Updated 2026-03-20

Guideline vs Morgan Stanley 401(k) Comparison

Compare Guideline (#15, 7.1/10) and Morgan Stanley at Work (#19, 6.8/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeatureGuidelineMorgan Stanley
Overall Score7.1/106.8/10
Rank#15#19
AUM$9 billion$6.2 trillion
Participants700,0006 million
Plan Sponsors40,000+15,000+
Founded20161935

Ratings Comparison

CategoryGuidelineMorgan Stanley
Fees & Costs4.7/53.0/5
Investment Options3.3/54.5/5
Customer Service3.9/54.1/5
Mobile App4.0/54.0/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypeGuidelineMorgan Stanley
Admin Fees$49/month base + $8/employeeVaries by plan size and services
Expense Ratios0.03% - 0.15%0.03% - 1.5%
Trading Fees$0$0 for stocks/ETFs via E*Trade
Advisory FeesN/A - self-directed0.50% - 1.5%

Guideline Strengths

Morgan Stanley Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeatureGuidelineMorgan Stanley
Rollover PlatformGuideline DashboardMorgan Stanley at Work Portal
Loans AvailableNoYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via Guideline dashboardOnline via Morgan Stanley portal, Phone (800-869-3326), Through Morgan Stanley financial advisor, Branch office visit
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, Systematic withdrawals, 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 Morgan Stanley if you want:

  • Companies with stock plans
  • Employees wanting full brokerage access
  • High-net-worth participants
  • Self-directed traders

Our Verdict: Guideline vs Morgan Stanley

Guideline wins this comparison with a score of 7.1/10 vs 6.8/10. 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 Morgan Stanley Review

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Guideline vs Morgan Stanley: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026

Choosing between Guideline and Morgan Stanley at Work for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Guideline offers small business while Morgan Stanley is known for wealth management. In terms of fees, Guideline charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios compared to Morgan Stanley's 0.03% - 1.5%. Guideline manages $9 billion in assets and serves 700,000 participants, while Morgan Stanley has $6.2 trillion AUM and 6 million participants.

Key Differences: Guideline vs Morgan Stanley

When comparing Guideline and Morgan Stanley, consider their core strengths: Guideline excels with extremely competitive pricing for small business, while Morgan Stanley stands out for access to morgan stanley financial advisors. 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 Morgan Stanley's 4.1/5. For mobile experience, Guideline scores 4.0/5 while Morgan Stanley scores 4.0/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose Guideline if you prioritize small businesses. Choose Morgan Stanley if you're looking for companies with stock plans. 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 Morgan Stanley provider pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Guideline scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.1/10. Guideline is best for small businesses, while Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans. 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. Morgan Stanley charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by plan size and services. Guideline's fees rating is 4.7/5 compared to Morgan Stanley's 3.0/5.

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

Guideline does not offer 401(k) loans. Morgan Stanley offers 401(k) loans.

Guideline scores 3.3/5 for investment options, while Morgan Stanley scores 4.5/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Guideline's investment options include Vanguard Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Bond Funds. Morgan Stanley offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Index 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. Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans, employees wanting full brokerage access, high-net-worth participants, self-directed traders. Compare admin fees: Guideline charges $49/month base + $8/employee vs Morgan Stanley's Varies by plan size and services.

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