Updated 2026-03-20
Transamerica vs Paychex 401(k) Comparison
Compare Transamerica (#11, 7.5/10) and Paychex (#16, 7.0/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Transamerica | Paychex |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| Rank | #11 | #16 |
| AUM | $300 billion | $48 billion |
| Participants | 6 million | 730,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 35,000+ | 740,000+ |
| Founded | 1904 | 1971 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Transamerica | Paychex |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.6/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.7/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Customer Service | 3.8/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Transamerica | Paychex |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $750 - $3,000/year | $80 - $150/month + per-employee fees |
| Expense Ratios | 0.25% - 1.2% | 0.10% - 1.2% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | Included |
| Advisory Fees | 0.35% - 0.85% | 0.50% - 1.0% |
Transamerica Strengths
- complete financial wellness programs
- Flexible plan design options
- Strong educational resources and tools
- Integrated workplace benefits platform
Paychex Strengths
- Seamless payroll-to-401(k) contribution processing
- One of the largest recordkeepers in the US
- Plans for businesses from 1 to 1,000+ employees
- Bundled HR, payroll, and retirement services
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Transamerica | Paychex |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Transamerica.com | Paychex Flex |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Transamerica.com, Phone (800-755-5801) | Online via Paychex Flex, Phone (800-741-6277), Through plan administrator |
| 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 Paychex if you want:
- Paychex payroll clients
- Small to mid-size businesses
- Companies wanting bundled HR+retirement
- PEO participants
Our Verdict: Transamerica vs Paychex
Transamerica wins this comparison with a score of 7.5/10 vs 7.0/10. 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 Paychex: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Transamerica and Paychex for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Transamerica offers workplace benefits while Paychex is known for payroll integration. In terms of fees, Transamerica charges 0.25% - 1.2% expense ratios compared to Paychex's 0.10% - 1.2%. Transamerica manages $300 billion in assets and serves 6 million participants, while Paychex has $48 billion AUM and 730,000 participants.
Key Differences: Transamerica vs Paychex
When comparing Transamerica and Paychex, consider their core strengths: Transamerica excels with complete financial wellness programs, while Paychex stands out for seamless payroll-to-401(k) contribution processing. 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 Paychex's 3.8/5. For mobile experience, Transamerica scores 3.5/5 while Paychex scores 3.5/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Transamerica if you prioritize mid-sized companies. Choose Paychex if you're looking for paychex payroll 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 Paychex provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Transamerica scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.5/10. Transamerica is best for mid-sized companies, while Paychex is best for paychex payroll 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. Paychex charges 0.10% - 1.2% expense ratios with admin fees of $80 - $150/month + per-employee fees. Transamerica's fees rating is 3.6/5 compared to Paychex's 3.4/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Transamerica and Paychex. Transamerica uses Transamerica.com for rollovers, while Paychex uses Paychex Flex. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Transamerica offers 401(k) loans. Paychex 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 Paychex scores 3.6/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Transamerica's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Paychex 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. Paychex is best for paychex payroll clients, small to mid-size businesses, companies wanting bundled hr+retirement, peo participants. Compare admin fees: Transamerica charges $750 - $3,000/year vs Paychex's $80 - $150/month + per-employee fees.
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