Updated 2026-03-20
Nationwide vs Employee Fiduciary 401(k) Comparison
Compare Nationwide (#13, 7.3/10) and Employee Fiduciary (#24, 6.2/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Nationwide | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.3/10 | 6.2/10 |
| Rank | #13 | #24 |
| AUM | $250 billion | $6 billion |
| Participants | 3.5 million | 80,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 30,000+ | 3,000+ |
| Founded | 1926 | 2004 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Nationwide | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.4/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.5/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.0/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.4/5 | 2.5/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Nationwide | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $800 - $3,500/year | $1,500/year + $30/participant |
| Expense Ratios | 0.30% - 1.3% | 0.03% - 0.15% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.45% - 0.95% | Included as 3(38) fiduciary |
Nationwide Strengths
- Strong in 403(b) and 457 plans
- Guaranteed lifetime income options
- Good public sector solutions
- Stable value fund options
Employee Fiduciary Strengths
- Full 3(38) investment fiduciary services included
- Among the lowest all-in costs
- Consistently rated best by independent reviewers
- Low-cost Vanguard fund lineup
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Nationwide | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Nationwide.com | Employee Fiduciary Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Nationwide.com, Phone (877-677-3678) | Phone (877-401-5100), Online portal |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Guaranteed lifetime income, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Nationwide if you want:
- Public sector employees
- Teachers and nonprofits
- Guaranteed income seekers
Choose Employee Fiduciary if you want:
- Cost-conscious small businesses
- Employers wanting fiduciary protection
- Index fund believers
- Plan sponsors seeking simplicity
Our Verdict: Nationwide vs Employee Fiduciary
Nationwide wins this comparison with a score of 7.3/10 vs 6.2/10. Nationwide excels with strong in 403(b) and 457 plans, 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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Nationwide vs Employee Fiduciary: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Nationwide and Employee Fiduciary for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Nationwide offers public sector while Employee Fiduciary is known for 3(38) fiduciary. In terms of fees, Nationwide charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios compared to Employee Fiduciary's 0.03% - 0.15%. Nationwide manages $250 billion in assets and serves 3.5 million participants, while Employee Fiduciary has $6 billion AUM and 80,000 participants.
Key Differences: Nationwide vs Employee Fiduciary
When comparing Nationwide and Employee Fiduciary, consider their core strengths: Nationwide excels with strong in 403(b) and 457 plans, while Employee Fiduciary stands out for full 3(38) investment fiduciary services included. Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Nationwide's customer service rating is 4.0/5 compared to Employee Fiduciary's 4.2/5. For mobile experience, Nationwide scores 3.4/5 while Employee Fiduciary scores 2.5/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Nationwide if you prioritize public sector employees. Choose Employee Fiduciary if you're looking for cost-conscious 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 Nationwide and Employee Fiduciary provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nationwide scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.3/10. Nationwide is best for public sector employees, while Employee Fiduciary is best for cost-conscious small businesses. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
Nationwide charges expense ratios of 0.30% - 1.3% with admin fees of $800 - $3,500/year. Employee Fiduciary charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios with admin fees of $1,500/year + $30/participant. Nationwide's fees rating is 3.4/5 compared to Employee Fiduciary's 4.8/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Nationwide and Employee Fiduciary. Nationwide uses Nationwide.com for rollovers, while Employee Fiduciary uses Employee Fiduciary Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Nationwide offers 401(k) loans. Employee Fiduciary offers 401(k) loans. Both providers typically allow loans up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.
Nationwide scores 3.5/5 for investment options, while Employee Fiduciary scores 3.2/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Nationwide's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Fixed Annuities. Employee Fiduciary offers Vanguard Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Bond Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Nationwide is best for public sector employees, teachers and nonprofits, guaranteed income seekers. Employee Fiduciary is best for cost-conscious small businesses, employers wanting fiduciary protection, index fund believers, plan sponsors seeking simplicity. Compare admin fees: Nationwide charges $800 - $3,500/year vs Employee Fiduciary's $1,500/year + $30/participant.
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