Updated 2026-03-20
Transamerica vs Lincoln Financial 401(k) Comparison
Compare Transamerica (#11, 7.5/10) and Lincoln Financial (#17, 6.9/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Transamerica | Lincoln Financial |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.5/10 | 6.9/10 |
| Rank | #11 | #17 |
| AUM | $300 billion | $350 billion |
| Participants | 6 million | 8 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 35,000+ | 10,000+ |
| Founded | 1904 | 1905 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Transamerica | Lincoln Financial |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.6/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.7/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Customer Service | 3.8/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.5/5 | 3.4/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Transamerica | Lincoln Financial |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $750 - $3,000/year | Varies by plan size |
| Expense Ratios | 0.25% - 1.2% | 0.10% - 1.5% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.35% - 0.85% | 0.40% - 1.0% |
Transamerica Strengths
- complete financial wellness programs
- Flexible plan design options
- Strong educational resources and tools
- Integrated workplace benefits platform
Lincoln Financial Strengths
- Strong guaranteed income and annuity options
- Insurance-backed stability
- Lincoln Director platform for plan sponsors
- Managed account services through Lincoln Alliance
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Transamerica | Lincoln Financial |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Transamerica.com | Lincoln Financial Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Transamerica.com, Phone (800-755-5801) | Online via Lincoln Financial portal, Phone (800-454-6265), Through plan administrator |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Annuity conversion, 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 Lincoln Financial if you want:
- Companies wanting guaranteed income options
- Insurance-focused employers
- Mid-size to large plans
- Annuity seekers
Our Verdict: Transamerica vs Lincoln Financial
Transamerica wins this comparison with a score of 7.5/10 vs 6.9/10. 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 Lincoln Financial: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Transamerica and Lincoln Financial for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Transamerica offers workplace benefits while Lincoln Financial is known for top 10 recordkeeper. In terms of fees, Transamerica charges 0.25% - 1.2% expense ratios compared to Lincoln Financial's 0.10% - 1.5%. Transamerica manages $300 billion in assets and serves 6 million participants, while Lincoln Financial has $350 billion AUM and 8 million participants.
Key Differences: Transamerica vs Lincoln Financial
When comparing Transamerica and Lincoln Financial, consider their core strengths: Transamerica excels with complete financial wellness programs, while Lincoln Financial stands out for strong guaranteed income and annuity options. 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 Lincoln Financial's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, Transamerica scores 3.5/5 while Lincoln Financial scores 3.4/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Transamerica if you prioritize mid-sized companies. Choose Lincoln Financial if you're looking for companies wanting guaranteed income options. 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 Lincoln Financial provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Transamerica scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.5/10. Transamerica is best for mid-sized companies, while Lincoln Financial is best for companies wanting guaranteed income options. 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. Lincoln Financial charges 0.10% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by plan size. Transamerica's fees rating is 3.6/5 compared to Lincoln Financial's 3.3/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Transamerica and Lincoln Financial. Transamerica uses Transamerica.com for rollovers, while Lincoln Financial uses Lincoln Financial Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Transamerica offers 401(k) loans. Lincoln Financial 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 Lincoln Financial scores 3.8/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Transamerica's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Lincoln Financial offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Fixed Annuities.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Transamerica is best for mid-sized companies, integrated benefits seekers, financial wellness focus. Lincoln Financial is best for companies wanting guaranteed income options, insurance-focused employers, mid-size to large plans, annuity seekers. Compare admin fees: Transamerica charges $750 - $3,000/year vs Lincoln Financial's Varies by plan size.
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