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A better way to 401(k)

With Guideline and Square, you can switch 401(k) plans with ease.

Square is not a client of Guideline. Guideline pays a fee for each 401(k) & SEP IRA client referred by Square as outlined in our written solicitation arrangement with Square. We'll provide additional disclosures prior to opening an account with Guideline. See our Privacy Policy to learn how we use and protect your information.

Guideline partner
We’ll streamline your plan transfer
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How Square and Guideline work together

Our platform will securely sync your Square Payroll and Guideline 401(k) data so any updates or changes will be reflected in both places automatically—saving you time and hassle.

  • Plan management

    401(k) contributions are automatically deducted each pay run. No need to maintain deductions or manually re-enter payroll data.

  • Employee onboarding

    When employees become eligible to join the plan, we’ll notify and enroll them on your behalf—and provide full support along the way.

We’ll streamline your plan transfer

Transferring a 401(k) plan from one provider to another can be a complex process. With an Enterprise plan, you get a single point of contact that will guide you through each step.

  • Dedicated client relationship manager

    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

    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

Timeline for transferring a 401(k) plan to Guideline
  • 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

starting at $149 /month

+ active participant fee1

After transferring a 401(k) to Guideline, Plan Sponsors must maintain an Enterprise plan for at least one year before becoming eligible to switch to a different pricing plan.

Cost for participants

starting at 0.15% / year2

That’s about $1.25 a month for every $10,000 saved.3

Have 50 or more employees?

Alternative pricing is available. To learn more, contact Sales at hello@guideline.com.

Invest in your team

With an intuitive dashboard and mobile app, it’s easy for your team to set up their account, track their progress, and access resources— anytime, anywhere.

  • Easy account setup, via web or mobile app

  • Recommended investment portfolio

  • Retirement education and live support

Guideline mobile app portfolio screen.
Guideline mobile app portfolio screen.

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 more. Learn more about auto enrollment

Your plan is in good hands

For eligible plans, we serve as the ERISA 3(16)4 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

Guideline at a glance

  • 50K+

    businesses

  • $15B+

    invested for retirement

  • Fintech 50

    Forbes 2022

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Reinvest in your team and business. Transfer your 401(k) today.

Let’s get started

Contact us

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, it’s 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.