Updated 2026-03-20

Prudential vs Ascensus 401(k) Comparison

Compare Prudential Financial (#12, 7.4/10) and Ascensus (#18, 6.8/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeaturePrudentialAscensus
Overall Score7.4/106.8/10
Rank#12#18
AUM$1.4 trillion$800 billion
Participants5 million12 million
Plan Sponsors25,000+100,000+
Founded18751975

Ratings Comparison

CategoryPrudentialAscensus
Fees & Costs3.5/53.5/5
Investment Options3.7/54.0/5
Customer Service3.9/53.7/5
Mobile App3.6/53.3/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypePrudentialAscensus
Admin Fees$1,000 - $4,000/yearVaries by advisor and plan
Expense Ratios0.20% - 1.1%0.03% - 1.5%
Trading FeesPlan dependentPlan dependent
Advisory Fees0.40% - 0.90%Set by financial advisor

Prudential Strengths

Ascensus Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeaturePrudentialAscensus
Rollover PlatformPrudential via EmpowerAscensus Portal
Loans AvailableYesYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via Empower platform, Phone (877-778-2100)Through financial advisor, Phone (800-345-6363), Plan administrator portal
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Guaranteed lifetime income (IncomeFlex), Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Prudential if you want:

  • Guaranteed income seekers
  • Large employers
  • Insurance-focused planning

Choose Ascensus if you want:

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

Our Verdict: Prudential vs Ascensus

Prudential Financial wins this comparison with a score of 7.4/10 vs 6.8/10. Prudential excels with strong guaranteed income options, 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 Prudential Review Full Ascensus Review

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

Choosing between Prudential Financial and Ascensus for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Prudential offers guaranteed income while Ascensus is known for largest independent. In terms of fees, Prudential charges 0.20% - 1.1% expense ratios compared to Ascensus's 0.03% - 1.5%. Prudential manages $1.4 trillion in assets and serves 5 million participants, while Ascensus has $800 billion AUM and 12 million participants.

Key Differences: Prudential vs Ascensus

When comparing Prudential and Ascensus, consider their core strengths: Prudential excels with strong guaranteed income options, 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. Prudential's customer service rating is 3.9/5 compared to Ascensus's 3.7/5. For mobile experience, Prudential scores 3.6/5 while Ascensus scores 3.3/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose Prudential if you prioritize guaranteed income seekers. 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 Prudential and Ascensus provider pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prudential Financial scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.4/10. Prudential is best for guaranteed income seekers, while Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.

Prudential charges expense ratios of 0.20% - 1.1% with admin fees of $1,000 - $4,000/year. Ascensus charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by advisor and plan. Prudential's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Ascensus's 3.5/5.

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

Prudential 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.

Prudential scores 3.7/5 for investment options, while Ascensus scores 4.0/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Prudential's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Guaranteed Income. Ascensus offers Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds.

For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Prudential is best for guaranteed income seekers, large employers, insurance-focused planning. Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients, businesses wanting advisor-guided plans, multi-plan employers, open architecture seekers. Compare admin fees: Prudential charges $1,000 - $4,000/year 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