Updated 2026-03-30
Fidelity vs TIAA 401(k) Comparison
Compare Fidelity Investments (#1, 9.5/10) and TIAA (#9, 7.9/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Fidelity | TIAA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| Rank | #1 | #9 |
| AUM | $4.5 trillion | $1.3 trillion |
| Participants | 43 million | 5 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 23,000+ | 15,000+ |
| Founded | 1946 | 1918 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Fidelity | TIAA |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.9/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.9/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.8/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.7/5 | 3.9/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Fidelity | TIAA |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $0 - varies by plan | Varies by institution |
| Expense Ratios | 0.00% - 0.75% | 0.05% - 1.0% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for stocks/ETFs | $0 for TIAA funds |
| Advisory Fees | 0.35% - 1.0% | 0.30% - 1.0% |
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
TIAA Strengths
- Dominant in education sector
- Strong lifetime income/annuity options
- Mission-aligned for nonprofits
- Excellent retirement income planning
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Fidelity | TIAA |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | NetBenefits | TIAA.org |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via NetBenefits, Phone (800-343-3548), Fidelity branch offices | Online via TIAA.org, Phone (800-842-2252), TIAA offices |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Lifetime income annuity, Systematic withdrawals, 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 TIAA if you want:
- Educators
- Nonprofits
- Healthcare workers
- Income-focused retirees
Our Verdict: Fidelity vs TIAA
Fidelity Investments wins this comparison with a score of 9.5/10 vs 7.9/10. 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 TIAA: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Fidelity Investments and TIAA for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Fidelity offers largest provider while TIAA is known for education focus. In terms of fees, Fidelity charges 0.00% - 0.75% expense ratios compared to TIAA's 0.05% - 1.0%. Fidelity manages $4.5 trillion in assets and serves 43 million participants, while TIAA has $1.3 trillion AUM and 5 million participants.
Key Differences: Fidelity vs TIAA
When comparing Fidelity and TIAA, consider their core strengths: Fidelity excels with zero expense ratio index funds (fzrox, fzilx), while TIAA stands out for dominant in education sector. 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 TIAA's 4.3/5. For mobile experience, Fidelity scores 4.7/5 while TIAA scores 3.9/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Fidelity if you prioritize large employers. Choose TIAA if you're looking for educators. 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 TIAA provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fidelity Investments scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 9.5/10. Fidelity is best for large employers, while TIAA is best for educators. 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. TIAA charges 0.05% - 1.0% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by institution. Fidelity's fees rating is 4.9/5 compared to TIAA's 4.0/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Fidelity and TIAA. Fidelity uses NetBenefits for rollovers, while TIAA uses TIAA.org. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Fidelity offers 401(k) loans. TIAA 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 TIAA 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. TIAA offers TIAA Funds, CREF Variable Annuities, 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. TIAA is best for educators, nonprofits, healthcare workers, income-focused retirees. Compare admin fees: Fidelity charges $0 - varies by plan vs TIAA's Varies by institution.
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