-2252), TIAA offices |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Annuity purchase, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Lifetime income annuity, Systematic withdrawals, 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 TIAA if you want:
- Educators
- Nonprofits
- Healthcare workers
- Income-focused retirees
Our Verdict: Empower vs TIAA
Empower Retirement wins this comparison with a score of 8.7/10 vs 7.9/10. 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 TIAA: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Empower Retirement and TIAA for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Empower offers 2nd largest while TIAA is known for education focus. In terms of fees, Empower charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to TIAA's 0.05% - 1.0%. Empower manages $1.4 trillion in assets and serves 18 million participants, while TIAA has $1.3 trillion AUM and 5 million participants.
Key Differences: Empower vs TIAA
When comparing Empower and TIAA, consider their core strengths: Empower excels with strong participant education programs, 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. Empower's customer service rating is 4.3/5 compared to TIAA's 4.3/5. For mobile experience, Empower scores 3.8/5 while TIAA scores 3.9/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Empower if you prioritize mid to large employers. 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 Empower and TIAA 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 TIAA is best for educators. 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. TIAA charges 0.05% - 1.0% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by institution. Empower's fees rating is 4.3/5 compared to TIAA's 4.0/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Empower and TIAA. Empower uses Empower.com for rollovers, while TIAA uses TIAA.org. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Empower 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.
Empower scores 4.2/5 for investment options, while TIAA scores 4.0/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Empower's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Mutual Funds. TIAA offers TIAA Funds, CREF Variable Annuities, Target Date Funds.
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. TIAA is best for educators, nonprofits, healthcare workers, income-focused retirees. Compare admin fees: Empower charges Varies by plan size 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