Updated 2026-03-20

Human Interest vs Paychex 401(k) Comparison

Compare Human Interest (#14, 7.2/10) and Paychex (#16, 7.0/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeatureHuman InterestPaychex
Overall Score7.2/107.0/10
Rank#14#16
AUM$6 billion$48 billion
Participants500,000730,000
Plan Sponsors15,000+740,000+
Founded20151971

Ratings Comparison

CategoryHuman InterestPaychex
Fees & Costs4.5/53.4/5
Investment Options3.5/53.6/5
Customer Service4.3/53.8/5
Mobile App4.2/53.5/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypeHuman InterestPaychex
Admin Fees$120/month base + $5/employee$80 - $150/month + per-employee fees
Expense Ratios0.06% - 0.50%0.10% - 1.2%
Trading Fees$0Included
Advisory FeesIncluded in platform0.50% - 1.0%

Human Interest Strengths

Paychex Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeatureHuman InterestPaychex
Rollover PlatformHuman Interest DashboardPaychex Flex
Loans AvailableNoYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via Human Interest dashboardOnline via Paychex Flex, Phone (800-741-6277), Through plan administrator
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, 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 Paychex if you want:

  • Paychex payroll clients
  • Small to mid-size businesses
  • Companies wanting bundled HR+retirement
  • PEO participants

Our Verdict: Human Interest vs Paychex

Human Interest wins this comparison with a score of 7.2/10 vs 7.0/10. 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.

Full Human Interest Review Full Paychex Review

Other Popular Comparisons

Fidelity vs Paychex

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

 Vanguard vs Paychex

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

 Schwab vs Paychex

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

 Empower vs Paychex

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

 T. Rowe Price vs Paychex

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

 Principal vs Paychex

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

Human Interest vs Paychex: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026

Choosing between Human Interest and Paychex for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Human Interest offers small business while Paychex is known for payroll integration. In terms of fees, Human Interest charges 0.06% - 0.50% expense ratios compared to Paychex's 0.10% - 1.2%. Human Interest manages $6 billion in assets and serves 500,000 participants, while Paychex has $48 billion AUM and 730,000 participants.

Key Differences: Human Interest vs Paychex

When comparing Human Interest and Paychex, consider their core strengths: Human Interest excels with flat-fee pricing transparent and affordable, while Paychex stands out for seamless payroll-to-401(k) contribution processing. 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 Paychex's 3.8/5. For mobile experience, Human Interest scores 4.2/5 while Paychex scores 3.5/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose Human Interest if you prioritize small businesses. Choose Paychex if you're looking for paychex payroll clients. 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 Paychex 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 Paychex is best for paychex payroll clients. 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. Paychex charges 0.10% - 1.2% expense ratios with admin fees of $80 - $150/month + per-employee fees. Human Interest's fees rating is 4.5/5 compared to Paychex's 3.4/5.

Yes, you can roll over between Human Interest and Paychex. Human Interest uses Human Interest Dashboard for rollovers, while Paychex uses Paychex Flex. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.

Human Interest does not offer 401(k) loans. Paychex offers 401(k) loans.

Human Interest scores 3.5/5 for investment options, while Paychex scores 3.6/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Human Interest's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, ESG Options. Paychex offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Index 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. Paychex is best for paychex payroll clients, small to mid-size businesses, companies wanting bundled hr+retirement, peo participants. Compare admin fees: Human Interest charges $120/month base + $5/employee vs Paychex's $80 - $150/month + per-employee fees.

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