TIAA vs John Hancock 401(k) Comparison
Compare TIAA (#9, 7.9/10) and John Hancock (#10, 7.7/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | TIAA | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| Rank | #9 | #10 |
| AUM | $1.3 trillion | $600 billion |
| Participants | 5 million | 3 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 15,000+ | 48,000+ |
| Founded | 1918 | 1862 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | TIAA | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.0/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.0/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.9/5 | 3.6/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | TIAA | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by institution | $1,000 - $4,000/year |
| Expense Ratios | 0.05% - 1.0% | 0.30% - 1.3% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for TIAA funds | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.30% - 1.0% | 0.40% - 0.90% |
TIAA Strengths
- Dominant in education sector
- Strong lifetime income/annuity options
- Mission-aligned for nonprofits
- Excellent retirement income planning
John Hancock Strengths
- Unique wellness program integration
- Vitality rewards for healthy behavior
- Strong financial wellness education
- Comprehensive planning tools
Which Should You Choose?
Choose TIAA if you want:
- Educators
- Nonprofits
- Healthcare workers
- Income-focused retirees
Choose John Hancock if you want:
- Wellness-focused employers
- Mid-sized companies
- Insurance bundle seekers
Our Verdict: TIAA vs John Hancock
TIAA wins this comparison with a score of 7.9/10 vs 7.7/10. TIAA excels with dominant in education sector, 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.
Other Popular Comparisons
Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Vanguard vs John HancockCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Schwab vs John HancockCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Empower vs John HancockCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
T. Rowe Price vs John HancockCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Principal vs John HancockCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
TIAA vs John Hancock: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between TIAA and John Hancock for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. TIAA offers education focus while John Hancock is known for wellness focus. In terms of fees, TIAA charges 0.05% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to John Hancock's 0.30% - 1.3%. TIAA manages $1.3 trillion in assets and serves 5 million participants, while John Hancock has $600 billion AUM and 3 million participants.
Key Differences: TIAA vs John Hancock
When comparing TIAA and John Hancock, consider their core strengths: TIAA excels with dominant in education sector, while John Hancock stands out for unique wellness program integration. Both providers offer comprehensive investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. TIAA's customer service rating is 4.3/5 compared to John Hancock's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, TIAA scores 3.9/5 while John Hancock scores 3.6/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose TIAA if you prioritize educators. 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 TIAA and John Hancock provider pages.