A good 401(k) program helps employees save more, pay less in fees, and make smart investment choices. As trusted advisors, RIAs need to know which employers offer the strongest options for clients.
In this guide, you’ll find a list of companies with the best 401(k) programs. We’ll break down the standout features, so you can help clients make informed decisions and compare benefits. You can also share this resource with clients to support their retirement planning.
The best 401(k) programs provide employees with the right tools and support to reach their retirement goals sooner. To come up with the list, InvestmentNews evaluated each plan based on these key features:
Here are some companies with the best 401(k) offerings based on the latest data. The companies are arranged alphabetically.
Employer match: dollar-for-dollar match on the first 5 percent of eligible compensation
Eligibility: immediate for most employees
Vesting period: immediate for employee and employer match contributions
Investment options: mutual funds, collective trust funds, Amgen stock, self-directed brokerage, and diversified asset classes
Amgen is a global biotechnology company focused on developing medicines for serious illnesses, including cancer, kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders.
Its 401(k) program, also called Amgen Retirement and Savings Plan, is a profit-sharing plan that features 100 percent employer match on the first 5 percent of employee contributions. It also includes automatic 5 percent employer contribution.
The plan also allows for pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax (non-matched) contributions. It offers a variety of investment options and is managed by Merrill Lynch.
Employer match: dollar-for-dollar match on the first 10 percent of eligible pay for non-union employees
Eligibility: immediate for most employees
Vesting period: immediate for employee and employer match contributions
Investment options: mutual funds, target-date funds, company stock, and self-directed brokerage accounts
Boeing is one of the largest aerospace and defense manufacturers in the world. It designs and builds commercial airplanes, military aircraft, satellites, and related products.
The company’s 401(k) benefit is known for its high employer match and diverse investment choices. Employees are given the flexibility to make pre-tax, Roth, or after-tax contributions. Another standout feature is the student loan match. This allows employees to direct company contributions toward student loan repayment instead of their 401(k).
Plan participants can also access financial education and professional investment advice to help them make informed decisions about their retirement savings.
Find out why 401(k) plans are the best investment for employees in this guide.
Employer match: dollar-for-dollar match up to 5 percent of eligible pay
Eligibility: immediate upon hire or automatic enrollment after 45 days
Vesting period: immediate for all company contributions
Investment options: mutual funds, managed advice, and self-directed options
Charles Schwab is a prominent player in the financial services sector, specializing in investment and wealth management. It is also among the companies with the best 401(k) programs in the US.
Its plan features a $250 starter contribution, plus flexible pre-tax and Roth options. Employees receive financial planning sessions and access to managed investment advice at no cost. The custodian giant also supports long-term financial security with an employee stock purchase plan and extra financial protection benefits.
Employer match: dollar-for-dollar match up to 6 percent of eligible compensation
Eligibility: first month after three months of service, with automatic enrollment at 2 percent
Vesting period: immediate for employee and employer match contributions
Investment options: mutual funds, company stock, stable value fund, and participant loans
Comcast is one of the largest telecommunications and media companies in the country. It provides cable television, internet, phone, and streaming services to millions of households and businesses.
Its 401(k) program features automatic enrollment, making it easy for new employees to start saving. They can choose from a wide range of investment options, including company stock and stable value funds. The plan also allows participant loans and hardship withdrawals, giving employees more flexibility in managing their retirement savings.
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Employer match: dollar-for-dollar match up to 50 percent of the IRS contribution limit
Eligibility: immediate upon hire
Vesting period: immediate for all contributions
Investment options: index funds, target-date funds, brokerage window, and Roth options
The plan allows employees to make after-tax contributions and use the mega backdoor Roth strategy, which allows high earners to save more for retirement. Employees can also access a brokerage window for more investment options. The 401(k) plan is managed by Fidelity.
Meta offers flexible contribution options, including pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax to help employees maximize their retirement savings. New employees are automatically enrolled in the plan with a pre-tax contribution rate of 10 percent. There is also automatic annual increase of 1 percent to paycheck contributions, though this can be changed.
Employer match: dollar-for-dollar match on the first 4 percent of eligible pay
Eligibility: immediate upon hire
Vesting period: immediate for all contributions
Investment options: index funds, target-date funds, and a self-directed brokerage window
Netflix is a global streaming and entertainment company that offers movies, TV shows, and original content to millions of subscribers worldwide. Its 401(k) match is part of a comprehensive compensation package that includes "top of market" salaries.
Employees can contribute pre-tax, Roth, or after-tax dollars. They can also access a self-directed brokerage window for more investment choices. Netflix’s 401(k) plan provides financial education resources to help employees make informed decisions about retirement savings.
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Employer match: dollar-for-dollar match on the first 5 percent of eligible pay
Eligibility: age 18 and 90 days of employment
Vesting period: immediate for all contributions
Investment options: target date funds, US and foreign equity, bond and stable value, ESG sustainable funds
Global coffeehouse chain Starbucks is known for its coffee, beverages, and café experience. It operates tens of thousands of branches worldwide.
Starbucks offers the Future Roast 401(k) Savings Plan to eligible US partners. It provides a 100 percent match on the first 5 percent of contributions to either pre-tax or Roth after-tax dollars. Participants can contribute between 1 percent and 75 percent of their eligible pay up to the annual IRS limit. The program, which is managed by Fidelity, allows for 401(k) loans, rollover flexibility, and access to financial wellness resources.
Employer match: dollar-for-dollar match on the first 4 percent of eligible pay
Eligibility: immediate upon hire
Vesting period: immediate for all contributions
Investment options: index funds, target-date funds, and a self-directed brokerage window
Tech giant Uber is best known for its ride-hailing and delivery services. Its 401(k) plan stands out for flexible pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contribution options. The program also includes mega backdoor Roth feature. Employees can access a self-directed brokerage window and financial education resources.
Uber administers its employee retirement savings plans through Fidelity. It is considered among the companies with the best 401(k) programs in the US.
Are your clients wondering about the differences between a 401(k) plan and a 403(b) plan? This guide can be a useful resource.
Employer match: 2-to-1 match up to 4 percent of eligible pay
Eligibility: automatic enrollment for new employees
Vesting period: based on years of service
Investment options: default investment fund, self-directed brokerage, pre-tax and Roth contributions
USAA is a leading provider of insurance, banking, investment, and retirement products for members of the US military and their families. The firm is recognized for its customer service, financial strength, and commitment to military members.
USAA’s 401(k) program provides a 200 percent match on employee contributions, capped at 4 percent of the employee's salary. It also includes profit sharing and may offer discretionary bonuses based on age and service. The plan features an emergency savings account and allows penalty-free withdrawals for certain emergencies.
Employees can access a self-directed brokerage for more investment choices and manage their benefits online.
Employer match: 2-to-1 match on the first 5 percent of eligible pay
Eligibility: immediate upon hire
Vesting period: immediate for employee contributions; employer match vests over four years
Investment options: target date funds, index funds, actively managed funds, and a self-directed brokerage window
Visa is one of the world’s largest payment technology companies. It is known for its global credit, debit, and prepaid card network. Its plan stands out for its 200 percent match rate, which is one of the highest match rates among companies with the best 401(k) programs.
Employees can choose from a broad range of investment options, including a brokerage window for more flexibility. The plan also features automatic enrollment and both pre-tax and Roth contribution choices.
Note, however, that the exact details of any 401(k) plan, including match rates and vesting schedules, can change over time. That’s why it’s always best to review the latest plan documents for accurate data. The details in this guide are for general information only.
Which is a better wealth management tool: 401(k) or IRA? Find out in this article.
RIAs advising clients on workplace retirement benefits should know what sets the companies with the best 401(k) programs apart. The strongest plans help clients save more, pay less in fees, and access quality investment choices.
Generous employer matching: look for plans that offer a strong company match; a 50 percent match rate on up to 6 percent of salary is generous while 4 percent to 6 percent of pay is considered competitive
Immediate vesting: clients benefit when they own 100 percent of employer contributions from day one, or after a short vesting schedule
No waiting period: top plans let employees start contributing right away, with no delay after hiring
Automatic enrollment and escalation: automatic enrollment and annual increases help clients build savings without extra effort
Low-cost index funds: access to index funds with low expense ratios helps clients keep more of their investment returns
Target-date funds: these funds adjust their asset mix as retirement approaches, offering a simple, hands-off solution
Diversified fund lineup: a good plan offers domestic and international stock funds, core bond funds, and stable value or money market funds
Roth 401(k) option: the Roth feature lets clients make after-tax contributions and take tax-free withdrawals in retirement
Low, transparent fees: plans with low administrative and investment fees, and clear annual disclosures, protect client savings over time
Helpful guidance: access to educational resources and professional financial advice supports clients in making informed investment decisions
Knowing which companies have the best 401(k) programs allows RIAs to give clients clear, actionable advice. This insight helps you compare workplace plans, spot strong employer benefits, and guide clients to better retirement outcomes.
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