Updated 2026-03-30
John Hancock vs Nationwide 401(k) Comparison
Compare John Hancock (#10, 7.7/10) and Nationwide (#13, 7.3/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | John Hancock | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.7/10 | 7.3/10 |
| Rank | #10 | #13 |
| AUM | $600 billion | $250 billion |
| Participants | 3 million | 3.5 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 48,000+ | 30,000+ |
| Founded | 1862 | 1926 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | John Hancock | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.5/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.7/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.6/5 | 3.4/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | John Hancock | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $1,000 - $4,000/year | $800 - $3,500/year |
| Expense Ratios | 0.30% - 1.3% | 0.30% - 1.3% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.40% - 0.90% | 0.45% - 0.95% |
John Hancock Strengths
- Unique wellness program integration
- Vitality rewards for healthy behavior
- Strong financial wellness education
- complete planning tools
Nationwide Strengths
- Strong in 403(b) and 457 plans
- Guaranteed lifetime income options
- Good public sector solutions
- Stable value fund options
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | John Hancock | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | myplan.johnhancock.com | Nationwide.com |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via myplan.johnhancock.com, Phone (800-395-1113) | Online via Nationwide.com, Phone (877-677-3678) |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Guaranteed lifetime income, Rollover to IRA |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose John Hancock if you want:
- Wellness-focused employers
- Mid-sized companies
- Insurance bundle seekers
Choose Nationwide if you want:
- Public sector employees
- Teachers and nonprofits
- Guaranteed income seekers
Our Verdict: John Hancock vs Nationwide
John Hancock wins this comparison with a score of 7.7/10 vs 7.3/10. 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 Nationwide: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between John Hancock and Nationwide for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. John Hancock offers wellness focus while Nationwide is known for public sector. In terms of fees, John Hancock charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios compared to Nationwide's 0.30% - 1.3%. John Hancock manages $600 billion in assets and serves 3 million participants, while Nationwide has $250 billion AUM and 3.5 million participants.
Key Differences: John Hancock vs Nationwide
When comparing John Hancock and Nationwide, consider their core strengths: John Hancock excels with unique wellness program integration, while Nationwide stands out for strong in 403(b) and 457 plans. 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 Nationwide's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, John Hancock scores 3.6/5 while Nationwide scores 3.4/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose John Hancock if you prioritize wellness-focused employers. Choose Nationwide if you're looking for public sector employees. 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 Nationwide 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 Nationwide is best for public sector employees. 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. Nationwide charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios with admin fees of $800 - $3,500/year. John Hancock's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Nationwide's 3.4/5.
Yes, you can roll over between John Hancock and Nationwide. John Hancock uses myplan.johnhancock.com for rollovers, while Nationwide uses Nationwide.com. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
John Hancock offers 401(k) loans. Nationwide 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 Nationwide scores 3.5/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. John Hancock's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Nationwide 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. Nationwide is best for public sector employees, teachers and nonprofits, guaranteed income seekers. Compare admin fees: John Hancock charges $1,000 - $4,000/year vs Nationwide's $800 - $3,500/year.
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