Updated 2026-03-20
Fidelity vs Vestwell 401(k) Comparison
Compare Fidelity Investments (#1, 9.5/10) and Vestwell (#21, 6.5/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Fidelity | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.5/10 | 6.5/10 |
| Rank | #1 | #21 |
| AUM | $4.5 trillion | $30 billion |
| Participants | 43 million | 300,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 23,000+ | 25,000+ |
| Founded | 1946 | 2016 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Fidelity | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.9/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.9/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.8/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.7/5 | 3.5/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Fidelity | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $0 - varies by plan | Set by advisor/distributor |
| Expense Ratios | 0.00% - 0.75% | 0.03% - 1.0% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for stocks/ETFs | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.35% - 1.0% | Set by financial advisor |
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
Vestwell Strengths
- Modern API-first technology platform
- White-label options for advisors
- Open architecture investment lineup
- Integrates with 100+ payroll providers
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Fidelity | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | NetBenefits | Vestwell Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via NetBenefits, Phone (800-343-3548), Fidelity branch offices | Through financial advisor, Plan administrator portal, Phone support |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump 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 Vestwell if you want:
- Financial advisors
- Payroll companies
- Institutional distributors
- State IRA mandate compliance
Our Verdict: Fidelity vs Vestwell
Fidelity Investments wins this comparison with a score of 9.5/10 vs 6.5/10. 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 Vestwell: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Fidelity Investments and Vestwell for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Fidelity offers largest provider while Vestwell is known for white label. In terms of fees, Fidelity charges 0.00% - 0.75% expense ratios compared to Vestwell's 0.03% - 1.0%. Fidelity manages $4.5 trillion in assets and serves 43 million participants, while Vestwell has $30 billion AUM and 300,000 participants.
Key Differences: Fidelity vs Vestwell
When comparing Fidelity and Vestwell, consider their core strengths: Fidelity excels with zero expense ratio index funds (fzrox, fzilx), while Vestwell stands out for modern api-first technology platform. 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 Vestwell's 3.6/5. For mobile experience, Fidelity scores 4.7/5 while Vestwell scores 3.5/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Fidelity if you prioritize large employers. Choose Vestwell if you're looking for financial advisors. 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 Vestwell provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fidelity Investments scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 9.5/10. Fidelity is best for large employers, while Vestwell is best for financial advisors. 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. Vestwell charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios with admin fees of Set by advisor/distributor. Fidelity's fees rating is 4.9/5 compared to Vestwell's 3.6/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Fidelity and Vestwell. Fidelity uses NetBenefits for rollovers, while Vestwell uses Vestwell Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Fidelity offers 401(k) loans. Vestwell 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 Vestwell scores 3.8/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Fidelity's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Mutual Funds. Vestwell 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. Vestwell is best for financial advisors, payroll companies, institutional distributors, state ira mandate compliance. Compare admin fees: Fidelity charges $0 - varies by plan vs Vestwell's Set by advisor/distributor.
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