Updated 2026-03-30

Nationwide 401(k) Provider Review

Nationwide draws on its insurance heritage to provide stable retirement solutions with a focus on protection and guaranteed benefits. Strong in the public sector and education markets.

On Your Side for Retirement • Rank #13 • Score: 7.3/10 • Founded 1926 • Columbus, OH

$250 billion
Assets Under Management
3.5 million
Total Participants
30,000+
Plan Sponsors
1926
Year Founded

Ratings Breakdown

Fees & Costs
3.4/5
Investment Options
3.5/5
Customer Service
4.0/5
Mobile App
3.4/5

Pros and Cons

Advantages

  • Strong in 403(b) and 457 plans
  • Guaranteed lifetime income options
  • Good public sector solutions
  • Stable value fund options
  • Insurance product synergies
  • Solid customer service

Disadvantages

  • Less competitive for private sector 401(k)
  • Investment options can be limited
  • Technology platform dated
  • Higher fees than pure-play providers
  • Less focused on self-directed investors

Nationwide 401(k) Fees

Fee TypeAmount
Administrative Fees$800 - $3,500/year
Expense Ratios0.30% - 1.3%
Trading FeesPlan dependent
Advisory Fees0.45% - 0.95%

Nationwide 401(k) Rollover Options

Rolling Into Nationwide

Nationwide accepts rollovers from 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and IRA accounts through Nationwide.com or by calling 877-677-3678. Nationwide is particularly experienced with public sector plan rollovers.

Platform: Nationwide.com

Rolling Out of Nationwide

Request an outbound rollover through Nationwide.com or by phone. Nationwide processes direct rollovers to IRAs and other qualified plans.

Rollover tip: Nationwide has strong expertise in 403(b) and 457 plan rollovers for public sector employees transitioning between government roles. The On Your Side Review helps evaluate rollover decisions.

Nationwide 401(k) Withdrawals & Distributions

Withdrawal Methods

Online via Nationwide.comPhone (877-677-3678)

Distribution Options

Lump sumPartial withdrawalInstallment paymentsGuaranteed lifetime incomeRollover to IRA

Nationwide offers guaranteed lifetime income options through their insurance products. Their stable value fund options provide principal protection for conservative investors nearing retirement.

Nationwide 401(k) Loans

Nationwide 401(k) plans may allow loans up to $50,000 or 50% of the vested balance. Repayment through payroll deduction over up to 5 years. Contact Nationwide for plan-specific loan terms.

Investment Options

Mutual FundsTarget Date FundsFixed AnnuitiesStable Value

Key Features

On Your Side Review
Retirement Planner
Income Solutions
Mobile App

Best For

Complete Nationwide 401(k) Review for 2026

Nationwide ranks #13 in our 2026 401(k) provider rankings with an overall score of 7.3 out of 10. Founded in 1926 and headquartered in Columbus, OH, Nationwide manages $250 billion in assets and serves 3.5 million participants across 30,000+ plan sponsors.

Why Choose Nationwide for Your 401(k)?

Nationwide draws on its insurance heritage to provide stable, protection-focused retirement solutions. As a leader in 403(b) and 457 plans, Nationwide excels at serving public sector employees, teachers, and nonprofit workers. Their guaranteed lifetime income options address the concern of outliving retirement savings, while stable value funds provide principal protection. The On Your Side Review helps participants assess their retirement readiness and make informed decisions. For public sector employees and those prioritizing guaranteed benefits, Nationwide offers specialized expertise and proven stability.

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Related 401(k) Guides

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Frequently Asked Questions

Nationwide charges administrative fees that vary by plan size. Expense ratios range from 0.30% - 1.3%, and advisory fees are 0.45% - 0.95%. Compare plans carefully as total costs depend on your plan size and investment selections.

You can log into your Nationwide 401(k) account through the plan provider portal. Current and former employees can use the participant login page. First-time users will need to register with their Social Security number and date of birth.

Nationwide ranks #13 in our 2026 provider rankings with a score of 7.3/10. They manage $250 billion in assets and serve 3.5 million participants. They are particularly strong for Public sector employees, Teachers and nonprofits, Guaranteed income seekers.

Yes, you can roll over your Nationwide 401(k) to a Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, or a new employer plan. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact Nationwide or your new provider to initiate the transfer.

Nationwide offers a range of investment options including Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Fixed Annuities, Stable Value. The specific fund lineup depends on your plan and may change periodically.

Nationwide scores 7.3/10 overall with ratings of 3.4/5 for fees, 3.5/5 for investment options, 4.0/5 for customer service, and 3.4/5 for mobile app. Compare with other top providers on our comparison pages.

To roll into Nationwide: Nationwide accepts rollovers from 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and IRA accounts through Nationwide.com or by calling 877-677-3678. Nationwide is particularly experienced with public sector plan rollovers. To roll out: Request an outbound rollover through Nationwide.com or by phone. Nationwide processes direct rollovers to IRAs and other qualified plans. Use the Nationwide.com platform to manage your rollover.

Nationwide offers withdrawals via Online via Nationwide.com, Phone (877-677-3678). Distribution options include Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Guaranteed lifetime income, Rollover to IRA. Nationwide offers guaranteed lifetime income options through their insurance products. Their stable value fund options provide principal protection for conservative investors nearing retirement.

Nationwide 401(k) plans may allow loans up to $50,000 or 50% of the vested balance. Repayment through payroll deduction over up to 5 years. Contact Nationwide for plan-specific loan terms.

Disclaimer: This review is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Provider details may change. Contact Nationwide directly for the most current plan information.

Pavlo Pyskunov

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: 2026-03-30