Updated 2026-03-20
Human Interest vs Employee Fiduciary 401(k) Comparison
Compare Human Interest (#14, 7.2/10) and Employee Fiduciary (#24, 6.2/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Human Interest | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.2/10 | 6.2/10 |
| Rank | #14 | #24 |
| AUM | $6 billion | $6 billion |
| Participants | 500,000 | 80,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 15,000+ | 3,000+ |
| Founded | 2015 | 2004 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Human Interest | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.5/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.2/5 | 2.5/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Human Interest | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $120/month base + $5/employee | $1,500/year + $30/participant |
| Expense Ratios | 0.06% - 0.50% | 0.03% - 0.15% |
| Trading Fees | $0 | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | Included in platform | Included as 3(38) fiduciary |
Human Interest Strengths
- Flat-fee pricing transparent and affordable
- Modern, easy-to-use technology platform
- Quick and simple plan setup
- Payroll integrations with major providers
Employee Fiduciary Strengths
- Full 3(38) investment fiduciary services included
- Among the lowest all-in costs
- Consistently rated best by independent reviewers
- Low-cost Vanguard fund lineup
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Human Interest | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Human Interest Dashboard | Employee Fiduciary Portal |
| Loans Available | No | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Human Interest dashboard | Phone (877-401-5100), Online portal |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Human Interest if you want:
- Small businesses
- Startups
- First-time plan sponsors
- Tech-savvy employers
Choose Employee Fiduciary if you want:
- Cost-conscious small businesses
- Employers wanting fiduciary protection
- Index fund believers
- Plan sponsors seeking simplicity
Our Verdict: Human Interest vs Employee Fiduciary
Human Interest wins this comparison with a score of 7.2/10 vs 6.2/10. Human Interest excels with flat-fee pricing transparent and affordable, 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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Human Interest vs Employee Fiduciary: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Human Interest and Employee Fiduciary for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Human Interest offers small business while Employee Fiduciary is known for 3(38) fiduciary. In terms of fees, Human Interest charges 0.06% - 0.50% expense ratios compared to Employee Fiduciary's 0.03% - 0.15%. Human Interest manages $6 billion in assets and serves 500,000 participants, while Employee Fiduciary has $6 billion AUM and 80,000 participants.
Key Differences: Human Interest vs Employee Fiduciary
When comparing Human Interest and Employee Fiduciary, consider their core strengths: Human Interest excels with flat-fee pricing transparent and affordable, 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. Human Interest's customer service rating is 4.3/5 compared to Employee Fiduciary's 4.2/5. For mobile experience, Human Interest scores 4.2/5 while Employee Fiduciary scores 2.5/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Human Interest 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 Human Interest and Employee Fiduciary provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Human Interest scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.2/10. Human Interest 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.
Human Interest charges expense ratios of 0.06% - 0.50% with admin fees of $120/month base + $5/employee. Employee Fiduciary charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios with admin fees of $1,500/year + $30/participant. Human Interest's fees rating is 4.5/5 compared to Employee Fiduciary's 4.8/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Human Interest and Employee Fiduciary. Human Interest uses Human Interest 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.
Human Interest does not offer 401(k) loans. Employee Fiduciary offers 401(k) loans.
Human Interest scores 3.5/5 for investment options, while Employee Fiduciary scores 3.2/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Human Interest's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, ESG Options. Employee Fiduciary offers Vanguard Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Bond Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Human Interest is best for small businesses, startups, first-time plan sponsors, tech-savvy employers. Employee Fiduciary is best for cost-conscious small businesses, employers wanting fiduciary protection, index fund believers, plan sponsors seeking simplicity. Compare admin fees: Human Interest charges $120/month base + $5/employee vs Employee Fiduciary's $1,500/year + $30/participant.
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