Updated 2026-03-30

Fidelity vs Prudential 401(k) Comparison

Compare Fidelity Investments (#1, 9.5/10) and Prudential Financial (#12, 7.4/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeatureFidelityPrudential
Overall Score9.5/107.4/10
Rank#1#12
AUM$4.5 trillion$1.4 trillion
Participants43 million5 million
Plan Sponsors23,000+25,000+
Founded19461875

Ratings Comparison

CategoryFidelityPrudential
Fees & Costs4.9/53.5/5
Investment Options4.9/53.7/5
Customer Service4.8/53.9/5
Mobile App4.7/53.6/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypeFidelityPrudential
Admin Fees$0 - varies by plan$1,000 - $4,000/year
Expense Ratios0.00% - 0.75%0.20% - 1.1%
Trading Fees$0 for stocks/ETFsPlan dependent
Advisory Fees0.35% - 1.0%0.40% - 0.90%

Fidelity Strengths

Prudential Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeatureFidelityPrudential
Rollover PlatformNetBenefitsPrudential via Empower
Loans AvailableYesYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via NetBenefits, Phone (800-343-3548), Fidelity branch officesOnline via Empower platform, Phone (877-778-2100)
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Guaranteed lifetime income (IncomeFlex), 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 Prudential if you want:

  • Guaranteed income seekers
  • Large employers
  • Insurance-focused planning

Our Verdict: Fidelity vs Prudential

Fidelity Investments wins this comparison with a score of 9.5/10 vs 7.4/10. 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 Prudential Review

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

Choosing between Fidelity Investments and Prudential Financial for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Fidelity offers largest provider while Prudential is known for guaranteed income. In terms of fees, Fidelity charges 0.00% - 0.75% expense ratios compared to Prudential's 0.20% - 1.1%. Fidelity manages $4.5 trillion in assets and serves 43 million participants, while Prudential has $1.4 trillion AUM and 5 million participants.

Key Differences: Fidelity vs Prudential

When comparing Fidelity and Prudential, consider their core strengths: Fidelity excels with zero expense ratio index funds (fzrox, fzilx), while Prudential stands out for strong guaranteed income options. 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 Prudential's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, Fidelity scores 4.7/5 while Prudential scores 3.6/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose Fidelity if you prioritize large employers. Choose Prudential if you're looking for guaranteed income seekers. 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 Prudential provider pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fidelity Investments scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 9.5/10. Fidelity is best for large employers, while Prudential is best for guaranteed income seekers. 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. Prudential charges 0.20% - 1.1% expense ratios with admin fees of $1,000 - $4,000/year. Fidelity's fees rating is 4.9/5 compared to Prudential's 3.5/5.

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

Fidelity offers 401(k) loans. Prudential 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 Prudential 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. Prudential offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Guaranteed Income.

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. Prudential is best for guaranteed income seekers, large employers, insurance-focused planning. Compare admin fees: Fidelity charges $0 - varies by plan vs Prudential'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