Updated 2026-03-20
TIAA vs Ubiquity 401(k) Comparison
Compare TIAA (#9, 7.9/10) and Ubiquity Retirement + Savings (#23, 6.3/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | TIAA | Ubiquity |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.9/10 | 6.3/10 |
| Rank | #9 | #23 |
| AUM | $1.3 trillion | $3.5 billion |
| Participants | 5 million | 100,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 15,000+ | 10,000+ |
| Founded | 1918 | 1999 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | TIAA | Ubiquity |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.0/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.9/5 | 3.2/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | TIAA | Ubiquity |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by institution | $115 - $250/month flat fee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.05% - 1.0% | 0.03% - 0.80% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for TIAA funds | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.30% - 1.0% | Optional, varies |
TIAA Strengths
- Dominant in education sector
- Strong lifetime income/annuity options
- Mission-aligned for nonprofits
- Excellent retirement income planning
Ubiquity Strengths
- True flat-fee pricing with no asset-based charges
- Costs become more competitive as assets grow
- Open architecture investment options
- Over 25 years of experience
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | TIAA | Ubiquity |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | TIAA.org | Ubiquity Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via TIAA.org, Phone (800-842-2252), TIAA offices | Online via Ubiquity portal, Phone (855-831-7344), Dedicated account manager |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Lifetime income annuity, Systematic withdrawals, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, 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 Ubiquity if you want:
- Growing small businesses
- Cost-transparent seekers
- Companies with growing plan assets
- Custom plan designers
Our Verdict: TIAA vs Ubiquity
TIAA wins this comparison with a score of 7.9/10 vs 6.3/10. 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 Ubiquity: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between TIAA and Ubiquity Retirement + Savings for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. TIAA offers education focus while Ubiquity is known for flat fee. In terms of fees, TIAA charges 0.05% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to Ubiquity's 0.03% - 0.80%. TIAA manages $1.3 trillion in assets and serves 5 million participants, while Ubiquity has $3.5 billion AUM and 100,000 participants.
Key Differences: TIAA vs Ubiquity
When comparing TIAA and Ubiquity, consider their core strengths: TIAA excels with dominant in education sector, while Ubiquity stands out for true flat-fee pricing with no asset-based charges. 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 Ubiquity's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, TIAA scores 3.9/5 while Ubiquity scores 3.2/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose TIAA if you prioritize educators. Choose Ubiquity if you're looking for growing small businesses. 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 Ubiquity provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
TIAA scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.9/10. TIAA is best for educators, while Ubiquity is best for growing small businesses. 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. Ubiquity charges 0.03% - 0.80% expense ratios with admin fees of $115 - $250/month flat fee. TIAA's fees rating is 4.0/5 compared to Ubiquity's 4.0/5.
Yes, you can roll over between TIAA and Ubiquity. TIAA uses TIAA.org for rollovers, while Ubiquity uses Ubiquity Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
TIAA offers 401(k) loans. Ubiquity 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 Ubiquity 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. Ubiquity offers Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. TIAA is best for educators, nonprofits, healthcare workers, income-focused retirees. Ubiquity is best for growing small businesses, cost-transparent seekers, companies with growing plan assets, custom plan designers. Compare admin fees: TIAA charges Varies by institution vs Ubiquity's $115 - $250/month flat fee.
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