Updated 2026-03-30
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
- complete planning tools
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | TIAA | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | TIAA.org | myplan.johnhancock.com |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via TIAA.org, Phone (800-842-2252), TIAA offices | Online via myplan.johnhancock.com, Phone (800-395-1113) |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Lifetime income annuity, Systematic withdrawals, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA |
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.
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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 a wide range of 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
TIAA scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.9/10. TIAA is best for educators, while John Hancock is best for wellness-focused employers. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
TIAA charges expense ratios of 0.05% - 1.0% with admin fees of Varies by institution. John Hancock charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios with admin fees of $1,000 - $4,000/year. TIAA's fees rating is 4.0/5 compared to John Hancock's 3.5/5.
Yes, you can roll over between TIAA and John Hancock. TIAA uses TIAA.org for rollovers, while John Hancock uses myplan.johnhancock.com. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
TIAA 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.
TIAA scores 4.0/5 for investment options, while John Hancock scores 3.7/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. TIAA's investment options include TIAA Funds, CREF Variable Annuities, Target Date Funds. John Hancock offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. TIAA is best for educators, nonprofits, healthcare workers, income-focused retirees. John Hancock is best for wellness-focused employers, mid-sized companies, insurance bundle seekers. Compare admin fees: TIAA charges Varies by institution vs John Hancock's $1,000 - $4,000/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