Updated 2026-03-30
Merrill vs Human Interest 401(k) Comparison
Compare Merrill Lynch (#8, 8.0/10) and Human Interest (#14, 7.2/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Merrill | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.0/10 | 7.2/10 |
| Rank | #8 | #14 |
| AUM | $3.0 trillion | $6 billion |
| Participants | 5 million | 500,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 2,500+ | 15,000+ |
| Founded | 1914 | 2015 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Merrill | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.1/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.2/5 | 4.2/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Merrill | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size | $120/month base + $5/employee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.5% | 0.06% - 0.50% |
| Trading Fees | $0 - $6.95 | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.45% - 1.5% | Included in platform |
Merrill Strengths
- Bank of America Preferred Rewards benefits
- Strong advisory and guidance services
- complete financial planning
- Wide investment selection
Human Interest Strengths
- Flat-fee pricing transparent and affordable
- Modern, easy-to-use technology platform
- Quick and simple plan setup
- Payroll integrations with major providers
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Merrill | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Benefits OnLine | Human Interest Dashboard |
| Loans Available | Yes | No |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Benefits OnLine, Phone (888-968-4015), Bank of America branches | Online via Human Interest dashboard |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Merrill if you want:
- BofA customers
- Advice seekers
- Large employers
- Full-service needs
Choose Human Interest if you want:
- Small businesses
- Startups
- First-time plan sponsors
- Tech-savvy employers
Our Verdict: Merrill vs Human Interest
Merrill Lynch wins this comparison with a score of 8.0/10 vs 7.2/10. Merrill excels with bank of america preferred rewards benefits, 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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Merrill vs Human Interest: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Merrill Lynch and Human Interest for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Merrill offers bofa integration while Human Interest is known for small business. In terms of fees, Merrill charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to Human Interest's 0.06% - 0.50%. Merrill manages $3.0 trillion in assets and serves 5 million participants, while Human Interest has $6 billion AUM and 500,000 participants.
Key Differences: Merrill vs Human Interest
When comparing Merrill and Human Interest, consider their core strengths: Merrill excels with bank of america preferred rewards benefits, while Human Interest stands out for flat-fee pricing transparent and affordable. Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Merrill's customer service rating is 4.1/5 compared to Human Interest's 4.3/5. For mobile experience, Merrill scores 4.2/5 while Human Interest scores 4.2/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Merrill if you prioritize bofa customers. Choose Human Interest if you're looking for 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 Merrill and Human Interest provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Merrill Lynch scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 8.0/10. Merrill is best for bofa customers, while Human Interest is best for small businesses. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
Merrill charges expense ratios of 0.03% - 1.5% with admin fees of Varies by plan size. Human Interest charges 0.06% - 0.50% expense ratios with admin fees of $120/month base + $5/employee. Merrill's fees rating is 3.3/5 compared to Human Interest's 4.5/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Merrill and Human Interest. Merrill uses Benefits OnLine for rollovers, while Human Interest uses Human Interest Dashboard. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Merrill offers 401(k) loans. Human Interest does not offer 401(k) loans.
Merrill scores 4.5/5 for investment options, while Human Interest scores 3.5/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Merrill's investment options include Mutual Funds, ETFs, Stocks. Human Interest offers Index Funds, Target Date Funds, ESG Options.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Merrill is best for bofa customers, advice seekers, large employers, full-service needs. Human Interest is best for small businesses, startups, first-time plan sponsors, tech-savvy employers. Compare admin fees: Merrill charges Varies by plan size vs Human Interest's $120/month base + $5/employee.
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