TIAA vs Transamerica 401(k) Comparison
Compare TIAA (#9, 7.9/10) and Transamerica (#11, 7.5/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | TIAA | Transamerica |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Rank | #9 | #11 |
| AUM | $1.3 trillion | $300 billion |
| Participants | 5 million | 6 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 15,000+ | 35,000+ |
| Founded | 1918 | 1904 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | TIAA | Transamerica |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.0/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.0/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.9/5 | 3.5/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | TIAA | Transamerica |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by institution | $750 - $3,000/year |
| Expense Ratios | 0.05% - 1.0% | 0.25% - 1.2% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for TIAA funds | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.30% - 1.0% | 0.35% - 0.85% |
TIAA Strengths
- Dominant in education sector
- Strong lifetime income/annuity options
- Mission-aligned for nonprofits
- Excellent retirement income planning
Transamerica Strengths
- Comprehensive financial wellness programs
- Flexible plan design options
- Strong educational resources and tools
- Integrated workplace benefits platform
Which Should You Choose?
Choose TIAA if you want:
- Educators
- Nonprofits
- Healthcare workers
- Income-focused retirees
Choose Transamerica if you want:
- Mid-sized companies
- Integrated benefits seekers
- Financial wellness focus
Our Verdict: TIAA vs Transamerica
TIAA wins this comparison with a score of 7.9/10 vs 7.5/10. 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 Transamerica: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between TIAA and Transamerica for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. TIAA offers education focus while Transamerica is known for workplace benefits. In terms of fees, TIAA charges 0.05% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to Transamerica's 0.25% - 1.2%. TIAA manages $1.3 trillion in assets and serves 5 million participants, while Transamerica has $300 billion AUM and 6 million participants.
Key Differences: TIAA vs Transamerica
When comparing TIAA and Transamerica, consider their core strengths: TIAA excels with dominant in education sector, while Transamerica stands out for comprehensive financial wellness programs. 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 Transamerica's 3.8/5. For mobile experience, TIAA scores 3.9/5 while Transamerica scores 3.5/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose TIAA if you prioritize educators. Choose Transamerica if you're looking for mid-sized companies. 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 Transamerica provider pages.