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
- Comprehensive 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
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 comprehensive 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.