Updated 2026-03-20
Prudential vs Employee Fiduciary 401(k) Comparison
Compare Prudential Financial (#12, 7.4/10) and Employee Fiduciary (#24, 6.2/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Prudential | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 6.2/10 |
| Rank | #12 | #24 |
| AUM | $1.4 trillion | $6 billion |
| Participants | 5 million | 80,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 25,000+ | 3,000+ |
| Founded | 1875 | 2004 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Prudential | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.5/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.7/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Customer Service | 3.9/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.6/5 | 2.5/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Prudential | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $1,000 - $4,000/year | $1,500/year + $30/participant |
| Expense Ratios | 0.20% - 1.1% | 0.03% - 0.15% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.40% - 0.90% | Included as 3(38) fiduciary |
Prudential Strengths
- Strong guaranteed income options
- complete financial wellness programs
- Insurance product integration
- Long track record and stability
Employee Fiduciary Strengths
- Full 3(38) investment fiduciary services included
- Among the lowest all-in costs
- Consistently rated best by independent reviewers
- Low-cost Vanguard fund lineup
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Prudential | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Prudential via Empower | Employee Fiduciary Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Empower platform, Phone (877-778-2100) | Phone (877-401-5100), Online portal |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Guaranteed lifetime income (IncomeFlex), Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Prudential if you want:
- Guaranteed income seekers
- Large employers
- Insurance-focused planning
Choose Employee Fiduciary if you want:
- Cost-conscious small businesses
- Employers wanting fiduciary protection
- Index fund believers
- Plan sponsors seeking simplicity
Our Verdict: Prudential vs Employee Fiduciary
Prudential Financial wins this comparison with a score of 7.4/10 vs 6.2/10. 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.
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Prudential vs Employee Fiduciary: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Prudential Financial and Employee Fiduciary for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Prudential offers guaranteed income while Employee Fiduciary is known for 3(38) fiduciary. In terms of fees, Prudential charges 0.20% - 1.1% expense ratios compared to Employee Fiduciary's 0.03% - 0.15%. Prudential manages $1.4 trillion in assets and serves 5 million participants, while Employee Fiduciary has $6 billion AUM and 80,000 participants.
Key Differences: Prudential vs Employee Fiduciary
When comparing Prudential and Employee Fiduciary, consider their core strengths: Prudential excels with strong guaranteed income options, while Employee Fiduciary stands out for full 3(38) investment fiduciary services included. 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 Employee Fiduciary's 4.2/5. For mobile experience, Prudential scores 3.6/5 while Employee Fiduciary scores 2.5/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Prudential if you prioritize guaranteed income seekers. Choose Employee Fiduciary if you're looking for cost-conscious 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 Prudential and Employee Fiduciary 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 Employee Fiduciary is best for cost-conscious small businesses. 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. Employee Fiduciary charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios with admin fees of $1,500/year + $30/participant. Prudential's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Employee Fiduciary's 4.8/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Prudential and Employee Fiduciary. Prudential uses Prudential via Empower for rollovers, while Employee Fiduciary uses Employee Fiduciary Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Prudential offers 401(k) loans. Employee Fiduciary 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 Employee Fiduciary scores 3.2/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Prudential's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Guaranteed Income. Employee Fiduciary offers Vanguard Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Bond Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Prudential is best for guaranteed income seekers, large employers, insurance-focused planning. Employee Fiduciary is best for cost-conscious small businesses, employers wanting fiduciary protection, index fund believers, plan sponsors seeking simplicity. Compare admin fees: Prudential charges $1,000 - $4,000/year vs Employee Fiduciary's $1,500/year + $30/participant.
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