Updated 2026-03-20
Principal vs ForUsAll 401(k) Comparison
Compare Principal Financial (#6, 8.3/10) and ForUsAll (#22, 6.4/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Principal | ForUsAll |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.3/10 | 6.4/10 |
| Rank | #6 | #22 |
| AUM | $700 billion | $2 billion |
| Participants | 6 million | 50,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 46,000+ | 2,000+ |
| Founded | 1879 | 2012 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Principal | ForUsAll |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.5/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.8/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.2/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.9/5 | 3.8/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Principal | ForUsAll |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $1,500 - $5,000/year for small plans | $120/month + $6/employee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.25% - 1.5% | 0.03% - 0.50% + crypto fees |
| Trading Fees | Varies | $0 for funds, varies for crypto |
| Advisory Fees | 0.40% - 1.0% | Included |
Principal Strengths
- Excellent for small business 401(k) plans
- Bundled benefits solutions
- Strong customer service for plan sponsors
- SimpleInvest managed portfolios
ForUsAll Strengths
- First 401(k) with crypto investment options
- Coinbase-powered crypto trading window
- Automated 5% crypto allocation guardrail
- Modern technology platform
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Principal | ForUsAll |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Principal.com | ForUsAll App |
| Loans Available | Yes | No |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Principal.com, Phone (800-547-7754) | Online via ForUsAll platform, Email support |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Annuity purchase, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, 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 ForUsAll if you want:
- Crypto-curious employees
- Tech-forward companies
- Employers wanting alternative investments
- Small businesses
Our Verdict: Principal vs ForUsAll
Principal Financial wins this comparison with a score of 8.3/10 vs 6.4/10. 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.
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Principal vs ForUsAll: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Principal Financial and ForUsAll for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Principal offers small business focus while ForUsAll is known for crypto 401(k). In terms of fees, Principal charges 0.25% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to ForUsAll's 0.03% - 0.50% + crypto fees. Principal manages $700 billion in assets and serves 6 million participants, while ForUsAll has $2 billion AUM and 50,000 participants.
Key Differences: Principal vs ForUsAll
When comparing Principal and ForUsAll, consider their core strengths: Principal excels with excellent for small business 401(k) plans, while ForUsAll stands out for first 401(k) with crypto investment options. 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 ForUsAll's 3.5/5. For mobile experience, Principal scores 3.9/5 while ForUsAll scores 3.8/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Principal if you prioritize small businesses. Choose ForUsAll if you're looking for crypto-curious employees. 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 ForUsAll provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Principal Financial scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 8.3/10. Principal is best for small businesses, while ForUsAll is best for crypto-curious employees. 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. ForUsAll charges 0.03% - 0.50% + crypto fees expense ratios with admin fees of $120/month + $6/employee. Principal's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to ForUsAll's 3.3/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Principal and ForUsAll. Principal uses Principal.com for rollovers, while ForUsAll uses ForUsAll App. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Principal offers 401(k) loans. ForUsAll does not offer 401(k) loans.
Principal scores 3.8/5 for investment options, while ForUsAll scores 3.5/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Principal's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. ForUsAll offers Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Cryptocurrency.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Principal is best for small businesses, bundled benefit seekers, companies wanting insurance integration. ForUsAll is best for crypto-curious employees, tech-forward companies, employers wanting alternative investments, small businesses. Compare admin fees: Principal charges $1,500 - $5,000/year for small plans vs ForUsAll's $120/month + $6/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: 2026-03-20