Updated 2026-03-30
Principal vs Human Interest 401(k) Comparison
Compare Principal Financial (#6, 8.3/10) and Human Interest (#14, 7.2/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Principal | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.3/10 | 7.2/10 |
| Rank | #6 | #14 |
| AUM | $700 billion | $6 billion |
| Participants | 6 million | 500,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 46,000+ | 15,000+ |
| Founded | 1879 | 2015 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Principal | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.8/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.2/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.9/5 | 4.2/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Principal | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $1,500 - $5,000/year for small plans | $120/month base + $5/employee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.25% - 1.5% | 0.06% - 0.50% |
| Trading Fees | Varies | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.40% - 1.0% | Included in platform |
Principal Strengths
- Excellent for small business 401(k) plans
- Bundled benefits solutions
- Strong customer service for plan sponsors
- SimpleInvest managed portfolios
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 | Principal | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Principal.com | Human Interest Dashboard |
| Loans Available | Yes | No |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Principal.com, Phone (800-547-7754) | Online via Human Interest dashboard |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Annuity purchase, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Principal if you want:
- Small businesses
- Bundled benefit seekers
- Companies wanting insurance integration
Choose Human Interest if you want:
- Small businesses
- Startups
- First-time plan sponsors
- Tech-savvy employers
Our Verdict: Principal vs Human Interest
Principal Financial wins this comparison with a score of 8.3/10 vs 7.2/10. 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 Human Interest: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Principal Financial and Human Interest for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Principal offers small business focus while Human Interest is known for small business. In terms of fees, Principal charges 0.25% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to Human Interest's 0.06% - 0.50%. Principal manages $700 billion in assets and serves 6 million participants, while Human Interest has $6 billion AUM and 500,000 participants.
Key Differences: Principal vs Human Interest
When comparing Principal and Human Interest, consider their core strengths: Principal excels with excellent for small business 401(k) 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. Principal's customer service rating is 4.2/5 compared to Human Interest's 4.3/5. For mobile experience, Principal scores 3.9/5 while Human Interest scores 4.2/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Principal if you prioritize small businesses. 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 Principal and Human Interest provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Principal Financial scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 8.3/10. Principal is best for small businesses, while Human Interest is best for small businesses. 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. Human Interest charges 0.06% - 0.50% expense ratios with admin fees of $120/month base + $5/employee. Principal's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Human Interest's 4.5/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Principal and Human Interest. Principal uses Principal.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.
Principal offers 401(k) loans. Human Interest does not offer 401(k) loans.
Principal scores 3.8/5 for investment options, while Human Interest 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. Human Interest offers Index Funds, Target Date Funds, ESG Options.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Principal is best for small businesses, bundled benefit seekers, companies wanting insurance integration. Human Interest is best for small businesses, startups, first-time plan sponsors, tech-savvy employers. Compare admin fees: Principal charges $1,500 - $5,000/year for small plans 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