Updated 2026-03-30

Fidelity vs John Hancock 401(k) Comparison

Compare Fidelity Investments (#1, 9.5/10) and John Hancock (#10, 7.7/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeatureFidelityJohn Hancock
Overall Score9.5/107.7/10
Rank#1#10
AUM$4.5 trillion$600 billion
Participants43 million3 million
Plan Sponsors23,000+48,000+
Founded19461862

Ratings Comparison

CategoryFidelityJohn Hancock
Fees & Costs4.9/53.5/5
Investment Options4.9/53.7/5
Customer Service4.8/54.0/5
Mobile App4.7/53.6/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypeFidelityJohn Hancock
Admin Fees$0 - varies by plan$1,000 - $4,000/year
Expense Ratios0.00% - 0.75%0.30% - 1.3%
Trading Fees$0 for stocks/ETFsPlan dependent
Advisory Fees0.35% - 1.0%0.40% - 0.90%

Fidelity Strengths

John Hancock Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeatureFidelityJohn Hancock
Rollover PlatformNetBenefitsmyplan.johnhancock.com
Loans AvailableYesYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via NetBenefits, Phone (800-343-3548), Fidelity branch officesOnline via myplan.johnhancock.com, Phone (800-395-1113)
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, 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 John Hancock if you want:

  • Wellness-focused employers
  • Mid-sized companies
  • Insurance bundle seekers

Our Verdict: Fidelity vs John Hancock

Fidelity Investments wins this comparison with a score of 9.5/10 vs 7.7/10. 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 John Hancock Review

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Fidelity vs John Hancock: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026

Choosing between Fidelity Investments and John Hancock for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Fidelity offers largest provider while John Hancock is known for wellness focus. In terms of fees, Fidelity charges 0.00% - 0.75% expense ratios compared to John Hancock's 0.30% - 1.3%. Fidelity manages $4.5 trillion in assets and serves 43 million participants, while John Hancock has $600 billion AUM and 3 million participants.

Key Differences: Fidelity vs John Hancock

When comparing Fidelity and John Hancock, consider their core strengths: Fidelity excels with zero expense ratio index funds (fzrox, fzilx), while John Hancock stands out for unique wellness program integration. 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 John Hancock's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, Fidelity scores 4.7/5 while John Hancock scores 3.6/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose Fidelity if you prioritize large employers. Choose John Hancock if you're looking for wellness-focused employers. 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 John Hancock provider pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fidelity Investments scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 9.5/10. Fidelity is best for large employers, while John Hancock is best for wellness-focused employers. 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. John Hancock charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios with admin fees of $1,000 - $4,000/year. Fidelity's fees rating is 4.9/5 compared to John Hancock's 3.5/5.

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

Fidelity offers 401(k) loans. John Hancock 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 John Hancock scores 3.7/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Fidelity's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Mutual Funds. John Hancock offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value.

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. John Hancock is best for wellness-focused employers, mid-sized companies, insurance bundle seekers. Compare admin fees: Fidelity charges $0 - varies by plan vs John Hancock's $1,000 - $4,000/year.

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: 2026-03-30