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Head-to-head · 401(k) Software

Charles Schwab Retirement Plan Services vs Employee Fiduciary

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Charles Schwab Retirement Plan Services #2 in 401(k) Software 9.1/10 Pricing on request ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Charles Schwab
Employee Fiduciary #5 in 401(k) Software 8.4/10 Paid ✓ 1 of 3 features Visit site

Charles Schwab Retirement Plan Services leads on 0 checks, Employee Fiduciary on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreCharles Schwab Retirement Plan Services · 9.1/10
  • Most featuresCharles Schwab Retirement Plan Services · 3 of 3

Charles Schwab Retirement Plan Services scores higher on our rubric for 401(k) software: 9.1 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.

Charles Schwab Retirement Plan Services is the better fit for mid-market and enterprise employers. Employee Fiduciary is the better fit for solo owners and small employers needing compliance support.

  • Charles Schwab Retirement Plan Services fits best

    Mid-market and enterprise employers

  • Employee Fiduciary fits best

    Solo owners and small employers needing compliance support

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Side by side

Feature Charles Schwab Retirement Plan Services 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Employee Fiduciary 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.4
Ranking #2 in 401(k) Software #5 in 401(k) Software
Best for Mid-market and enterprise employers Solo owners and small employers needing compliance support
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price Pricing on request $500/yr
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web
Support Phone, Docs Phone
Built for Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Charles Schwab Retirement Plan Services 3/3 · Employee Fiduciary 1/3
Employee enrollment ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Compliance support ✓ ✓
Participant mobile app ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Plan types 401(k); defined contribution; ESOP; profit-sharing; money purchase; defined benefit; nonqualified deferred compensation Traditional 401(k), Safe Harbor 401(k), Solo 401(k), 403(b)
Payroll integrations Not checked yet QuickBooks Online Payroll, Paylocity, Paychex Flex, ADP Workforce Now, Justworks, TriNet, Rippling, Paycor, Paycom, Sequoia One, UKG Ready, Accuchex, Ahola HR Solutions Payroll, AssetHR, Certipay, Checkwise, Coastal Payroll, ConnectPay, Counter Point HCM, Dayforce, Dominion Payroll, Flexchecks, GTM Payroll Services, Heartland, HR Butler, Hybrid, isolved, OnPay, Patriot, Pay-Net, Paymasterpro, PAYNW, Payroll Network, Inc., Payroll Solutions, Run Powered by ADP, Trivantus, Trustpoint, UKG Pro, Whirks, Workday
Investment options Mixed Mixed
Our review
Pros
  • Combines recordkeeping, plan administration, and plan design consulting
  • Includes payroll feeds, one-click submissions, and more than 40 plan metrics
  • Offers participant education, managed accounts, and Schwab Mobile access
  • Combines recordkeeping, third-party administration and compliance reporting
  • Supports safe harbor, profit-sharing and Roth contributions, plus participant loans
  • Connects with payroll services including ADP Workforce Now and Rippling
Cons
  • Workplace 401(k) pricing is customized and requires contacting Schwab
  • No free plan is offered
  • The former Workplace Mobile app has been retired in favor of Schwab Mobile
  • Standard 401(k) carries a $1,500 annual base fee
  • Both annual plans also charge 0.08% of plan assets for custody
  • Access is web-only
Our verdict

Employers looking for a workplace 401(k) service get recordkeeping, plan administration, investment-option selection, and consulting on plan design. Charles Schwab Retirement Plan Services also supports defined contribution plans, ESOPs,…

Read the review →

Employee Fiduciary provides retirement plan services for small businesses, self-employed professionals, nonprofits and advisors. Its options include traditional and safe harbor 401(k) plans, solo 401(k) plans and 403(b) plans. The service…

Read the review →
  1. Charles Schwab Retirement Plan Services401(k) Software 9.1Pricing on request
  2. Employee Fiduciary401(k) Software 8.4Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Charles Schwab Retirement Plan Services — where it wins

    • Combines recordkeeping, plan administration, and plan design consulting
    • Includes payroll feeds, one-click submissions, and more than 40 plan metrics
    • Offers participant education, managed accounts, and Schwab Mobile access

    Where it doesn't

    • Workplace 401(k) pricing is customized and requires contacting Schwab
    • No free plan is offered
    • The former Workplace Mobile app has been retired in favor of Schwab Mobile

  • Employee Fiduciary — where it wins

    • Combines recordkeeping, third-party administration and compliance reporting
    • Supports safe harbor, profit-sharing and Roth contributions, plus participant loans
    • Connects with payroll services including ADP Workforce Now and Rippling

    Where it doesn't

    • Standard 401(k) carries a $1,500 annual base fee
    • Both annual plans also charge 0.08% of plan assets for custody
    • Access is web-only
  • Charles Schwab Retirement Plan Services9.1/10 · Pricing on request

    A broad 401(k) service for employers seeking administration, compliance support, and participant tools.

    Visit Charles SchwabFull verdict →
  • Employee Fiduciary8.4/10 · Paid

    A compliance-focused retirement plan service with clear annual fees and payroll connections.

    Visit siteFull verdict →

More comparisons

All 401(k) software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update