Updated 2026-03-20

TIAA vs Lincoln Financial 401(k) Comparison

Compare TIAA (#9, 7.9/10) and Lincoln Financial (#17, 6.9/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeatureTIAALincoln Financial
Overall Score7.9/106.9/10
Rank#9#17
AUM$1.3 trillion$350 billion
Participants5 million8 million
Plan Sponsors15,000+10,000+
Founded19181905

Ratings Comparison

CategoryTIAALincoln Financial
Fees & Costs4.0/53.3/5
Investment Options4.0/53.8/5
Customer Service4.3/53.9/5
Mobile App3.9/53.4/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypeTIAALincoln Financial
Admin FeesVaries by institutionVaries by plan size
Expense Ratios0.05% - 1.0%0.10% - 1.5%
Trading Fees$0 for TIAA fundsPlan dependent
Advisory Fees0.30% - 1.0%0.40% - 1.0%

TIAA Strengths

Lincoln Financial Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeatureTIAALincoln Financial
Rollover PlatformTIAA.orgLincoln Financial Portal
Loans AvailableYesYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via TIAA.org, Phone (800-842-2252), TIAA officesOnline via Lincoln Financial portal, Phone (800-454-6265), Through plan administrator
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Lifetime income annuity, Systematic withdrawals, Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, Annuity conversion, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions

Which Should You Choose?

Choose TIAA if you want:

  • Educators
  • Nonprofits
  • Healthcare workers
  • Income-focused retirees

Choose Lincoln Financial if you want:

  • Companies wanting guaranteed income options
  • Insurance-focused employers
  • Mid-size to large plans
  • Annuity seekers

Our Verdict: TIAA vs Lincoln Financial

TIAA wins this comparison with a score of 7.9/10 vs 6.9/10. 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.

Full TIAA Review Full Lincoln Financial Review

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TIAA vs Lincoln Financial: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026

Choosing between TIAA and Lincoln Financial for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. TIAA offers education focus while Lincoln Financial is known for top 10 recordkeeper. In terms of fees, TIAA charges 0.05% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to Lincoln Financial's 0.10% - 1.5%. TIAA manages $1.3 trillion in assets and serves 5 million participants, while Lincoln Financial has $350 billion AUM and 8 million participants.

Key Differences: TIAA vs Lincoln Financial

When comparing TIAA and Lincoln Financial, consider their core strengths: TIAA excels with dominant in education sector, while Lincoln Financial stands out for strong guaranteed income and annuity options. 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 Lincoln Financial's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, TIAA scores 3.9/5 while Lincoln Financial scores 3.4/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose TIAA if you prioritize educators. Choose Lincoln Financial if you're looking for companies wanting guaranteed income options. 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 Lincoln Financial provider pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

TIAA scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.9/10. TIAA is best for educators, while Lincoln Financial is best for companies wanting guaranteed income options. 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. Lincoln Financial charges 0.10% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by plan size. TIAA's fees rating is 4.0/5 compared to Lincoln Financial's 3.3/5.

Yes, you can roll over between TIAA and Lincoln Financial. TIAA uses TIAA.org for rollovers, while Lincoln Financial uses Lincoln Financial Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.

TIAA offers 401(k) loans. Lincoln Financial 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 Lincoln Financial scores 3.8/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. TIAA's investment options include TIAA Funds, CREF Variable Annuities, Target Date Funds. Lincoln Financial offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Fixed Annuities.

For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. TIAA is best for educators, nonprofits, healthcare workers, income-focused retirees. Lincoln Financial is best for companies wanting guaranteed income options, insurance-focused employers, mid-size to large plans, annuity seekers. Compare admin fees: TIAA charges Varies by institution vs Lincoln Financial's Varies by plan size.

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