Updated 2026-03-20
Lincoln Financial vs Employee Fiduciary 401(k) Comparison
Compare Lincoln Financial (#17, 6.9/10) and Employee Fiduciary (#24, 6.2/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Lincoln Financial | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 6.9/10 | 6.2/10 |
| Rank | #17 | #24 |
| AUM | $350 billion | $6 billion |
| Participants | 8 million | 80,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 10,000+ | 3,000+ |
| Founded | 1905 | 2004 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Lincoln Financial | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.3/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.8/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Customer Service | 3.9/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.4/5 | 2.5/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Lincoln Financial | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size | $1,500/year + $30/participant |
| Expense Ratios | 0.10% - 1.5% | 0.03% - 0.15% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.40% - 1.0% | Included as 3(38) fiduciary |
Lincoln Financial Strengths
- Strong guaranteed income and annuity options
- Insurance-backed stability
- Lincoln Director platform for plan sponsors
- Managed account services through Lincoln Alliance
Employee Fiduciary Strengths
- Full 3(38) investment fiduciary services included
- Among the lowest all-in costs
- Consistently rated best by independent reviewers
- Low-cost Vanguard fund lineup
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Lincoln Financial | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Lincoln Financial Portal | Employee Fiduciary Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Lincoln Financial portal, Phone (800-454-6265), Through plan administrator | Phone (877-401-5100), Online portal |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Annuity conversion, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Lincoln Financial if you want:
- Companies wanting guaranteed income options
- Insurance-focused employers
- Mid-size to large plans
- Annuity seekers
Choose Employee Fiduciary if you want:
- Cost-conscious small businesses
- Employers wanting fiduciary protection
- Index fund believers
- Plan sponsors seeking simplicity
Our Verdict: Lincoln Financial vs Employee Fiduciary
Lincoln Financial wins this comparison with a score of 6.9/10 vs 6.2/10. Lincoln Financial excels with strong guaranteed income and annuity options, 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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Lincoln Financial vs Employee Fiduciary: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Lincoln Financial and Employee Fiduciary for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Lincoln Financial offers top 10 recordkeeper while Employee Fiduciary is known for 3(38) fiduciary. In terms of fees, Lincoln Financial charges 0.10% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to Employee Fiduciary's 0.03% - 0.15%. Lincoln Financial manages $350 billion in assets and serves 8 million participants, while Employee Fiduciary has $6 billion AUM and 80,000 participants.
Key Differences: Lincoln Financial vs Employee Fiduciary
When comparing Lincoln Financial and Employee Fiduciary, consider their core strengths: Lincoln Financial excels with strong guaranteed income and annuity options, while Employee Fiduciary stands out for full 3(38) investment fiduciary services included. Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Lincoln Financial's customer service rating is 3.9/5 compared to Employee Fiduciary's 4.2/5. For mobile experience, Lincoln Financial scores 3.4/5 while Employee Fiduciary scores 2.5/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Lincoln Financial if you prioritize companies wanting guaranteed income options. Choose Employee Fiduciary if you're looking for cost-conscious 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 Lincoln Financial and Employee Fiduciary provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lincoln Financial scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 6.9/10. Lincoln Financial is best for companies wanting guaranteed income options, while Employee Fiduciary is best for cost-conscious small businesses. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
Lincoln Financial charges expense ratios of 0.10% - 1.5% with admin fees of Varies by plan size. Employee Fiduciary charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios with admin fees of $1,500/year + $30/participant. Lincoln Financial's fees rating is 3.3/5 compared to Employee Fiduciary's 4.8/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Lincoln Financial and Employee Fiduciary. Lincoln Financial uses Lincoln Financial Portal for rollovers, while Employee Fiduciary uses Employee Fiduciary Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Lincoln Financial offers 401(k) loans. Employee Fiduciary offers 401(k) loans. Both providers typically allow loans up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.
Lincoln Financial scores 3.8/5 for investment options, while Employee Fiduciary scores 3.2/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Lincoln Financial's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Fixed Annuities. Employee Fiduciary offers Vanguard Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Bond Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Lincoln Financial is best for companies wanting guaranteed income options, insurance-focused employers, mid-size to large plans, annuity seekers. Employee Fiduciary is best for cost-conscious small businesses, employers wanting fiduciary protection, index fund believers, plan sponsors seeking simplicity. Compare admin fees: Lincoln Financial charges Varies by plan size vs Employee Fiduciary's $1,500/year + $30/participant.
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