Updated 2026-03-30
Human Interest vs Guideline 401(k) Comparison
Compare Human Interest (#14, 7.2/10) and Guideline (#15, 7.1/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Human Interest | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.2/10 | 7.1/10 |
| Rank | #14 | #15 |
| AUM | $6 billion | $9 billion |
| Participants | 500,000 | 700,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 15,000+ | 40,000+ |
| Founded | 2015 | 2016 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Human Interest | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.5/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.2/5 | 4.0/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Human Interest | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $120/month base + $5/employee | $49/month base + $8/employee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.06% - 0.50% | 0.03% - 0.15% |
| Trading Fees | $0 | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | Included in platform | N/A - self-directed |
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
Guideline Strengths
- Extremely competitive pricing for small business
- Automatic compliance testing and filing
- Direct payroll integrations
- Low-cost Vanguard index funds
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Human Interest | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Human Interest Dashboard | Guideline Dashboard |
| Loans Available | No | No |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Human Interest dashboard | Online via Guideline dashboard |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Human Interest if you want:
- Small businesses
- Startups
- First-time plan sponsors
- Tech-savvy employers
Choose Guideline if you want:
- Small businesses
- Cost-conscious employers
- Hands-off plan sponsors
- Index fund believers
Our Verdict: Human Interest vs Guideline
Human Interest wins this comparison with a score of 7.2/10 vs 7.1/10. 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 Guideline: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Human Interest and Guideline for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Human Interest offers small business while Guideline is known for small business. In terms of fees, Human Interest charges 0.06% - 0.50% expense ratios compared to Guideline's 0.03% - 0.15%. Human Interest manages $6 billion in assets and serves 500,000 participants, while Guideline has $9 billion AUM and 700,000 participants.
Key Differences: Human Interest vs Guideline
When comparing Human Interest and Guideline, consider their core strengths: Human Interest excels with flat-fee pricing transparent and affordable, while Guideline stands out for extremely competitive pricing for small business. 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 Guideline's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, Human Interest scores 4.2/5 while Guideline scores 4.0/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Human Interest if you prioritize small businesses. Choose Guideline if you're looking for 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 Guideline 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 Guideline is best for 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. Guideline charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios with admin fees of $49/month base + $8/employee. Human Interest's fees rating is 4.5/5 compared to Guideline's 4.7/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Human Interest and Guideline. Human Interest uses Human Interest Dashboard for rollovers, while Guideline uses Guideline Dashboard. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Human Interest does not offer 401(k) loans. Guideline does not offer 401(k) loans.
Human Interest scores 3.5/5 for investment options, while Guideline scores 3.3/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Human Interest's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, ESG Options. Guideline 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. Guideline is best for small businesses, cost-conscious employers, hands-off plan sponsors, index fund believers. Compare admin fees: Human Interest charges $120/month base + $5/employee vs Guideline's $49/month base + $8/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: 2026-03-30