Updated 2026-03-20
John Hancock vs Morgan Stanley 401(k) Comparison
Compare John Hancock (#10, 7.7/10) and Morgan Stanley at Work (#19, 6.8/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | John Hancock | Morgan Stanley |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.7/10 | 6.8/10 |
| Rank | #10 | #19 |
| AUM | $600 billion | $6.2 trillion |
| Participants | 3 million | 6 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 48,000+ | 15,000+ |
| Founded | 1862 | 1935 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | John Hancock | Morgan Stanley |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.5/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.0/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.6/5 | 4.0/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | John Hancock | Morgan Stanley |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $1,000 - $4,000/year | Varies by plan size and services |
| Expense Ratios | 0.30% - 1.3% | 0.03% - 1.5% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 for stocks/ETFs via E*Trade |
| Advisory Fees | 0.40% - 0.90% | 0.50% - 1.5% |
John Hancock Strengths
- Unique wellness program integration
- Vitality rewards for healthy behavior
- Strong financial wellness education
- complete planning tools
Morgan Stanley Strengths
- Access to Morgan Stanley financial advisors
- E*Trade self-directed brokerage window
- Full wealth management integration
- Stock plan and equity compensation expertise
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | John Hancock | Morgan Stanley |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | myplan.johnhancock.com | Morgan Stanley at Work Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via myplan.johnhancock.com, Phone (800-395-1113) | Online via Morgan Stanley portal, Phone (800-869-3326), Through Morgan Stanley financial advisor, Branch office visit |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Systematic withdrawals, 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 Morgan Stanley if you want:
- Companies with stock plans
- Employees wanting full brokerage access
- High-net-worth participants
- Self-directed traders
Our Verdict: John Hancock vs Morgan Stanley
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.
Other Popular Comparisons
Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Vanguard vs Morgan StanleyCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Schwab vs Morgan StanleyCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Empower vs Morgan StanleyCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
T. Rowe Price vs Morgan StanleyCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Principal vs Morgan StanleyCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
John Hancock vs Morgan Stanley: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between John Hancock and Morgan Stanley at Work for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. John Hancock offers wellness focus while Morgan Stanley is known for wealth management. In terms of fees, John Hancock charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios compared to Morgan Stanley's 0.03% - 1.5%. John Hancock manages $600 billion in assets and serves 3 million participants, while Morgan Stanley has $6.2 trillion AUM and 6 million participants.
Key Differences: John Hancock vs Morgan Stanley
When comparing John Hancock and Morgan Stanley, consider their core strengths: John Hancock excels with unique wellness program integration, while Morgan Stanley stands out for access to morgan stanley financial advisors. 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 Morgan Stanley's 4.1/5. For mobile experience, John Hancock scores 3.6/5 while Morgan Stanley scores 4.0/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose John Hancock if you prioritize wellness-focused employers. Choose Morgan Stanley if you're looking for companies with stock plans. 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 Morgan Stanley 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 Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans. 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. Morgan Stanley charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by plan size and services. John Hancock's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Morgan Stanley's 3.0/5.
Yes, you can roll over between John Hancock and Morgan Stanley. John Hancock uses myplan.johnhancock.com for rollovers, while Morgan Stanley uses Morgan Stanley at Work Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
John Hancock offers 401(k) loans. Morgan Stanley 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 Morgan Stanley scores 4.5/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. John Hancock's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Morgan Stanley offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Index 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. Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans, employees wanting full brokerage access, high-net-worth participants, self-directed traders. Compare admin fees: John Hancock charges $1,000 - $4,000/year vs Morgan Stanley's Varies by plan size and services.
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