Guideline Expert Review, Pricing, Alternatives - 2023

Guideline is one of the biggest vendors in this space. It is robust, comprehensive and easy to use. Its low fees are also a bonus.

Guideline is a full-service, user-friendly and affordable 401(k) platform. Offering both traditional and Roth 401(k) and acting as your 3(16) and 3(38) fiduciary, Guideline takes care of all your retirement plan needs from administration, investment management, compliance testing, and recordkeeping.

When it comes to investments, Guideline offers 40+ index funds including Vanguard funds and ones from other low-cost providers. Alternatively, participants can choose a managed portfolio with blended average fund fees under 0.07%.

• Full-service 401(k)
• 3(16) and 3(38) fiduciary
• Payroll integration
• Employee onboarding
• Low-cost mutual funds
• Employee & employer dashboards
• Compliance testing
• Custodial services
• Recordkeeping
• Government filing
• New comparability profit sharing
• Customizable financial & billing reports

Guideline integrates with 180 payroll solutions for an effortless synchronization of data. Visit Guideline's integrations page to see what those solutions are.

Guideline offers two pricing plans:

• Startup: $39 per month (base fee) + $8 per participant 
• Prime: $99 per month (base fee) + $8 per participant

Guideline is cloud-based which makes its implementation relatively easy (there isn't anything to download or physically install). Simply go head to Guideline's website and click the "Get Started" button on their landing page. This will take you to a few forms where you can create an account and make your plan purchase.

Guideline has a knowledge base with articles for customers to self-serve. Customers can also submit a support request if further help is needed. A dedicated account manager is also assigned for premium customers.