Updated 2026-03-20
Transamerica vs Vestwell 401(k) Comparison
Compare Transamerica (#11, 7.5/10) and Vestwell (#21, 6.5/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Transamerica | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 |
| Rank | #11 | #21 |
| AUM | $300 billion | $30 billion |
| Participants | 6 million | 300,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 35,000+ | 25,000+ |
| Founded | 1904 | 2016 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Transamerica | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.6/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.7/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Customer Service | 3.8/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Transamerica | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $750 - $3,000/year | Set by advisor/distributor |
| Expense Ratios | 0.25% - 1.2% | 0.03% - 1.0% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 |
| 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
Vestwell Strengths
- Modern API-first technology platform
- White-label options for advisors
- Open architecture investment lineup
- Integrates with 100+ payroll providers
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Transamerica | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Transamerica.com | Vestwell Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Transamerica.com, Phone (800-755-5801) | Through financial advisor, Plan administrator portal, Phone support |
| 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 Vestwell if you want:
- Financial advisors
- Payroll companies
- Institutional distributors
- State IRA mandate compliance
Our Verdict: Transamerica vs Vestwell
Transamerica wins this comparison with a score of 7.5/10 vs 6.5/10. 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 VestwellCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Schwab vs VestwellCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Empower vs VestwellCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
T. Rowe Price vs VestwellCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Principal vs VestwellCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Transamerica vs Vestwell: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Transamerica and Vestwell for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Transamerica offers workplace benefits while Vestwell is known for white label. In terms of fees, Transamerica charges 0.25% - 1.2% expense ratios compared to Vestwell's 0.03% - 1.0%. Transamerica manages $300 billion in assets and serves 6 million participants, while Vestwell has $30 billion AUM and 300,000 participants.
Key Differences: Transamerica vs Vestwell
When comparing Transamerica and Vestwell, consider their core strengths: Transamerica excels with complete financial wellness programs, while Vestwell stands out for modern api-first technology platform. 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 Vestwell's 3.6/5. For mobile experience, Transamerica scores 3.5/5 while Vestwell scores 3.5/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Transamerica if you prioritize mid-sized companies. Choose Vestwell if you're looking for financial advisors. 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 Vestwell provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Transamerica scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.5/10. Transamerica is best for mid-sized companies, while Vestwell is best for financial advisors. 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. Vestwell charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios with admin fees of Set by advisor/distributor. Transamerica's fees rating is 3.6/5 compared to Vestwell's 3.6/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Transamerica and Vestwell. Transamerica uses Transamerica.com for rollovers, while Vestwell uses Vestwell Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Transamerica offers 401(k) loans. Vestwell 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 Vestwell 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. Vestwell 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. Vestwell is best for financial advisors, payroll companies, institutional distributors, state ira mandate compliance. Compare admin fees: Transamerica charges $750 - $3,000/year vs Vestwell's Set by advisor/distributor.
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