Browse 20+ providers in this category.
Featured Providers
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Gusto
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Best known for tying payroll and benefits into one system, Gusto offers an integrated way for employers to run payroll, handle HR basics, and add w... -
KTRADE - Plymouth, IN
Third-Party Administrator
Retirement plan provider. -
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company - Columbus, OH
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Retirement plan administration and recordkeeping are part of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company’s employee benefits business, supporting employers... -
Lincoln Financial Group - Radnor, PA
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Retirement plan administration is a core part of Lincoln Financial Group’s business, with a focus on recordkeeping and compliance support for emplo... -
ForUsAll - San Carlos, CA
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Built for startups and small to mid-sized employers, ForUsAll runs 401(k) plans with a focus on plan design and recordkeeping. Founded in 2012, the... -
American Trust Retirement - Dubuque, IA
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Retirement plan administration and recordkeeping are the core of American Trust Retirement, a division of AmericanTCS. Founded in 1973, the firm wo... -
Ascensus, LLC - Dresher, PA
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Retirement plan administration and recordkeeping are core parts of what Ascensus, LLC does, with a mix of plan design and compliance support for em... -
Americas Best 401k - Scottsdale, AZ
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Built for small and mid-sized employers with roughly 5–500 employees, Americas Best 401k is a retirement plan administrator that focuses on lowerin... -
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... -
Aspire Financial Services - Tampa, FL
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Retirement plan recordkeeping is Aspire Financial Services’ main line of work, with a focus on K–12 retirement programs such as 403(b), 457, and IR... -
Basic Capital - New York, NY
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Runs bundled 401(k) administration with in-house recordkeeping and 3(16) services, built for employers that want a single provider for core plan op... -
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... -
Betterment at Work - New York, NY
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Betterment at Work is a retirement plan administrator that runs workplace retirement programs with a tech-first recordkeeping platform. Founded in ... -
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... -
Capital Group - Los Angeles, CA
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Capital Group is a retirement plan administrator that handles plan design, compliance, and recordkeeping for workplace retirement plans. Founded in... -
Empower - Greenwood Village, CO
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Empower is a retirement plan administrator that provides recordkeeping for employer-sponsored retirement plans. It is the second-largest retirement... -
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... -
Epic Retirement Plan Services - Rochester, NY
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Retirement plan administration and recordkeeping are the core of Epic Retirement Plan Services (Epic RPS), a third-party administrator that also pe... -
Equitable - New York, NY
Third-Party Administrator
<p>Recordkeeping and retirement plan administration are the core of Equitable’s work for employer-sponsored plans. The firm handles day-to-day plan op... -
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 ...
Choosing the Best 401(k) Providers for Your Small Business
Selecting from the vast array of small business 401(k) providers is one of the most impactful financial decisions a company leader can make. A well-structured retirement plan does more than just help employees save for the future; it serves as a powerful tool for talent retention, recruitment, and significant corporate tax savings. However, for many small business owners, the complexity of plan administration and fiduciary liability can be daunting.
Key Features to Look for in a 401(k) Provider
When evaluating potential providers, it is essential to look beyond just the brand name. The most effective partners for small businesses typically offer:
- Full Payroll Integration: Automated data syncs between your payroll provider and the 401(k) platform reduce manual errors and administrative burden.
- 3(16) and 3(38) Fiduciary Services: These services offload the legal responsibility for plan administration and investment selection, protecting the business owner from personal liability.
- Transparent Fee Structures: Look for providers that offer low-cost index funds and clear asset-based or per-participant pricing without hidden "wrap" fees.
- User-Friendly Employee Portals: Modern digital interfaces increase participation rates by making it easy for employees to enroll and manage their portfolios.
Maximizing Benefits with the SECURE Act 2.0
Recent legislative changes, specifically the SECURE Act 2.0, have made it more affordable than ever for small businesses to start a plan. Eligible employers can now claim tax credits for 100% of plan start-up costs (up to $5,000 annually for three years) and additional credits for employer contributions made to employee accounts. Many top-tier 401(k) providers are now specifically tailoring their offerings to help small businesses capture these incentives automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Business 401(k) Plans
What is the difference between a Recordkeeper and a TPA?
A recordkeeper tracks who is in the plan and how much money they have, while a Third-Party Administrator (TPA) ensures the plan stays compliant with IRS and ERISA regulations through annual testing and Form 5500 filings.
Can I start a 401(k) if I am a solopreneur?
Yes. A Solo 401(k) allows business owners with no employees to contribute as both the employer and the employee, leading to much higher contribution limits than a traditional IRA.
How long does it take to set up a new plan?
While traditional providers may take several weeks, many modern fintech 401(k) platforms can have a plan active and ready for enrollment in as little as 5 to 10 business days.
By comparing the right 401(k) providers, you can ensure your small business offers a competitive benefit package that scales with your growth while keeping your compliance risks at a minimum.