Updated 2026-03-20

Lincoln Financial vs Vestwell 401(k) Comparison

Compare Lincoln Financial (#17, 6.9/10) and Vestwell (#21, 6.5/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeatureLincoln FinancialVestwell
Overall Score6.9/106.5/10
Rank#17#21
AUM$350 billion$30 billion
Participants8 million300,000
Plan Sponsors10,000+25,000+
Founded19052016

Ratings Comparison

CategoryLincoln FinancialVestwell
Fees & Costs3.3/53.6/5
Investment Options3.8/53.8/5
Customer Service3.9/53.6/5
Mobile App3.4/53.5/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypeLincoln FinancialVestwell
Admin FeesVaries by plan sizeSet by advisor/distributor
Expense Ratios0.10% - 1.5%0.03% - 1.0%
Trading FeesPlan dependent$0
Advisory Fees0.40% - 1.0%Set by financial advisor

Lincoln Financial Strengths

Vestwell Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeatureLincoln FinancialVestwell
Rollover PlatformLincoln Financial PortalVestwell Portal
Loans AvailableYesYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via Lincoln Financial portal, Phone (800-454-6265), Through plan administratorThrough financial advisor, Plan administrator portal, Phone support
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Annuity conversion, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum DistributionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, 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 Vestwell if you want:

  • Financial advisors
  • Payroll companies
  • Institutional distributors
  • State IRA mandate compliance

Our Verdict: Lincoln Financial vs Vestwell

Lincoln Financial wins this comparison with a score of 6.9/10 vs 6.5/10. 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.

Full Lincoln Financial Review Full Vestwell Review

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Lincoln Financial vs Vestwell: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026

Choosing between Lincoln Financial and Vestwell for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Lincoln Financial offers top 10 recordkeeper while Vestwell is known for white label. In terms of fees, Lincoln Financial charges 0.10% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to Vestwell's 0.03% - 1.0%. Lincoln Financial manages $350 billion in assets and serves 8 million participants, while Vestwell has $30 billion AUM and 300,000 participants.

Key Differences: Lincoln Financial vs Vestwell

When comparing Lincoln Financial and Vestwell, consider their core strengths: Lincoln Financial excels with strong guaranteed income and annuity options, while Vestwell stands out for modern api-first technology platform. 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 Vestwell's 3.6/5. For mobile experience, Lincoln Financial scores 3.4/5 while Vestwell scores 3.5/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose Lincoln Financial if you prioritize companies wanting guaranteed income options. Choose Vestwell if you're looking for financial advisors. 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 Vestwell 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 Vestwell is best for financial advisors. 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. Vestwell charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios with admin fees of Set by advisor/distributor. Lincoln Financial's fees rating is 3.3/5 compared to Vestwell's 3.6/5.

Yes, you can roll over between Lincoln Financial and Vestwell. Lincoln Financial uses Lincoln Financial Portal for rollovers, while Vestwell uses Vestwell Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.

Lincoln Financial offers 401(k) loans. Vestwell 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 Vestwell scores 3.8/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Lincoln Financial's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Fixed Annuities. Vestwell offers Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date 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. Vestwell is best for financial advisors, payroll companies, institutional distributors, state ira mandate compliance. Compare admin fees: Lincoln Financial charges Varies by plan size vs Vestwell's Set by advisor/distributor.

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: 2026-03-20