401(k) conversion plans
A better way to 401(k)
With Guideline, you can switch your 401(k) plan with ease.
A 401(k) plan you’ll love
Easy setup and management
We take care of nearly everything—recordkeeping, employee onboarding, investment management, government filings, and more. So you can offer a work benefit without all the added paperwork.
Seamless payroll integration
Payroll integration makes 401(k) plan administration seamless and secure. We integrate with 15+ different payroll providers to provide flexibility should your payroll needs change down the road. Learn more
No transaction fees
We don’t charge fees for one-off transactions like plan transfers, rollovers, loans, distributions or plan wind-downs. See our Form ADV 2A Brochure for more information on our fees.
We’ll streamline your plan transfer
Transferring a 401(k) plan from one provider to another can be a complex process. With a Guideline Max plan, you get a single point of contact that will guide you through each step.
Dedicated onboarding specialist
Your dedicated onboarding specialist will help you complete any outstanding tasks, answer any questions and keep your plan on track for your start date.
Dedicated client relationship manager
Once your first contributions have successfully been made to your Guideline 401(k), your dedicated relationship manager will take over, assisting with any 401(k) related questions.
Sample timeline
See a more detailed sample plan conversion timeline
Day 1
Set up your Guideline plan
Day 2
Initiate transfer with previous provider
Day 15
Employees invited to participate
Day 44
Final contributions from previous provider
Day 45
Guideline 401(k) plan begins
Day 75
Assets transferred from previous provider
The timeline is provided for illustrative purposes only. Your finalized timeline will be provided to you once you’ve completed Guideline plan set-up.
Pricing
Affordable for employers and employees alike
Cost for employers
$129 /month
+
$8 /month per active participant
After transferring a 401(k) to Guideline, Plan Sponsors must maintain a Max plan for at least one year before becoming eligible to switch to a different pricing plan.
Cost for participants
0.08% / year
That’s about 67¢ a month for every $10,000 saved.
Have 50 or more employees?
Alternative pricing is available. To learn more, contact Sales at hello@guideline.com.
Give your employees more
Our easy to use dashboard gives your employees more control, more access and more support. They can set up their account in less than 10 minutes, plus make updates, track their progress and access resources at any time.
Educational investing webinars
Investment portfolio recommendations
Live support via phone or email
Customize your new plan
Choose from a variety of features to match your previous plan design or add a few bells and whistles.
- Safe harbor and Roth 401(k) plans
- Vesting schedules
- Eligibility requirements
- Dedicated support
- Matching options
- Profit sharing options
What is auto enrollment?
Auto enrollment is a required feature for all Guideline 401(k) plans. Auto enrollment can help improve IRS nondiscrimination testing results, increase employees’ retirement readiness, and much more. Learn more about auto enrollment
Your plan is in good hands
For eligible plans, we serve as the ERISA 3(16) and 3(38) plan fiduciaries—which cover plan administration and investment management. This means we are legally (and morally) obligated to work in participants’ best interest. Learn more
Reinvest in your team and business.
Transfer your 401(k) today.
Frequently asked questions
How long will it take to transfer my retirement plan to Guideline?
Transferring a 401(k) plan can take approximately 75 to 90 days. You will get a finalized conversion timeline once you’ve completed Guideline plan setup. See a sample plan conversion timeline.
What is the blackout period?
A blackout period is a duration of time when participants cannot access their 401(k) accounts; this is typically during a time when 401(k) plan assets and records are being moved from one retirement benefit provider to another. During this time, participants will be unable to select new investments, take a loan, or make withdrawals from the 401(k) funds being transferred from the previous plan provider. A blackout period usually lasts about 10 business days.
Will Guideline let employees know about the blackout period?
Yes, we’ll send a blackout notice 30-60 days before the blackout period begins to all participants of the previous plan—to both current and former employees. The notice will state the reason for the blackout, its beginning and end date, and what account options will be restricted during the time period.
When do I contact my existing 401(k) provider?
Once the Guideline 401(k) plan setup is complete, a transfer task will automatically populate on your admin dashboard to move forward with the transfer. The transfer task will provide you with brief instructions regarding next steps. Ensure to mark the transfer task complete, this will let your Onboarding Specialist know you initiated the transfer.
Will employees have to initiate an inbound rollover to Guideline?
No, the plan will transfer to Guideline at the plan level. Employees will not need to request an individual rollover from the existing 401(k) provider.
Should employees stop making contributions to our previous plan?
Continuing to make contributions to the previous plan until their Guideline plan begins can help avoid missed contributions and taxes or penalties.
Does Guideline maintain an ERISA bond?
As a plan fiduciary, Guideline maintains an ERISA bond covering your plan, which provides protection in the event of a claim of lost plan assets due to fraudulent or dishonest acts by Guideline. Since ERISA generally requires that every fiduciary of an employee benefit plan and every person who handles funds or other property of such a plan shall be bonded, you may want to consult your legal counsel to determine whether other individuals, such as your trustee, who may be managing your plan funds will need additional bonding for your company.
Are there any additional fees to switch the plan?
Guideline does not charge transaction fees, including for 401(k) plan transfers or terminations. You should check with your previous provider for any transfer fees they charge, if any.
Which employees are eligible to participate in the plan?
With Guideline, you can determine your plan eligibility based on your employees’ age and length of service with your company:
Age: 18, 19, 20, or 21 years
Length of service: 0, 3, 6, 12 months
We do not distinguish between part time and full time employees.
Is auto enrollment required?
Auto enrollment is a required feature for all Guideline 401(k) plans. With auto enrollment, all eligible employees can choose to opt in or opt out of the plan. If an eligible employee takes no action before the stated deadline, they will be automatically enrolled at a predetermined contribution rate. Auto enrollment can help improve IRS nondiscrimination testing results, increase employees’ retirement readiness, and much more. Learn more about auto enrollment