Updated 2026-03-30
Nationwide vs Human Interest 401(k) Comparison
Compare Nationwide (#13, 7.3/10) and Human Interest (#14, 7.2/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Nationwide | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.3/10 | 7.2/10 |
| Rank | #13 | #14 |
| AUM | $250 billion | $6 billion |
| Participants | 3.5 million | 500,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 30,000+ | 15,000+ |
| Founded | 1926 | 2015 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Nationwide | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.0/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.4/5 | 4.2/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Nationwide | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $800 - $3,500/year | $120/month base + $5/employee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.30% - 1.3% | 0.06% - 0.50% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.45% - 0.95% | Included in platform |
Nationwide Strengths
- Strong in 403(b) and 457 plans
- Guaranteed lifetime income options
- Good public sector solutions
- Stable value fund options
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
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Nationwide | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Nationwide.com | Human Interest Dashboard |
| Loans Available | Yes | No |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Nationwide.com, Phone (877-677-3678) | Online via Human Interest 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 Human Interest if you want:
- Small businesses
- Startups
- First-time plan sponsors
- Tech-savvy employers
Our Verdict: Nationwide vs Human Interest
Nationwide wins this comparison with a score of 7.3/10 vs 7.2/10. 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.
Other Popular Comparisons
Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Vanguard vs Human InterestCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Schwab vs Human InterestCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Empower vs Human InterestCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
T. Rowe Price vs Human InterestCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Principal vs Human InterestCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Nationwide vs Human Interest: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Nationwide and Human Interest for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Nationwide offers public sector while Human Interest is known for small business. In terms of fees, Nationwide charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios compared to Human Interest's 0.06% - 0.50%. Nationwide manages $250 billion in assets and serves 3.5 million participants, while Human Interest has $6 billion AUM and 500,000 participants.
Key Differences: Nationwide vs Human Interest
When comparing Nationwide and Human Interest, consider their core strengths: Nationwide excels with strong in 403(b) and 457 plans, while Human Interest stands out for flat-fee pricing transparent and affordable. 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 Human Interest's 4.3/5. For mobile experience, Nationwide scores 3.4/5 while Human Interest scores 4.2/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Nationwide if you prioritize public sector employees. 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 Nationwide and Human Interest provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nationwide scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.3/10. Nationwide is best for public sector employees, while Human Interest 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. Human Interest charges 0.06% - 0.50% expense ratios with admin fees of $120/month base + $5/employee. Nationwide's fees rating is 3.4/5 compared to Human Interest's 4.5/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Nationwide and Human Interest. Nationwide uses Nationwide.com for rollovers, while Human Interest uses Human Interest Dashboard. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Nationwide offers 401(k) loans. Human Interest does not offer 401(k) loans.
Nationwide scores 3.5/5 for investment options, while Human Interest scores 3.5/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Nationwide's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Fixed Annuities. Human Interest offers Index Funds, Target Date Funds, ESG Options.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Nationwide is best for public sector employees, teachers and nonprofits, guaranteed income seekers. Human Interest is best for small businesses, startups, first-time plan sponsors, tech-savvy employers. Compare admin fees: Nationwide charges $800 - $3,500/year vs Human Interest's $120/month base + $5/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