Updated 2026-03-30
Prudential vs Nationwide 401(k) Comparison
Compare Prudential Financial (#12, 7.4/10) and Nationwide (#13, 7.3/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Prudential | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 7.3/10 |
| Rank | #12 | #13 |
| AUM | $1.4 trillion | $250 billion |
| Participants | 5 million | 3.5 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 25,000+ | 30,000+ |
| Founded | 1875 | 1926 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Prudential | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.5/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.7/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 3.9/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.6/5 | 3.4/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Prudential | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $1,000 - $4,000/year | $800 - $3,500/year |
| Expense Ratios | 0.20% - 1.1% | 0.30% - 1.3% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.40% - 0.90% | 0.45% - 0.95% |
Prudential Strengths
- Strong guaranteed income options
- complete financial wellness programs
- Insurance product integration
- Long track record and stability
Nationwide Strengths
- Strong in 403(b) and 457 plans
- Guaranteed lifetime income options
- Good public sector solutions
- Stable value fund options
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Prudential | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Prudential via Empower | Nationwide.com |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Empower platform, Phone (877-778-2100) | Online via Nationwide.com, Phone (877-677-3678) |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Guaranteed lifetime income (IncomeFlex), Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Guaranteed lifetime income, Rollover to IRA |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Prudential if you want:
- Guaranteed income seekers
- Large employers
- Insurance-focused planning
Choose Nationwide if you want:
- Public sector employees
- Teachers and nonprofits
- Guaranteed income seekers
Our Verdict: Prudential vs Nationwide
Prudential Financial wins this comparison with a score of 7.4/10 vs 7.3/10. 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 Nationwide: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Prudential Financial and Nationwide for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Prudential offers guaranteed income while Nationwide is known for public sector. In terms of fees, Prudential charges 0.20% - 1.1% expense ratios compared to Nationwide's 0.30% - 1.3%. Prudential manages $1.4 trillion in assets and serves 5 million participants, while Nationwide has $250 billion AUM and 3.5 million participants.
Key Differences: Prudential vs Nationwide
When comparing Prudential and Nationwide, consider their core strengths: Prudential excels with strong guaranteed income options, while Nationwide stands out for strong in 403(b) and 457 plans. 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 Nationwide's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, Prudential scores 3.6/5 while Nationwide scores 3.4/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Prudential if you prioritize guaranteed income seekers. Choose Nationwide if you're looking for public sector 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 Prudential and Nationwide 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 Nationwide is best for public sector employees. 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. Nationwide charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios with admin fees of $800 - $3,500/year. Prudential's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Nationwide's 3.4/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Prudential and Nationwide. Prudential uses Prudential via Empower for rollovers, while Nationwide uses Nationwide.com. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Prudential offers 401(k) loans. Nationwide 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 Nationwide scores 3.5/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Prudential's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Guaranteed Income. Nationwide offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Fixed Annuities.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Prudential is best for guaranteed income seekers, large employers, insurance-focused planning. Nationwide is best for public sector employees, teachers and nonprofits, guaranteed income seekers. Compare admin fees: Prudential charges $1,000 - $4,000/year vs Nationwide's $800 - $3,500/year.
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