Updated 2026-03-20
Vestwell vs Employee Fiduciary 401(k) Comparison
Compare Vestwell (#21, 6.5/10) and Employee Fiduciary (#24, 6.2/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Vestwell | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 6.5/10 | 6.2/10 |
| Rank | #21 | #24 |
| AUM | $30 billion | $6 billion |
| Participants | 300,000 | 80,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 25,000+ | 3,000+ |
| Founded | 2016 | 2004 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Vestwell | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.6/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.8/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Customer Service | 3.6/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.5/5 | 2.5/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Vestwell | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Set by advisor/distributor | $1,500/year + $30/participant |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.0% | 0.03% - 0.15% |
| Trading Fees | $0 | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | Set by financial advisor | Included as 3(38) fiduciary |
Vestwell Strengths
- Modern API-first technology platform
- White-label options for advisors
- Open architecture investment lineup
- Integrates with 100+ payroll providers
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 | Vestwell | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Vestwell Portal | Employee Fiduciary Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Through financial advisor, Plan administrator portal, Phone support | Phone (877-401-5100), Online portal |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Vestwell if you want:
- Financial advisors
- Payroll companies
- Institutional distributors
- State IRA mandate compliance
Choose Employee Fiduciary if you want:
- Cost-conscious small businesses
- Employers wanting fiduciary protection
- Index fund believers
- Plan sponsors seeking simplicity
Our Verdict: Vestwell vs Employee Fiduciary
Vestwell wins this comparison with a score of 6.5/10 vs 6.2/10. Vestwell excels with modern api-first technology platform, 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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Vestwell vs Employee Fiduciary: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Vestwell and Employee Fiduciary for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Vestwell offers white label while Employee Fiduciary is known for 3(38) fiduciary. In terms of fees, Vestwell charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to Employee Fiduciary's 0.03% - 0.15%. Vestwell manages $30 billion in assets and serves 300,000 participants, while Employee Fiduciary has $6 billion AUM and 80,000 participants.
Key Differences: Vestwell vs Employee Fiduciary
When comparing Vestwell and Employee Fiduciary, consider their core strengths: Vestwell excels with modern api-first technology platform, 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. Vestwell's customer service rating is 3.6/5 compared to Employee Fiduciary's 4.2/5. For mobile experience, Vestwell scores 3.5/5 while Employee Fiduciary scores 2.5/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Vestwell if you prioritize financial advisors. 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 Vestwell and Employee Fiduciary provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vestwell scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 6.5/10. Vestwell is best for financial advisors, while Employee Fiduciary is best for cost-conscious small businesses. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
Vestwell charges expense ratios of 0.03% - 1.0% with admin fees of Set by advisor/distributor. Employee Fiduciary charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios with admin fees of $1,500/year + $30/participant. Vestwell's fees rating is 3.6/5 compared to Employee Fiduciary's 4.8/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Vestwell and Employee Fiduciary. Vestwell uses Vestwell Portal for rollovers, while Employee Fiduciary uses Employee Fiduciary Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Vestwell 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.
Vestwell scores 3.8/5 for investment options, while Employee Fiduciary scores 3.2/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Vestwell's investment options include Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds. Employee Fiduciary offers Vanguard Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Bond Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Vestwell is best for financial advisors, payroll companies, institutional distributors, state ira mandate compliance. Employee Fiduciary is best for cost-conscious small businesses, employers wanting fiduciary protection, index fund believers, plan sponsors seeking simplicity. Compare admin fees: Vestwell charges Set by advisor/distributor 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