Merrill vs John Hancock 401(k) Comparison
Compare Merrill Lynch (#8, 8.0/10) and John Hancock (#10, 7.7/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Merrill | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| Rank | #8 | #10 |
| AUM | $3.0 trillion | $600 billion |
| Participants | 5 million | 3 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 2,500+ | 48,000+ |
| Founded | 1914 | 1862 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Merrill | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.3/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.5/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.1/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.2/5 | 3.6/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Merrill | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size | $1,000 - $4,000/year |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.5% | 0.30% - 1.3% |
| Trading Fees | $0 - $6.95 | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.45% - 1.5% | 0.40% - 0.90% |
Merrill Strengths
- Bank of America Preferred Rewards benefits
- Strong advisory and guidance services
- Comprehensive financial planning
- Wide investment selection
John Hancock Strengths
- Unique wellness program integration
- Vitality rewards for healthy behavior
- Strong financial wellness education
- Comprehensive planning tools
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Merrill if you want:
- BofA customers
- Advice seekers
- Large employers
- Full-service needs
Choose John Hancock if you want:
- Wellness-focused employers
- Mid-sized companies
- Insurance bundle seekers
Our Verdict: Merrill vs John Hancock
Merrill Lynch wins this comparison with a score of 8.0/10 vs 7.7/10. 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 John Hancock: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Merrill Lynch and John Hancock for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Merrill offers bofa integration while John Hancock is known for wellness focus. In terms of fees, Merrill charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to John Hancock's 0.30% - 1.3%. Merrill manages $3.0 trillion in assets and serves 5 million participants, while John Hancock has $600 billion AUM and 3 million participants.
Key Differences: Merrill vs John Hancock
When comparing Merrill and John Hancock, consider their core strengths: Merrill excels with bank of america preferred rewards benefits, while John Hancock stands out for unique wellness program integration. 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 John Hancock's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, Merrill scores 4.2/5 while John Hancock scores 3.6/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Merrill if you prioritize bofa customers. Choose John Hancock if you're looking for wellness-focused employers. 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 John Hancock provider pages.