Updated 2026-03-20

Guideline vs Employee Fiduciary 401(k) Comparison

Compare Guideline (#15, 7.1/10) and Employee Fiduciary (#24, 6.2/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeatureGuidelineEmployee Fiduciary
Overall Score7.1/106.2/10
Rank#15#24
AUM$9 billion$6 billion
Participants700,00080,000
Plan Sponsors40,000+3,000+
Founded20162004

Ratings Comparison

CategoryGuidelineEmployee Fiduciary
Fees & Costs4.7/54.8/5
Investment Options3.3/53.2/5
Customer Service3.9/54.2/5
Mobile App4.0/52.5/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypeGuidelineEmployee Fiduciary
Admin Fees$49/month base + $8/employee$1,500/year + $30/participant
Expense Ratios0.03% - 0.15%0.03% - 0.15%
Trading Fees$0$0
Advisory FeesN/A - self-directedIncluded as 3(38) fiduciary

Guideline Strengths

Employee Fiduciary Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeatureGuidelineEmployee Fiduciary
Rollover PlatformGuideline DashboardEmployee Fiduciary Portal
Loans AvailableNoYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via Guideline dashboardPhone (877-401-5100), Online portal
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Guideline if you want:

  • Small businesses
  • Cost-conscious employers
  • Hands-off plan sponsors
  • Index fund believers

Choose Employee Fiduciary if you want:

  • Cost-conscious small businesses
  • Employers wanting fiduciary protection
  • Index fund believers
  • Plan sponsors seeking simplicity

Our Verdict: Guideline vs Employee Fiduciary

Guideline wins this comparison with a score of 7.1/10 vs 6.2/10. Guideline excels with extremely competitive pricing for small business, 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 Guideline Review Full Employee Fiduciary Review

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Guideline vs Employee Fiduciary: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026

Choosing between Guideline and Employee Fiduciary for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Guideline offers small business while Employee Fiduciary is known for 3(38) fiduciary. In terms of fees, Guideline charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios compared to Employee Fiduciary's 0.03% - 0.15%. Guideline manages $9 billion in assets and serves 700,000 participants, while Employee Fiduciary has $6 billion AUM and 80,000 participants.

Key Differences: Guideline vs Employee Fiduciary

When comparing Guideline and Employee Fiduciary, consider their core strengths: Guideline excels with extremely competitive pricing for small business, while Employee Fiduciary stands out for full 3(38) investment fiduciary services included. Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Guideline's customer service rating is 3.9/5 compared to Employee Fiduciary's 4.2/5. For mobile experience, Guideline scores 4.0/5 while Employee Fiduciary scores 2.5/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose Guideline if you prioritize small businesses. Choose Employee Fiduciary if you're looking for cost-conscious 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 Guideline and Employee Fiduciary provider pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Guideline scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.1/10. Guideline is best for small businesses, while Employee Fiduciary is best for cost-conscious small businesses. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.

Guideline charges expense ratios of 0.03% - 0.15% with admin fees of $49/month base + $8/employee. Employee Fiduciary charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios with admin fees of $1,500/year + $30/participant. Guideline's fees rating is 4.7/5 compared to Employee Fiduciary's 4.8/5.

Yes, you can roll over between Guideline and Employee Fiduciary. Guideline uses Guideline Dashboard for rollovers, while Employee Fiduciary uses Employee Fiduciary Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.

Guideline does not offer 401(k) loans. Employee Fiduciary offers 401(k) loans.

Guideline scores 3.3/5 for investment options, while Employee Fiduciary scores 3.2/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Guideline's investment options include Vanguard Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Bond Funds. Employee Fiduciary offers Vanguard Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Bond Funds.

For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Guideline is best for small businesses, cost-conscious employers, hands-off plan sponsors, index fund believers. Employee Fiduciary is best for cost-conscious small businesses, employers wanting fiduciary protection, index fund believers, plan sponsors seeking simplicity. Compare admin fees: Guideline charges $49/month base + $8/employee vs Employee Fiduciary's $1,500/year + $30/participant.

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: 2026-03-20