Updated 2026-03-30
Empower vs Transamerica 401(k) Comparison
Compare Empower Retirement (#4, 8.7/10) and Transamerica (#11, 7.5/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Empower | Transamerica |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Rank | #4 | #11 |
| AUM | $1.4 trillion | $300 billion |
| Participants | 18 million | 6 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 71,000+ | 35,000+ |
| Founded | 2014 | 1904 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Empower | Transamerica |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.3/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.2/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.8/5 | 3.5/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Empower | Transamerica |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size | $750 - $3,000/year |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.0% | 0.25% - 1.2% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.25% - 0.89% | 0.35% - 0.85% |
Empower Strengths
- Strong participant education programs
- Excellent plan sponsor tools
- Competitive institutional pricing
- Personal Capital integration for all-in-one planning
Transamerica Strengths
- complete financial wellness programs
- Flexible plan design options
- Strong educational resources and tools
- Integrated workplace benefits platform
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Empower | Transamerica |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Empower.com | Transamerica.com |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Empower.com, Phone (800-338-4015) | Online via Transamerica.com, Phone (800-755-5801) |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Annuity purchase, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, 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 Transamerica if you want:
- Mid-sized companies
- Integrated benefits seekers
- Financial wellness focus
Our Verdict: Empower vs Transamerica
Empower Retirement wins this comparison with a score of 8.7/10 vs 7.5/10. 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 Transamerica: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Empower Retirement and Transamerica for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Empower offers 2nd largest while Transamerica is known for workplace benefits. In terms of fees, Empower charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to Transamerica's 0.25% - 1.2%. Empower manages $1.4 trillion in assets and serves 18 million participants, while Transamerica has $300 billion AUM and 6 million participants.
Key Differences: Empower vs Transamerica
When comparing Empower and Transamerica, consider their core strengths: Empower excels with strong participant education programs, 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. Empower's customer service rating is 4.3/5 compared to Transamerica's 3.8/5. For mobile experience, Empower scores 3.8/5 while Transamerica scores 3.5/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Empower if you prioritize mid to large employers. 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 Empower and Transamerica 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 Transamerica is best for mid-sized companies. 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. Transamerica charges 0.25% - 1.2% expense ratios with admin fees of $750 - $3,000/year. Empower's fees rating is 4.3/5 compared to Transamerica's 3.6/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Empower and Transamerica. Empower uses Empower.com for rollovers, while Transamerica uses Transamerica.com. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Empower 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.
Empower scores 4.2/5 for investment options, while Transamerica scores 3.7/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Empower's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Mutual Funds. Transamerica offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value.
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. Transamerica is best for mid-sized companies, integrated benefits seekers, financial wellness focus. Compare admin fees: Empower charges Varies by plan size 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