Browse 20+ providers in this category.
Featured Providers
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KTRADE - Plymouth, IN
Third-Party Administrator
Retirement plan provider. -
Ameritas Retirement Plans - Lincoln, NE
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Retirement plan administration and related financial services, with a focus on recordkeeping and compliance support. Ameritas Retirement Plans work... -
BPAS - Utica, NY
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Retirement plan administration and recordkeeping are the core of BPAS’s work for employer-sponsored plans. The firm handles day-to-day plan operati... -
Canada Life - Toronto, ON
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Retirement plan administration and recordkeeping are a core part of Canada Life’s group business, with participant advice available alongside group... -
Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company - Lévis, QC
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company is an insurance and retirement savings administrator that runs recordkeeping and participant a... -
Fidelity Investments - Boston, MA
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Provides retirement plan administration and recordkeeping for employer-sponsored plans. Fidelity Investments is a multinational financial services ... -
Manulife Financial Corporation - Toronto, ON
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Manulife Financial Corporation is a retirement plan administrator that handles recordkeeping and participant advice for employer-sponsored plans. F... -
Milliman - Seattle, WA
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Recordkeeping and retirement plan administration are core services at this independent actuarial and consulting firm. Founded in 1947, it works wit... -
NWPS - Seattle, WA
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Independent retirement plan recordkeeping and administration is the focus at NWPS, an administrator that handles day-to-day plan operations for emp... -
Open Access Ltd. - Toronto, ON
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Focused on group retirement plans and pension administration, Open Access Ltd. handles the day-to-day work behind employer-sponsored plans, from se... -
Paychex - Rochester, NY
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Payroll, HR, and retirement plan administration are handled by Paychex, which provides recordkeeping services for employer-sponsored plans. The com... -
Sharebuilder 401k - Seattle, WA
Third-Party Administrator
<p>ShareBuilder 401k is a retirement plan administrator and recordkeeper focused on 401(k) plans for small and mid-sized businesses, including self-em... -
Sun Life Financial - Toronto, ON
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Retirement plan administration and recordkeeping are a core part of what Sun Life Financial does for workplace plans, alongside participant advice ... -
Wealthsimple - Toronto, ON
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Wealthsimple is an online investment and savings platform that runs workplace group savings plans for Canadian employers. Through Wealthsimple for ... -
Employee Fiduciary - Mobile, AL
Third-Party Administrator
<p>401(k) administration and recordkeeping for small businesses, with a focus on keeping plan costs straightforward. Employee Fiduciary handles day-to... -
Common Wealth - Toronto, ON
Third-Party Administrator
<p>A retirement plan administrator founded in 2015, Common Wealth runs a digital platform for workplace retirement plans. The firm works with employer... -
Empire Life Investments Ltd. - Kingston, ON
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Empire Life Investments Ltd. is a retirement plan administrator that provides recordkeeping and fiduciary audit support for employer-sponsored reti... -
Human Interest - San Francisco, CA
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Retirement plan administration is the core of Human Interest’s business, with recordkeeping and compliance support for employers that offer 401(k) ... -
Corebridge Financial - Houston, TX
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Retirement plan administration is a core part of Corebridge Financial’s business, alongside life insurance and asset management. The firm provides ... -
Principal Financial Group, Inc. - Des Moines, IA
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Retirement plan administration and recordkeeping are a core part of this long-running financial services company’s business, with support for plan ...
Maximize Savings with the lowest cost 401k Providers
Finding an affordable retirement solution is critical for small business owners and startups. The cheapest 401k providers offer more than just low entry prices; they provide transparent fee structures that prevent "fee drag" from eroding employee returns. By choosing a low-cost partner, you can redirect capital back into your business while fulfilling your fiduciary responsibilities.
Top Low-Cost 401k Options for 2026
- Human Interest: Known for its "Essentials" plan, offering a low $80 monthly base fee and automated payroll integration.
- Fidelity Advantage 401k: A top-tier choice for first-time providers, featuring a flat quarterly fee and access to zero-expense ratio funds.
- Employee Fiduciary: Favored for extreme fee transparency and access to nearly any low-cost Vanguard or Fidelity fund.
- Vanguard: The industry leader in low-cost index funds, perfect for employers who prioritize passive investment strategies.
Key Factors in 401k Cost Analysis
When comparing the most affordable plans, it is essential to look beyond the monthly subscription. Consider these three pillars of cost:
| Fee Type | What it Covers | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Fees | Plan design and implementation. | Check for SECURE Act tax credits to offset these costs. |
| Asset-Based Fees | Fees charged as a percentage of total plan assets. | Seek "flat-fee" models to save as your plan grows. |
| Investment Expenses | The internal costs (expense ratios) of the funds. | Prioritize index funds with expense ratios below 0.10%. |