Updated 2026-03-30
Fidelity vs Guideline 401(k) Comparison
Compare Fidelity Investments (#1, 9.5/10) and Guideline (#15, 7.1/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Fidelity | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.5/10 | 7.1/10 |
| Rank | #1 | #15 |
| AUM | $4.5 trillion | $9 billion |
| Participants | 43 million | 700,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 23,000+ | 40,000+ |
| Founded | 1946 | 2016 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Fidelity | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.9/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.9/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.8/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.7/5 | 4.0/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Fidelity | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $0 - varies by plan | $49/month base + $8/employee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.00% - 0.75% | 0.03% - 0.15% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for stocks/ETFs | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.35% - 1.0% | N/A - self-directed |
Fidelity Strengths
- Zero expense ratio index funds (FZROX, FZILX)
- Industry-leading mobile app and online platform
- 24/7 customer service with dedicated retirement specialists
- Extensive investment options including BrokerageLink
Guideline Strengths
- Extremely competitive pricing for small business
- Automatic compliance testing and filing
- Direct payroll integrations
- Low-cost Vanguard index funds
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Fidelity | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | NetBenefits | Guideline Dashboard |
| Loans Available | Yes | No |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via NetBenefits, Phone (800-343-3548), Fidelity branch offices | Online via Guideline dashboard |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Fidelity if you want:
- Large employers
- Cost-conscious investors
- Self-directed investors
- Solo 401(k) seekers
Choose Guideline if you want:
- Small businesses
- Cost-conscious employers
- Hands-off plan sponsors
- Index fund believers
Our Verdict: Fidelity vs Guideline
Fidelity Investments wins this comparison with a score of 9.5/10 vs 7.1/10. 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.
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Fidelity vs Guideline: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Fidelity Investments and Guideline for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Fidelity offers largest provider while Guideline is known for small business. In terms of fees, Fidelity charges 0.00% - 0.75% expense ratios compared to Guideline's 0.03% - 0.15%. Fidelity manages $4.5 trillion in assets and serves 43 million participants, while Guideline has $9 billion AUM and 700,000 participants.
Key Differences: Fidelity vs Guideline
When comparing Fidelity and Guideline, consider their core strengths: Fidelity excels with zero expense ratio index funds (fzrox, fzilx), while Guideline stands out for extremely competitive pricing for small business. 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 Guideline's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, Fidelity scores 4.7/5 while Guideline scores 4.0/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Fidelity if you prioritize large employers. Choose Guideline if you're looking for small businesses. 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 Guideline provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fidelity Investments scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 9.5/10. Fidelity is best for large employers, while Guideline is best for small businesses. 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. Guideline charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios with admin fees of $49/month base + $8/employee. Fidelity's fees rating is 4.9/5 compared to Guideline's 4.7/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Fidelity and Guideline. Fidelity uses NetBenefits for rollovers, while Guideline uses Guideline Dashboard. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Fidelity offers 401(k) loans. Guideline does not offer 401(k) loans.
Fidelity scores 4.9/5 for investment options, while Guideline scores 3.3/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Fidelity's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Mutual Funds. Guideline offers Vanguard Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Bond 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. Guideline is best for small businesses, cost-conscious employers, hands-off plan sponsors, index fund believers. Compare admin fees: Fidelity charges $0 - varies by plan vs Guideline's $49/month base + $8/employee.
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