Updated 2026-03-30
John Hancock vs Guideline 401(k) Comparison
Compare John Hancock (#10, 7.7/10) and Guideline (#15, 7.1/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | John Hancock | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.7/10 | 7.1/10 |
| Rank | #10 | #15 |
| AUM | $600 billion | $9 billion |
| Participants | 3 million | 700,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 48,000+ | 40,000+ |
| Founded | 1862 | 2016 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | John Hancock | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.5/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.7/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.0/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.6/5 | 4.0/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | John Hancock | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $1,000 - $4,000/year | $49/month base + $8/employee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.30% - 1.3% | 0.03% - 0.15% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.40% - 0.90% | N/A - self-directed |
John Hancock Strengths
- Unique wellness program integration
- Vitality rewards for healthy behavior
- Strong financial wellness education
- complete planning tools
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 | John Hancock | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | myplan.johnhancock.com | Guideline Dashboard |
| Loans Available | Yes | No |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via myplan.johnhancock.com, Phone (800-395-1113) | Online via Guideline dashboard |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose John Hancock if you want:
- Wellness-focused employers
- Mid-sized companies
- Insurance bundle seekers
Choose Guideline if you want:
- Small businesses
- Cost-conscious employers
- Hands-off plan sponsors
- Index fund believers
Our Verdict: John Hancock vs Guideline
John Hancock wins this comparison with a score of 7.7/10 vs 7.1/10. 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.
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John Hancock vs Guideline: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between John Hancock and Guideline for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. John Hancock offers wellness focus while Guideline is known for small business. In terms of fees, John Hancock charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios compared to Guideline's 0.03% - 0.15%. John Hancock manages $600 billion in assets and serves 3 million participants, while Guideline has $9 billion AUM and 700,000 participants.
Key Differences: John Hancock vs Guideline
When comparing John Hancock and Guideline, consider their core strengths: John Hancock excels with unique wellness program integration, 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. John Hancock's customer service rating is 4.0/5 compared to Guideline's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, John Hancock scores 3.6/5 while Guideline scores 4.0/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose John Hancock if you prioritize wellness-focused employers. 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 John Hancock and Guideline 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 Guideline is best for small businesses. 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. Guideline charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios with admin fees of $49/month base + $8/employee. John Hancock's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Guideline's 4.7/5.
Yes, you can roll over between John Hancock and Guideline. John Hancock uses myplan.johnhancock.com for rollovers, while Guideline uses Guideline Dashboard. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
John Hancock offers 401(k) loans. Guideline does not offer 401(k) loans.
John Hancock scores 3.7/5 for investment options, while Guideline scores 3.3/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. John Hancock's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Guideline offers Vanguard Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Bond 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. Guideline is best for small businesses, cost-conscious employers, hands-off plan sponsors, index fund believers. Compare admin fees: John Hancock charges $1,000 - $4,000/year 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