Updated 2026-03-20
Transamerica vs Employee Fiduciary 401(k) Comparison
Compare Transamerica (#11, 7.5/10) and Employee Fiduciary (#24, 6.2/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Transamerica | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.5/10 | 6.2/10 |
| Rank | #11 | #24 |
| AUM | $300 billion | $6 billion |
| Participants | 6 million | 80,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 35,000+ | 3,000+ |
| Founded | 1904 | 2004 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Transamerica | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.6/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.7/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Customer Service | 3.8/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.5/5 | 2.5/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Transamerica | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $750 - $3,000/year | $1,500/year + $30/participant |
| Expense Ratios | 0.25% - 1.2% | 0.03% - 0.15% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.35% - 0.85% | Included as 3(38) fiduciary |
Transamerica Strengths
- complete financial wellness programs
- Flexible plan design options
- Strong educational resources and tools
- Integrated workplace benefits platform
Employee Fiduciary Strengths
- Full 3(38) investment fiduciary services included
- Among the lowest all-in costs
- Consistently rated best by independent reviewers
- Low-cost Vanguard fund lineup
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Transamerica | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Transamerica.com | Employee Fiduciary Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Transamerica.com, Phone (800-755-5801) | Phone (877-401-5100), Online portal |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, 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 Employee Fiduciary if you want:
- Cost-conscious small businesses
- Employers wanting fiduciary protection
- Index fund believers
- Plan sponsors seeking simplicity
Our Verdict: Transamerica vs Employee Fiduciary
Transamerica wins this comparison with a score of 7.5/10 vs 6.2/10. 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.
Other Popular Comparisons
Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Vanguard vs Employee FiduciaryCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Schwab vs Employee FiduciaryCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Empower vs Employee FiduciaryCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
T. Rowe Price vs Employee FiduciaryCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Principal vs Employee FiduciaryCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Transamerica vs Employee Fiduciary: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Transamerica and Employee Fiduciary for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Transamerica offers workplace benefits while Employee Fiduciary is known for 3(38) fiduciary. In terms of fees, Transamerica charges 0.25% - 1.2% expense ratios compared to Employee Fiduciary's 0.03% - 0.15%. Transamerica manages $300 billion in assets and serves 6 million participants, while Employee Fiduciary has $6 billion AUM and 80,000 participants.
Key Differences: Transamerica vs Employee Fiduciary
When comparing Transamerica and Employee Fiduciary, consider their core strengths: Transamerica excels with complete financial wellness programs, while Employee Fiduciary stands out for full 3(38) investment fiduciary services included. 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 Employee Fiduciary's 4.2/5. For mobile experience, Transamerica scores 3.5/5 while Employee Fiduciary scores 2.5/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Transamerica if you prioritize mid-sized companies. Choose Employee Fiduciary if you're looking for cost-conscious 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 Transamerica and Employee Fiduciary provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Transamerica scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.5/10. Transamerica is best for mid-sized companies, while Employee Fiduciary is best for cost-conscious small businesses. 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. Employee Fiduciary charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios with admin fees of $1,500/year + $30/participant. Transamerica's fees rating is 3.6/5 compared to Employee Fiduciary's 4.8/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Transamerica and Employee Fiduciary. Transamerica uses Transamerica.com for rollovers, while Employee Fiduciary uses Employee Fiduciary Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Transamerica offers 401(k) loans. Employee Fiduciary 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 Employee Fiduciary scores 3.2/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Transamerica's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Employee Fiduciary offers Vanguard Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Bond Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Transamerica is best for mid-sized companies, integrated benefits seekers, financial wellness focus. Employee Fiduciary is best for cost-conscious small businesses, employers wanting fiduciary protection, index fund believers, plan sponsors seeking simplicity. Compare admin fees: Transamerica charges $750 - $3,000/year vs Employee Fiduciary's $1,500/year + $30/participant.
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