Updated 2026-03-30

John Hancock vs Transamerica 401(k) Comparison

Compare John Hancock (#10, 7.7/10) and Transamerica (#11, 7.5/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeatureJohn HancockTransamerica
Overall Score7.7/107.5/10
Rank#10#11
AUM$600 billion$300 billion
Participants3 million6 million
Plan Sponsors48,000+35,000+
Founded18621904

Ratings Comparison

CategoryJohn HancockTransamerica
Fees & Costs3.5/53.6/5
Investment Options3.7/53.7/5
Customer Service4.0/53.8/5
Mobile App3.6/53.5/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypeJohn HancockTransamerica
Admin Fees$1,000 - $4,000/year$750 - $3,000/year
Expense Ratios0.30% - 1.3%0.25% - 1.2%
Trading FeesPlan dependentPlan dependent
Advisory Fees0.40% - 0.90%0.35% - 0.85%

John Hancock Strengths

Transamerica Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeatureJohn HancockTransamerica
Rollover Platformmyplan.johnhancock.comTransamerica.com
Loans AvailableYesYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via myplan.johnhancock.com, Phone (800-395-1113)Online via Transamerica.com, Phone (800-755-5801)
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA

Which Should You Choose?

Choose John Hancock if you want:

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

Choose Transamerica if you want:

  • Mid-sized companies
  • Integrated benefits seekers
  • Financial wellness focus

Our Verdict: John Hancock vs Transamerica

John Hancock wins this comparison with a score of 7.7/10 vs 7.5/10. 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 Transamerica Review

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

Choosing between John Hancock and Transamerica for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. John Hancock offers wellness focus while Transamerica is known for workplace benefits. In terms of fees, John Hancock charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios compared to Transamerica's 0.25% - 1.2%. John Hancock manages $600 billion in assets and serves 3 million participants, while Transamerica has $300 billion AUM and 6 million participants.

Key Differences: John Hancock vs Transamerica

When comparing John Hancock and Transamerica, consider their core strengths: John Hancock excels with unique wellness program integration, while Transamerica stands out for complete financial wellness programs. 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 Transamerica's 3.8/5. For mobile experience, John Hancock scores 3.6/5 while Transamerica scores 3.5/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose John Hancock if you prioritize wellness-focused employers. Choose Transamerica if you're looking for mid-sized companies. 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 Transamerica 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 Transamerica is best for mid-sized companies. 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. Transamerica charges 0.25% - 1.2% expense ratios with admin fees of $750 - $3,000/year. John Hancock's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Transamerica's 3.6/5.

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

John Hancock offers 401(k) loans. Transamerica 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 Transamerica scores 3.7/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. John Hancock's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Transamerica offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value.

For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. John Hancock is best for wellness-focused employers, mid-sized companies, insurance bundle seekers. Transamerica is best for mid-sized companies, integrated benefits seekers, financial wellness focus. Compare admin fees: John Hancock charges $1,000 - $4,000/year vs Transamerica's $750 - $3,000/year.

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: 2026-03-30