Updated 2026-03-20

Morgan Stanley vs Vestwell 401(k) Comparison

Compare Morgan Stanley at Work (#19, 6.8/10) and Vestwell (#21, 6.5/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeatureMorgan StanleyVestwell
Overall Score6.8/106.5/10
Rank#19#21
AUM$6.2 trillion$30 billion
Participants6 million300,000
Plan Sponsors15,000+25,000+
Founded19352016

Ratings Comparison

CategoryMorgan StanleyVestwell
Fees & Costs3.0/53.6/5
Investment Options4.5/53.8/5
Customer Service4.1/53.6/5
Mobile App4.0/53.5/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypeMorgan StanleyVestwell
Admin FeesVaries by plan size and servicesSet by advisor/distributor
Expense Ratios0.03% - 1.5%0.03% - 1.0%
Trading Fees$0 for stocks/ETFs via E*Trade$0
Advisory Fees0.50% - 1.5%Set by financial advisor

Morgan Stanley Strengths

Vestwell Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeatureMorgan StanleyVestwell
Rollover PlatformMorgan Stanley at Work PortalVestwell Portal
Loans AvailableYesYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via Morgan Stanley portal, Phone (800-869-3326), Through Morgan Stanley financial advisor, Branch office visitThrough financial advisor, Plan administrator portal, Phone support
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Systematic withdrawals, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum DistributionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Morgan Stanley if you want:

  • Companies with stock plans
  • Employees wanting full brokerage access
  • High-net-worth participants
  • Self-directed traders

Choose Vestwell if you want:

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

Our Verdict: Morgan Stanley vs Vestwell

Morgan Stanley at Work wins this comparison with a score of 6.8/10 vs 6.5/10. Morgan Stanley excels with access to morgan stanley financial advisors, 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 Morgan Stanley Review Full Vestwell Review

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Morgan Stanley vs Vestwell: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026

Choosing between Morgan Stanley at Work and Vestwell for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Morgan Stanley offers wealth management while Vestwell is known for white label. In terms of fees, Morgan Stanley charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to Vestwell's 0.03% - 1.0%. Morgan Stanley manages $6.2 trillion in assets and serves 6 million participants, while Vestwell has $30 billion AUM and 300,000 participants.

Key Differences: Morgan Stanley vs Vestwell

When comparing Morgan Stanley and Vestwell, consider their core strengths: Morgan Stanley excels with access to morgan stanley financial advisors, 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. Morgan Stanley's customer service rating is 4.1/5 compared to Vestwell's 3.6/5. For mobile experience, Morgan Stanley scores 4.0/5 while Vestwell scores 3.5/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose Morgan Stanley if you prioritize companies with stock plans. 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 Morgan Stanley and Vestwell provider pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Morgan Stanley at Work scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 6.8/10. Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans, while Vestwell is best for financial advisors. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.

Morgan Stanley charges expense ratios of 0.03% - 1.5% with admin fees of Varies by plan size and services. Vestwell charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios with admin fees of Set by advisor/distributor. Morgan Stanley's fees rating is 3.0/5 compared to Vestwell's 3.6/5.

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

Morgan Stanley 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.

Morgan Stanley scores 4.5/5 for investment options, while Vestwell scores 3.8/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Morgan Stanley's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Index Funds. Vestwell offers Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds.

For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans, employees wanting full brokerage access, high-net-worth participants, self-directed traders. Vestwell is best for financial advisors, payroll companies, institutional distributors, state ira mandate compliance. Compare admin fees: Morgan Stanley charges Varies by plan size and services 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