Updated 2026-03-20

Principal vs Ascensus 401(k) Comparison

Compare Principal Financial (#6, 8.3/10) and Ascensus (#18, 6.8/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeaturePrincipalAscensus
Overall Score8.3/106.8/10
Rank#6#18
AUM$700 billion$800 billion
Participants6 million12 million
Plan Sponsors46,000+100,000+
Founded18791975

Ratings Comparison

CategoryPrincipalAscensus
Fees & Costs3.5/53.5/5
Investment Options3.8/54.0/5
Customer Service4.2/53.7/5
Mobile App3.9/53.3/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypePrincipalAscensus
Admin Fees$1,500 - $5,000/year for small plansVaries by advisor and plan
Expense Ratios0.25% - 1.5%0.03% - 1.5%
Trading FeesVariesPlan dependent
Advisory Fees0.40% - 1.0%Set by financial advisor

Principal Strengths

Ascensus Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeaturePrincipalAscensus
Rollover PlatformPrincipal.comAscensus Portal
Loans AvailableYesYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via Principal.com, Phone (800-547-7754)Through financial advisor, Phone (800-345-6363), Plan administrator portal
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Annuity purchase, Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Principal if you want:

  • Small businesses
  • Bundled benefit seekers
  • Companies wanting insurance integration

Choose Ascensus if you want:

  • Financial advisor clients
  • Businesses wanting advisor-guided plans
  • Multi-plan employers
  • Open architecture seekers

Our Verdict: Principal vs Ascensus

Principal Financial wins this comparison with a score of 8.3/10 vs 6.8/10. Principal excels with excellent for small business 401(k) 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 Principal Review Full Ascensus Review

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Principal vs Ascensus: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026

Choosing between Principal Financial and Ascensus for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Principal offers small business focus while Ascensus is known for largest independent. In terms of fees, Principal charges 0.25% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to Ascensus's 0.03% - 1.5%. Principal manages $700 billion in assets and serves 6 million participants, while Ascensus has $800 billion AUM and 12 million participants.

Key Differences: Principal vs Ascensus

When comparing Principal and Ascensus, consider their core strengths: Principal excels with excellent for small business 401(k) plans, while Ascensus stands out for largest independent recordkeeper in the us. Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Principal's customer service rating is 4.2/5 compared to Ascensus's 3.7/5. For mobile experience, Principal scores 3.9/5 while Ascensus scores 3.3/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose Principal if you prioritize small businesses. Choose Ascensus if you're looking for financial advisor clients. 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 Principal and Ascensus provider pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Principal Financial scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 8.3/10. Principal is best for small businesses, while Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.

Principal charges expense ratios of 0.25% - 1.5% with admin fees of $1,500 - $5,000/year for small plans. Ascensus charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by advisor and plan. Principal's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Ascensus's 3.5/5.

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

Principal offers 401(k) loans. Ascensus offers 401(k) loans. Both providers typically allow loans up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.

Principal scores 3.8/5 for investment options, while Ascensus scores 4.0/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Principal's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Ascensus offers Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds.

For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Principal is best for small businesses, bundled benefit seekers, companies wanting insurance integration. Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients, businesses wanting advisor-guided plans, multi-plan employers, open architecture seekers. Compare admin fees: Principal charges $1,500 - $5,000/year for small plans vs Ascensus's Varies by advisor and plan.

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