Updated 2026-03-20

John Hancock vs Ascensus 401(k) Comparison

Compare John Hancock (#10, 7.7/10) and Ascensus (#18, 6.8/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeatureJohn HancockAscensus
Overall Score7.7/106.8/10
Rank#10#18
AUM$600 billion$800 billion
Participants3 million12 million
Plan Sponsors48,000+100,000+
Founded18621975

Ratings Comparison

CategoryJohn HancockAscensus
Fees & Costs3.5/53.5/5
Investment Options3.7/54.0/5
Customer Service4.0/53.7/5
Mobile App3.6/53.3/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypeJohn HancockAscensus
Admin Fees$1,000 - $4,000/yearVaries by advisor and plan
Expense Ratios0.30% - 1.3%0.03% - 1.5%
Trading FeesPlan dependentPlan dependent
Advisory Fees0.40% - 0.90%Set by financial advisor

John Hancock Strengths

Ascensus Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeatureJohn HancockAscensus
Rollover Platformmyplan.johnhancock.comAscensus Portal
Loans AvailableYesYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via myplan.johnhancock.com, Phone (800-395-1113)Through financial advisor, Phone (800-345-6363), Plan administrator portal
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions

Which Should You Choose?

Choose John Hancock if you want:

  • Wellness-focused employers
  • Mid-sized companies
  • Insurance bundle seekers

Choose Ascensus if you want:

  • Financial advisor clients
  • Businesses wanting advisor-guided plans
  • Multi-plan employers
  • Open architecture seekers

Our Verdict: John Hancock vs Ascensus

John Hancock wins this comparison with a score of 7.7/10 vs 6.8/10. John Hancock excels with unique wellness program integration, 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 John Hancock Review Full Ascensus Review

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John Hancock vs Ascensus: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026

Choosing between John Hancock and Ascensus for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. John Hancock offers wellness focus while Ascensus is known for largest independent. In terms of fees, John Hancock charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios compared to Ascensus's 0.03% - 1.5%. John Hancock manages $600 billion in assets and serves 3 million participants, while Ascensus has $800 billion AUM and 12 million participants.

Key Differences: John Hancock vs Ascensus

When comparing John Hancock and Ascensus, consider their core strengths: John Hancock excels with unique wellness program integration, while Ascensus stands out for largest independent recordkeeper in the us. Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. John Hancock's customer service rating is 4.0/5 compared to Ascensus's 3.7/5. For mobile experience, John Hancock scores 3.6/5 while Ascensus scores 3.3/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose John Hancock if you prioritize wellness-focused employers. Choose Ascensus if you're looking for financial advisor 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 John Hancock and Ascensus provider pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

John Hancock scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.7/10. John Hancock is best for wellness-focused employers, while Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.

John Hancock charges expense ratios of 0.30% - 1.3% with admin fees of $1,000 - $4,000/year. Ascensus charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by advisor and plan. John Hancock's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Ascensus's 3.5/5.

Yes, you can roll over between John Hancock and Ascensus. John Hancock uses myplan.johnhancock.com for rollovers, while Ascensus uses Ascensus Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.

John Hancock offers 401(k) loans. Ascensus offers 401(k) loans. Both providers typically allow loans up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.

John Hancock scores 3.7/5 for investment options, while Ascensus scores 4.0/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. John Hancock's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Ascensus offers Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds.

For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. John Hancock is best for wellness-focused employers, mid-sized companies, insurance bundle seekers. Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients, businesses wanting advisor-guided plans, multi-plan employers, open architecture seekers. Compare admin fees: John Hancock charges $1,000 - $4,000/year vs Ascensus's Varies by advisor and plan.

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