Updated 2026-03-20
Transamerica vs Morgan Stanley 401(k) Comparison
Compare Transamerica (#11, 7.5/10) and Morgan Stanley at Work (#19, 6.8/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Transamerica | Morgan Stanley |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.5/10 | 6.8/10 |
| Rank | #11 | #19 |
| AUM | $300 billion | $6.2 trillion |
| Participants | 6 million | 6 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 35,000+ | 15,000+ |
| Founded | 1904 | 1935 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Transamerica | Morgan Stanley |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.6/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 3.8/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Transamerica | Morgan Stanley |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $750 - $3,000/year | Varies by plan size and services |
| Expense Ratios | 0.25% - 1.2% | 0.03% - 1.5% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 for stocks/ETFs via E*Trade |
| Advisory Fees | 0.35% - 0.85% | 0.50% - 1.5% |
Transamerica Strengths
- complete financial wellness programs
- Flexible plan design options
- Strong educational resources and tools
- Integrated workplace benefits platform
Morgan Stanley Strengths
- Access to Morgan Stanley financial advisors
- E*Trade self-directed brokerage window
- Full wealth management integration
- Stock plan and equity compensation expertise
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Transamerica | Morgan Stanley |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Transamerica.com | Morgan Stanley at Work Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Transamerica.com, Phone (800-755-5801) | Online via Morgan Stanley portal, Phone (800-869-3326), Through Morgan Stanley financial advisor, Branch office visit |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Systematic withdrawals, 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 Morgan Stanley if you want:
- Companies with stock plans
- Employees wanting full brokerage access
- High-net-worth participants
- Self-directed traders
Our Verdict: Transamerica vs Morgan Stanley
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.
Other Popular Comparisons
Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Vanguard vs Morgan StanleyCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Schwab vs Morgan StanleyCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Empower vs Morgan StanleyCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
T. Rowe Price vs Morgan StanleyCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Principal vs Morgan StanleyCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Transamerica vs Morgan Stanley: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Transamerica and Morgan Stanley at Work for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Transamerica offers workplace benefits while Morgan Stanley is known for wealth management. In terms of fees, Transamerica charges 0.25% - 1.2% expense ratios compared to Morgan Stanley's 0.03% - 1.5%. Transamerica manages $300 billion in assets and serves 6 million participants, while Morgan Stanley has $6.2 trillion AUM and 6 million participants.
Key Differences: Transamerica vs Morgan Stanley
When comparing Transamerica and Morgan Stanley, consider their core strengths: Transamerica excels with complete financial wellness programs, while Morgan Stanley stands out for access to morgan stanley financial advisors. 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 Morgan Stanley's 4.1/5. For mobile experience, Transamerica scores 3.5/5 while Morgan Stanley scores 4.0/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Transamerica if you prioritize mid-sized companies. Choose Morgan Stanley if you're looking for companies with stock plans. 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 Morgan Stanley provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Transamerica scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.5/10. Transamerica is best for mid-sized companies, while Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans. 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. Morgan Stanley charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by plan size and services. Transamerica's fees rating is 3.6/5 compared to Morgan Stanley's 3.0/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Transamerica and Morgan Stanley. Transamerica uses Transamerica.com for rollovers, while Morgan Stanley uses Morgan Stanley at Work Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Transamerica offers 401(k) loans. Morgan Stanley 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 Morgan Stanley scores 4.5/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Transamerica's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Morgan Stanley offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Index Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Transamerica is best for mid-sized companies, integrated benefits seekers, financial wellness focus. Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans, employees wanting full brokerage access, high-net-worth participants, self-directed traders. Compare admin fees: Transamerica charges $750 - $3,000/year vs Morgan Stanley's Varies by plan size and services.
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