Updated 2026-03-20
Transamerica vs Ascensus 401(k) Comparison
Compare Transamerica (#11, 7.5/10) and Ascensus (#18, 6.8/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Transamerica | Ascensus |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.5/10 | 6.8/10 |
| Rank | #11 | #18 |
| AUM | $300 billion | $800 billion |
| Participants | 6 million | 12 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 35,000+ | 100,000+ |
| Founded | 1904 | 1975 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Transamerica | Ascensus |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.6/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.7/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Customer Service | 3.8/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.5/5 | 3.3/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Transamerica | Ascensus |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $750 - $3,000/year | Varies by advisor and plan |
| Expense Ratios | 0.25% - 1.2% | 0.03% - 1.5% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.35% - 0.85% | Set by financial advisor |
Transamerica Strengths
- complete financial wellness programs
- Flexible plan design options
- Strong educational resources and tools
- Integrated workplace benefits platform
Ascensus Strengths
- Largest independent recordkeeper in the US
- Works through financial advisor network
- Supports 401(k), IRA, 529, and HSA plans
- Strong compliance and administration
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Transamerica | Ascensus |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Transamerica.com | Ascensus Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Transamerica.com, Phone (800-755-5801) | Through financial advisor, Phone (800-345-6363), Plan administrator portal |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Transamerica if you want:
- Mid-sized companies
- Integrated benefits seekers
- Financial wellness focus
Choose Ascensus if you want:
- Financial advisor clients
- Businesses wanting advisor-guided plans
- Multi-plan employers
- Open architecture seekers
Our Verdict: Transamerica vs Ascensus
Transamerica wins this comparison with a score of 7.5/10 vs 6.8/10. Transamerica excels with complete financial wellness programs, 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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Transamerica vs Ascensus: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Transamerica and Ascensus for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Transamerica offers workplace benefits while Ascensus is known for largest independent. In terms of fees, Transamerica charges 0.25% - 1.2% expense ratios compared to Ascensus's 0.03% - 1.5%. Transamerica manages $300 billion in assets and serves 6 million participants, while Ascensus has $800 billion AUM and 12 million participants.
Key Differences: Transamerica vs Ascensus
When comparing Transamerica and Ascensus, consider their core strengths: Transamerica excels with complete financial wellness programs, while Ascensus stands out for largest independent recordkeeper in the us. Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Transamerica's customer service rating is 3.8/5 compared to Ascensus's 3.7/5. For mobile experience, Transamerica scores 3.5/5 while Ascensus scores 3.3/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Transamerica if you prioritize mid-sized companies. Choose Ascensus if you're looking for financial advisor clients. 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 Transamerica and Ascensus provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Transamerica scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.5/10. Transamerica is best for mid-sized companies, while Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
Transamerica charges expense ratios of 0.25% - 1.2% with admin fees of $750 - $3,000/year. Ascensus charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by advisor and plan. Transamerica's fees rating is 3.6/5 compared to Ascensus's 3.5/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Transamerica and Ascensus. Transamerica uses Transamerica.com for rollovers, while Ascensus uses Ascensus Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Transamerica offers 401(k) loans. Ascensus offers 401(k) loans. Both providers typically allow loans up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.
Transamerica scores 3.7/5 for investment options, while Ascensus scores 4.0/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Transamerica's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Ascensus offers Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Transamerica is best for mid-sized companies, integrated benefits seekers, financial wellness focus. Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients, businesses wanting advisor-guided plans, multi-plan employers, open architecture seekers. Compare admin fees: Transamerica charges $750 - $3,000/year vs Ascensus's Varies by advisor and plan.
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