Updated 2026-03-20
TIAA vs Vestwell 401(k) Comparison
Compare TIAA (#9, 7.9/10) and Vestwell (#21, 6.5/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | TIAA | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.9/10 | 6.5/10 |
| Rank | #9 | #21 |
| AUM | $1.3 trillion | $30 billion |
| Participants | 5 million | 300,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 15,000+ | 25,000+ |
| Founded | 1918 | 2016 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | TIAA | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.0/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.0/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.9/5 | 3.5/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | TIAA | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by institution | Set by advisor/distributor |
| Expense Ratios | 0.05% - 1.0% | 0.03% - 1.0% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for TIAA funds | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.30% - 1.0% | Set by financial advisor |
TIAA Strengths
- Dominant in education sector
- Strong lifetime income/annuity options
- Mission-aligned for nonprofits
- Excellent retirement income planning
Vestwell Strengths
- Modern API-first technology platform
- White-label options for advisors
- Open architecture investment lineup
- Integrates with 100+ payroll providers
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | TIAA | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | TIAA.org | Vestwell Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via TIAA.org, Phone (800-842-2252), TIAA offices | Through financial advisor, Plan administrator portal, Phone support |
| 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 Vestwell if you want:
- Financial advisors
- Payroll companies
- Institutional distributors
- State IRA mandate compliance
Our Verdict: TIAA vs Vestwell
TIAA wins this comparison with a score of 7.9/10 vs 6.5/10. 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.
Other Popular Comparisons
Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Vanguard vs VestwellCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Schwab vs VestwellCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Empower vs VestwellCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
T. Rowe Price vs VestwellCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Principal vs VestwellCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
TIAA vs Vestwell: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between TIAA and Vestwell for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. TIAA offers education focus while Vestwell is known for white label. In terms of fees, TIAA charges 0.05% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to Vestwell's 0.03% - 1.0%. TIAA manages $1.3 trillion in assets and serves 5 million participants, while Vestwell has $30 billion AUM and 300,000 participants.
Key Differences: TIAA vs Vestwell
When comparing TIAA and Vestwell, consider their core strengths: TIAA excels with dominant in education sector, while Vestwell stands out for modern api-first technology platform. 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 Vestwell's 3.6/5. For mobile experience, TIAA scores 3.9/5 while Vestwell scores 3.5/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose TIAA if you prioritize educators. Choose Vestwell if you're looking for financial advisors. 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 Vestwell provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
TIAA scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.9/10. TIAA is best for educators, while Vestwell is best for financial advisors. 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. Vestwell charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios with admin fees of Set by advisor/distributor. TIAA's fees rating is 4.0/5 compared to Vestwell's 3.6/5.
Yes, you can roll over between TIAA and Vestwell. TIAA uses TIAA.org for rollovers, while Vestwell uses Vestwell Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
TIAA offers 401(k) loans. Vestwell 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 Vestwell 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. Vestwell 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. Vestwell is best for financial advisors, payroll companies, institutional distributors, state ira mandate compliance. Compare admin fees: TIAA charges Varies by institution vs Vestwell's Set by advisor/distributor.
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