Updated 2026-03-20
John Hancock vs Lincoln Financial 401(k) Comparison
Compare John Hancock (#10, 7.7/10) and Lincoln Financial (#17, 6.9/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | John Hancock | Lincoln Financial |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.7/10 | 6.9/10 |
| Rank | #10 | #17 |
| AUM | $600 billion | $350 billion |
| Participants | 3 million | 8 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 48,000+ | 10,000+ |
| Founded | 1862 | 1905 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | John Hancock | Lincoln Financial |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.5/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.7/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.0/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.6/5 | 3.4/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | John Hancock | Lincoln Financial |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $1,000 - $4,000/year | Varies by plan size |
| Expense Ratios | 0.30% - 1.3% | 0.10% - 1.5% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.40% - 0.90% | 0.40% - 1.0% |
John Hancock Strengths
- Unique wellness program integration
- Vitality rewards for healthy behavior
- Strong financial wellness education
- complete planning tools
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 | John Hancock | Lincoln Financial |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | myplan.johnhancock.com | Lincoln Financial Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via myplan.johnhancock.com, Phone (800-395-1113) | Online via Lincoln Financial portal, Phone (800-454-6265), Through plan administrator |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Annuity conversion, 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 Lincoln Financial if you want:
- Companies wanting guaranteed income options
- Insurance-focused employers
- Mid-size to large plans
- Annuity seekers
Our Verdict: John Hancock vs Lincoln Financial
John Hancock wins this comparison with a score of 7.7/10 vs 6.9/10. 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 Lincoln Financial: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between John Hancock and Lincoln Financial for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. John Hancock offers wellness focus while Lincoln Financial is known for top 10 recordkeeper. In terms of fees, John Hancock charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios compared to Lincoln Financial's 0.10% - 1.5%. John Hancock manages $600 billion in assets and serves 3 million participants, while Lincoln Financial has $350 billion AUM and 8 million participants.
Key Differences: John Hancock vs Lincoln Financial
When comparing John Hancock and Lincoln Financial, consider their core strengths: John Hancock excels with unique wellness program integration, 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. John Hancock's customer service rating is 4.0/5 compared to Lincoln Financial's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, John Hancock scores 3.6/5 while Lincoln Financial scores 3.4/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose John Hancock if you prioritize wellness-focused employers. 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 John Hancock and Lincoln Financial 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 Lincoln Financial is best for companies wanting guaranteed income options. 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. Lincoln Financial charges 0.10% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by plan size. John Hancock's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Lincoln Financial's 3.3/5.
Yes, you can roll over between John Hancock and Lincoln Financial. John Hancock uses myplan.johnhancock.com for rollovers, while Lincoln Financial uses Lincoln Financial Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
John Hancock offers 401(k) loans. Lincoln Financial 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 Lincoln Financial scores 3.8/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. John Hancock's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Lincoln Financial offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Fixed Annuities.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. John Hancock is best for wellness-focused employers, mid-sized companies, insurance bundle seekers. Lincoln Financial is best for companies wanting guaranteed income options, insurance-focused employers, mid-size to large plans, annuity seekers. Compare admin fees: John Hancock charges $1,000 - $4,000/year 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