Updated 2026-03-20

Nationwide vs Morgan Stanley 401(k) Comparison

Compare Nationwide (#13, 7.3/10) and Morgan Stanley at Work (#19, 6.8/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeatureNationwideMorgan Stanley
Overall Score7.3/106.8/10
Rank#13#19
AUM$250 billion$6.2 trillion
Participants3.5 million6 million
Plan Sponsors30,000+15,000+
Founded19261935

Ratings Comparison

CategoryNationwideMorgan Stanley
Fees & Costs3.4/53.0/5
Investment Options3.5/54.5/5
Customer Service4.0/54.1/5
Mobile App3.4/54.0/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypeNationwideMorgan Stanley
Admin Fees$800 - $3,500/yearVaries by plan size and services
Expense Ratios0.30% - 1.3%0.03% - 1.5%
Trading FeesPlan dependent$0 for stocks/ETFs via E*Trade
Advisory Fees0.45% - 0.95%0.50% - 1.5%

Nationwide Strengths

Morgan Stanley Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeatureNationwideMorgan Stanley
Rollover PlatformNationwide.comMorgan Stanley at Work Portal
Loans AvailableYesYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via Nationwide.com, Phone (877-677-3678)Online via Morgan Stanley portal, Phone (800-869-3326), Through Morgan Stanley financial advisor, Branch office visit
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Guaranteed lifetime income, Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, Systematic withdrawals, 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 Morgan Stanley if you want:

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

Our Verdict: Nationwide vs Morgan Stanley

Nationwide wins this comparison with a score of 7.3/10 vs 6.8/10. 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.

Full Nationwide Review Full Morgan Stanley Review

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

Choosing between Nationwide and Morgan Stanley at Work for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Nationwide offers public sector while Morgan Stanley is known for wealth management. In terms of fees, Nationwide charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios compared to Morgan Stanley's 0.03% - 1.5%. Nationwide manages $250 billion in assets and serves 3.5 million participants, while Morgan Stanley has $6.2 trillion AUM and 6 million participants.

Key Differences: Nationwide vs Morgan Stanley

When comparing Nationwide and Morgan Stanley, consider their core strengths: Nationwide excels with strong in 403(b) and 457 plans, while Morgan Stanley stands out for access to morgan stanley financial advisors. 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 Morgan Stanley's 4.1/5. For mobile experience, Nationwide scores 3.4/5 while Morgan Stanley scores 4.0/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose Nationwide if you prioritize public sector employees. Choose Morgan Stanley if you're looking for companies with stock plans. 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 Morgan Stanley provider pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nationwide scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.3/10. Nationwide is best for public sector employees, while Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans. 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. Morgan Stanley charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by plan size and services. Nationwide's fees rating is 3.4/5 compared to Morgan Stanley's 3.0/5.

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

Nationwide offers 401(k) loans. Morgan Stanley 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 Morgan Stanley scores 4.5/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Nationwide's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Fixed Annuities. Morgan Stanley offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Index Funds.

For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Nationwide is best for public sector employees, teachers and nonprofits, guaranteed income seekers. Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans, employees wanting full brokerage access, high-net-worth participants, self-directed traders. Compare admin fees: Nationwide charges $800 - $3,500/year vs Morgan Stanley's Varies by plan size and services.

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