Updated 2026-03-20
Guideline vs ForUsAll 401(k) Comparison
Compare Guideline (#15, 7.1/10) and ForUsAll (#22, 6.4/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Guideline | ForUsAll |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.1/10 | 6.4/10 |
| Rank | #15 | #22 |
| AUM | $9 billion | $2 billion |
| Participants | 700,000 | 50,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 40,000+ | 2,000+ |
| Founded | 2016 | 2012 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Guideline | ForUsAll |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.7/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.3/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 3.9/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.0/5 | 3.8/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Guideline | ForUsAll |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $49/month base + $8/employee | $120/month + $6/employee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 0.15% | 0.03% - 0.50% + crypto fees |
| Trading Fees | $0 | $0 for funds, varies for crypto |
| Advisory Fees | N/A - self-directed | Included |
Guideline Strengths
- Extremely competitive pricing for small business
- Automatic compliance testing and filing
- Direct payroll integrations
- Low-cost Vanguard index funds
ForUsAll Strengths
- First 401(k) with crypto investment options
- Coinbase-powered crypto trading window
- Automated 5% crypto allocation guardrail
- Modern technology platform
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Guideline | ForUsAll |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Guideline Dashboard | ForUsAll App |
| Loans Available | No | No |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Guideline dashboard | Online via ForUsAll platform, Email support |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA | Lump 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 ForUsAll if you want:
- Crypto-curious employees
- Tech-forward companies
- Employers wanting alternative investments
- Small businesses
Our Verdict: Guideline vs ForUsAll
Guideline wins this comparison with a score of 7.1/10 vs 6.4/10. 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.
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Guideline vs ForUsAll: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Guideline and ForUsAll for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Guideline offers small business while ForUsAll is known for crypto 401(k). In terms of fees, Guideline charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios compared to ForUsAll's 0.03% - 0.50% + crypto fees. Guideline manages $9 billion in assets and serves 700,000 participants, while ForUsAll has $2 billion AUM and 50,000 participants.
Key Differences: Guideline vs ForUsAll
When comparing Guideline and ForUsAll, consider their core strengths: Guideline excels with extremely competitive pricing for small business, while ForUsAll stands out for first 401(k) with crypto investment options. 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 ForUsAll's 3.5/5. For mobile experience, Guideline scores 4.0/5 while ForUsAll scores 3.8/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Guideline if you prioritize small businesses. Choose ForUsAll if you're looking for crypto-curious employees. 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 ForUsAll provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guideline scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.1/10. Guideline is best for small businesses, while ForUsAll is best for crypto-curious employees. 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. ForUsAll charges 0.03% - 0.50% + crypto fees expense ratios with admin fees of $120/month + $6/employee. Guideline's fees rating is 4.7/5 compared to ForUsAll's 3.3/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Guideline and ForUsAll. Guideline uses Guideline Dashboard for rollovers, while ForUsAll uses ForUsAll App. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Guideline does not offer 401(k) loans. ForUsAll does not offer 401(k) loans.
Guideline scores 3.3/5 for investment options, while ForUsAll scores 3.5/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Guideline's investment options include Vanguard Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Bond Funds. ForUsAll offers Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Cryptocurrency.
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. ForUsAll is best for crypto-curious employees, tech-forward companies, employers wanting alternative investments, small businesses. Compare admin fees: Guideline charges $49/month base + $8/employee vs ForUsAll's $120/month + $6/employee.
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