Updated 2026-03-30
Nationwide vs Guideline 401(k) Comparison
Compare Nationwide (#13, 7.3/10) and Guideline (#15, 7.1/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Nationwide | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.3/10 | 7.1/10 |
| Rank | #13 | #15 |
| AUM | $250 billion | $9 billion |
| Participants | 3.5 million | 700,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 30,000+ | 40,000+ |
| Founded | 1926 | 2016 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Nationwide | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.4/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.5/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.0/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.4/5 | 4.0/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Nationwide | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $800 - $3,500/year | $49/month base + $8/employee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.30% - 1.3% | 0.03% - 0.15% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.45% - 0.95% | N/A - self-directed |
Nationwide Strengths
- Strong in 403(b) and 457 plans
- Guaranteed lifetime income options
- Good public sector solutions
- Stable value fund options
Guideline Strengths
- Extremely competitive pricing for small business
- Automatic compliance testing and filing
- Direct payroll integrations
- Low-cost Vanguard index funds
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Nationwide | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Nationwide.com | Guideline Dashboard |
| Loans Available | Yes | No |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Nationwide.com, Phone (877-677-3678) | Online via Guideline dashboard |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Guaranteed lifetime income, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Nationwide if you want:
- Public sector employees
- Teachers and nonprofits
- Guaranteed income seekers
Choose Guideline if you want:
- Small businesses
- Cost-conscious employers
- Hands-off plan sponsors
- Index fund believers
Our Verdict: Nationwide vs Guideline
Nationwide wins this comparison with a score of 7.3/10 vs 7.1/10. 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 Guideline: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Nationwide and Guideline for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Nationwide offers public sector while Guideline is known for small business. In terms of fees, Nationwide charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios compared to Guideline's 0.03% - 0.15%. Nationwide manages $250 billion in assets and serves 3.5 million participants, while Guideline has $9 billion AUM and 700,000 participants.
Key Differences: Nationwide vs Guideline
When comparing Nationwide and Guideline, consider their core strengths: Nationwide excels with strong in 403(b) and 457 plans, while Guideline stands out for extremely competitive pricing for small business. 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 Guideline's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, Nationwide scores 3.4/5 while Guideline scores 4.0/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Nationwide if you prioritize public sector employees. Choose Guideline 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 Nationwide and Guideline provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nationwide scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.3/10. Nationwide is best for public sector employees, while Guideline is best for 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. Guideline charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios with admin fees of $49/month base + $8/employee. Nationwide's fees rating is 3.4/5 compared to Guideline's 4.7/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Nationwide and Guideline. Nationwide uses Nationwide.com for rollovers, while Guideline uses Guideline Dashboard. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Nationwide offers 401(k) loans. Guideline does not offer 401(k) loans.
Nationwide scores 3.5/5 for investment options, while Guideline scores 3.3/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Nationwide's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Fixed Annuities. Guideline 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. Guideline is best for small businesses, cost-conscious employers, hands-off plan sponsors, index fund believers. Compare admin fees: Nationwide charges $800 - $3,500/year vs Guideline's $49/month base + $8/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