Updated 2026-03-30

Principal vs John Hancock 401(k) Comparison

Compare Principal Financial (#6, 8.3/10) and John Hancock (#10, 7.7/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeaturePrincipalJohn Hancock
Overall Score8.3/107.7/10
Rank#6#10
AUM$700 billion$600 billion
Participants6 million3 million
Plan Sponsors46,000+48,000+
Founded18791862

Ratings Comparison

CategoryPrincipalJohn Hancock
Fees & Costs3.5/53.5/5
Investment Options3.8/53.7/5
Customer Service4.2/54.0/5
Mobile App3.9/53.6/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypePrincipalJohn Hancock
Admin Fees$1,500 - $5,000/year for small plans$1,000 - $4,000/year
Expense Ratios0.25% - 1.5%0.30% - 1.3%
Trading FeesVariesPlan dependent
Advisory Fees0.40% - 1.0%0.40% - 0.90%

Principal Strengths

John Hancock Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeaturePrincipalJohn Hancock
Rollover PlatformPrincipal.commyplan.johnhancock.com
Loans AvailableYesYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via Principal.com, Phone (800-547-7754)Online via myplan.johnhancock.com, Phone (800-395-1113)
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Annuity purchase, Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Principal if you want:

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

Choose John Hancock if you want:

  • Wellness-focused employers
  • Mid-sized companies
  • Insurance bundle seekers

Our Verdict: Principal vs John Hancock

Principal Financial wins this comparison with a score of 8.3/10 vs 7.7/10. 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 John Hancock Review

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Principal vs John Hancock: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026

Choosing between Principal Financial and John Hancock for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Principal offers small business focus while John Hancock is known for wellness focus. In terms of fees, Principal charges 0.25% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to John Hancock's 0.30% - 1.3%. Principal manages $700 billion in assets and serves 6 million participants, while John Hancock has $600 billion AUM and 3 million participants.

Key Differences: Principal vs John Hancock

When comparing Principal and John Hancock, consider their core strengths: Principal excels with excellent for small business 401(k) plans, while John Hancock stands out for unique wellness program integration. 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 John Hancock's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, Principal scores 3.9/5 while John Hancock scores 3.6/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose Principal if you prioritize small businesses. Choose John Hancock if you're looking for wellness-focused employers. 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 John Hancock provider pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Principal Financial scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 8.3/10. Principal is best for small businesses, while John Hancock is best for wellness-focused employers. 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. John Hancock charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios with admin fees of $1,000 - $4,000/year. Principal's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to John Hancock's 3.5/5.

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

Principal offers 401(k) loans. John Hancock 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 John Hancock scores 3.7/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Principal's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. John Hancock offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value.

For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Principal is best for small businesses, bundled benefit seekers, companies wanting insurance integration. John Hancock is best for wellness-focused employers, mid-sized companies, insurance bundle seekers. Compare admin fees: Principal charges $1,500 - $5,000/year for small plans vs John Hancock's $1,000 - $4,000/year.

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: 2026-03-30