Updated 2026-03-20

Fidelity vs Ascensus 401(k) Comparison

Compare Fidelity Investments (#1, 9.5/10) and Ascensus (#18, 6.8/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeatureFidelityAscensus
Overall Score9.5/106.8/10
Rank#1#18
AUM$4.5 trillion$800 billion
Participants43 million12 million
Plan Sponsors23,000+100,000+
Founded19461975

Ratings Comparison

CategoryFidelityAscensus
Fees & Costs4.9/53.5/5
Investment Options4.9/54.0/5
Customer Service4.8/53.7/5
Mobile App4.7/53.3/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypeFidelityAscensus
Admin Fees$0 - varies by planVaries by advisor and plan
Expense Ratios0.00% - 0.75%0.03% - 1.5%
Trading Fees$0 for stocks/ETFsPlan dependent
Advisory Fees0.35% - 1.0%Set by financial advisor

Fidelity Strengths

Ascensus Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeatureFidelityAscensus
Rollover PlatformNetBenefitsAscensus Portal
Loans AvailableYesYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via NetBenefits, Phone (800-343-3548), Fidelity branch officesThrough financial advisor, Phone (800-345-6363), Plan administrator portal
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Fidelity if you want:

  • Large employers
  • Cost-conscious investors
  • Self-directed investors
  • Solo 401(k) seekers

Choose Ascensus if you want:

  • Financial advisor clients
  • Businesses wanting advisor-guided plans
  • Multi-plan employers
  • Open architecture seekers

Our Verdict: Fidelity vs Ascensus

Fidelity Investments wins this comparison with a score of 9.5/10 vs 6.8/10. Fidelity excels with zero expense ratio index funds (fzrox, fzilx), 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.

Full Fidelity Review Full Ascensus Review

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Fidelity vs Ascensus: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026

Choosing between Fidelity Investments and Ascensus for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Fidelity offers largest provider while Ascensus is known for largest independent. In terms of fees, Fidelity charges 0.00% - 0.75% expense ratios compared to Ascensus's 0.03% - 1.5%. Fidelity manages $4.5 trillion in assets and serves 43 million participants, while Ascensus has $800 billion AUM and 12 million participants.

Key Differences: Fidelity vs Ascensus

When comparing Fidelity and Ascensus, consider their core strengths: Fidelity excels with zero expense ratio index funds (fzrox, fzilx), while Ascensus stands out for largest independent recordkeeper in the us. Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Fidelity's customer service rating is 4.8/5 compared to Ascensus's 3.7/5. For mobile experience, Fidelity scores 4.7/5 while Ascensus scores 3.3/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose Fidelity if you prioritize large employers. Choose Ascensus if you're looking for financial advisor clients. 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 Fidelity and Ascensus provider pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fidelity Investments scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 9.5/10. Fidelity is best for large employers, while Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.

Fidelity charges expense ratios of 0.00% - 0.75% with admin fees of $0 - varies by plan. Ascensus charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by advisor and plan. Fidelity's fees rating is 4.9/5 compared to Ascensus's 3.5/5.

Yes, you can roll over between Fidelity and Ascensus. Fidelity uses NetBenefits for rollovers, while Ascensus uses Ascensus Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.

Fidelity offers 401(k) loans. Ascensus offers 401(k) loans. Both providers typically allow loans up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.

Fidelity scores 4.9/5 for investment options, while Ascensus scores 4.0/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Fidelity's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Mutual Funds. Ascensus offers Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds.

For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Fidelity is best for large employers, cost-conscious investors, self-directed investors, solo 401(k) seekers. Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients, businesses wanting advisor-guided plans, multi-plan employers, open architecture seekers. Compare admin fees: Fidelity charges $0 - varies by plan vs Ascensus's Varies by advisor and plan.

Pavlo Pyskunov

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