Updated 2026-03-20
Human Interest vs Lincoln Financial 401(k) Comparison
Compare Human Interest (#14, 7.2/10) and Lincoln Financial (#17, 6.9/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Human Interest | Lincoln Financial |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.2/10 | 6.9/10 |
| Rank | #14 | #17 |
| AUM | $6 billion | $350 billion |
| Participants | 500,000 | 8 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 15,000+ | 10,000+ |
| Founded | 2015 | 1905 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Human Interest | Lincoln Financial |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.5/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.5/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.2/5 | 3.4/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Human Interest | Lincoln Financial |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $120/month base + $5/employee | Varies by plan size |
| Expense Ratios | 0.06% - 0.50% | 0.10% - 1.5% |
| Trading Fees | $0 | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | Included in platform | 0.40% - 1.0% |
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
Lincoln Financial Strengths
- Strong guaranteed income and annuity options
- Insurance-backed stability
- Lincoln Director platform for plan sponsors
- Managed account services through Lincoln Alliance
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Human Interest | Lincoln Financial |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Human Interest Dashboard | Lincoln Financial Portal |
| Loans Available | No | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Human Interest dashboard | Online via Lincoln Financial portal, Phone (800-454-6265), Through plan administrator |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Annuity conversion, Installment payments, 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 Lincoln Financial if you want:
- Companies wanting guaranteed income options
- Insurance-focused employers
- Mid-size to large plans
- Annuity seekers
Our Verdict: Human Interest vs Lincoln Financial
Human Interest wins this comparison with a score of 7.2/10 vs 6.9/10. 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 Lincoln Financial: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Human Interest and Lincoln Financial for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Human Interest offers small business while Lincoln Financial is known for top 10 recordkeeper. In terms of fees, Human Interest charges 0.06% - 0.50% expense ratios compared to Lincoln Financial's 0.10% - 1.5%. Human Interest manages $6 billion in assets and serves 500,000 participants, while Lincoln Financial has $350 billion AUM and 8 million participants.
Key Differences: Human Interest vs Lincoln Financial
When comparing Human Interest and Lincoln Financial, consider their core strengths: Human Interest excels with flat-fee pricing transparent and affordable, 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. Human Interest's customer service rating is 4.3/5 compared to Lincoln Financial's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, Human Interest scores 4.2/5 while Lincoln Financial scores 3.4/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Human Interest 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 Human Interest and Lincoln Financial 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 Lincoln Financial is best for companies wanting guaranteed income options. 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. Lincoln Financial charges 0.10% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by plan size. Human Interest's fees rating is 4.5/5 compared to Lincoln Financial's 3.3/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Human Interest and Lincoln Financial. Human Interest uses Human Interest 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.
Human Interest does not offer 401(k) loans. Lincoln Financial offers 401(k) loans.
Human Interest scores 3.5/5 for investment options, while Lincoln Financial scores 3.8/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Human Interest's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, ESG Options. Lincoln Financial offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Fixed Annuities.
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. Lincoln Financial is best for companies wanting guaranteed income options, insurance-focused employers, mid-size to large plans, annuity seekers. Compare admin fees: Human Interest charges $120/month base + $5/employee vs Lincoln Financial's Varies by plan size.
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