Updated 2026-03-20

Guideline vs Lincoln Financial 401(k) Comparison

Compare Guideline (#15, 7.1/10) and Lincoln Financial (#17, 6.9/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeatureGuidelineLincoln Financial
Overall Score7.1/106.9/10
Rank#15#17
AUM$9 billion$350 billion
Participants700,0008 million
Plan Sponsors40,000+10,000+
Founded20161905

Ratings Comparison

CategoryGuidelineLincoln Financial
Fees & Costs4.7/53.3/5
Investment Options3.3/53.8/5
Customer Service3.9/53.9/5
Mobile App4.0/53.4/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypeGuidelineLincoln Financial
Admin Fees$49/month base + $8/employeeVaries by plan size
Expense Ratios0.03% - 0.15%0.10% - 1.5%
Trading Fees$0Plan dependent
Advisory FeesN/A - self-directed0.40% - 1.0%

Guideline Strengths

Lincoln Financial Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeatureGuidelineLincoln Financial
Rollover PlatformGuideline DashboardLincoln Financial Portal
Loans AvailableNoYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via Guideline dashboardOnline via Lincoln Financial portal, Phone (800-454-6265), Through plan administrator
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, Annuity conversion, Installment payments, 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 Lincoln Financial if you want:

  • Companies wanting guaranteed income options
  • Insurance-focused employers
  • Mid-size to large plans
  • Annuity seekers

Our Verdict: Guideline vs Lincoln Financial

Guideline wins this comparison with a score of 7.1/10 vs 6.9/10. 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 Lincoln Financial Review

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Guideline vs Lincoln Financial: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026

Choosing between Guideline and Lincoln Financial for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Guideline offers small business while Lincoln Financial is known for top 10 recordkeeper. In terms of fees, Guideline charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios compared to Lincoln Financial's 0.10% - 1.5%. Guideline manages $9 billion in assets and serves 700,000 participants, while Lincoln Financial has $350 billion AUM and 8 million participants.

Key Differences: Guideline vs Lincoln Financial

When comparing Guideline and Lincoln Financial, consider their core strengths: Guideline excels with extremely competitive pricing for small business, while Lincoln Financial stands out for strong guaranteed income and annuity 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 Lincoln Financial's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, Guideline scores 4.0/5 while Lincoln Financial scores 3.4/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose Guideline if you prioritize small businesses. Choose Lincoln Financial if you're looking for companies wanting guaranteed income options. 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 Lincoln Financial provider pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Guideline scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.1/10. Guideline is best for small businesses, while Lincoln Financial is best for companies wanting guaranteed income options. 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. Lincoln Financial charges 0.10% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by plan size. Guideline's fees rating is 4.7/5 compared to Lincoln Financial's 3.3/5.

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

Guideline does not offer 401(k) loans. Lincoln Financial offers 401(k) loans.

Guideline scores 3.3/5 for investment options, while Lincoln Financial scores 3.8/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Guideline's investment options include Vanguard Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Bond Funds. Lincoln Financial offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Fixed Annuities.

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. Lincoln Financial is best for companies wanting guaranteed income options, insurance-focused employers, mid-size to large plans, annuity seekers. Compare admin fees: Guideline charges $49/month base + $8/employee vs Lincoln Financial's Varies by plan size.

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