Vanguard Workplace Solutions Review
by The Vanguard Group, Inc.
Vanguard Workplace Solutions provides 401(k) recordkeeping through direct recordkeeping, a pooled employer plan and Vanguard Retirement Plan Access for small and midsize plans. VRPA bundled fees start at $4,850 a year.
- Company size
- Small businesses, mid-market companies
- Pricing model
- Base fee + per employee
Best for
- Small and midsize plans that work with an advisor and want published VRPA fees
- Sponsors that want Vanguard target-date and index funds alongside non-Vanguard funds
- Employers that want plan analytics and benchmarks
Not ideal for
- Buyers who need published SOC 2 or payroll integration details
- Very small plans comparing flat monthly fees (VRPA is priced by the year)
How we evaluated Vanguard Workplace Solutions
This review rests on 13 facts checked against Vanguard Workplace Solutions’s official pricing pages and documentation, most recently on . We did not test the product hands-on: the score and the pros and cons use only those verified facts, as our methodology explains, and third-party ratings are quoted, never scored.
Our verdict
Vanguard Workplace Solutions offers 401(k) recordkeeping from Vanguard, an investor-owned firm operating since 1975: direct recordkeeping, a pooled employer plan and Vanguard Retirement Plan Access for small and midsize plans. VRPA bundled fees start at $4,850 a year for up to 15 participants; other offers are quoted.
Strengths
Published VRPA fee schedule
Bundled fees from $4,850 a year for up to 15 participants, with per-participant fees from $75 down to $55 a year.
Evidence: Starting base fee: $4,850/mo
Fund lineup
Vanguard Target Retirement Funds, ETFs and index funds plus about 12,000 non-Vanguard funds.
Evidence: Investment menu and default investment: Yes
Fiduciary flexibility
VRPA accommodates firm-specific 3(21), 3(38) and model portfolios.
Evidence: Fiduciary services: Yes
Sponsor analytics
My Plan Manager gives real-time plan analytics and Plan Health benchmarks.
Evidence: Key features: My Plan Manager with Plan Health analytics, Vanguard Target Retirement Funds and about 12,000 non-Vanguard funds, Well on Your Way financial wellness, How America Saves benchmarks, Real-time compliance testing via the web (VRPA)
Weaknesses
Fees outside the schedule
Setup, conversion, transaction and ancillary service fees are not in the published schedule.
Evidence: Extra costs: Plan installation and setup fees, Participant transaction fees for distributions and loans, Ancillary services such as self-directed brokerage accounts and financial wellness, Conversion fee, Fund expense ratios
Large-plan pricing quoted
Direct recordkeeping and the pooled employer plan are quoted.
Evidence: Price transparency: Partly published
Price at a glance
Pricing model
Base fee + per employee
Price transparency
Partly published
Quick answers
- How much does a Vanguard 401(k) cost?
- For VRPA, the bundled annual service fee starts at $4,850 for up to 15 participants under $10M in assets, plus $75 a year per participant from 16 to 50.
- What fees are not included in VRPA pricing?
- Plan installation and setup fees, participant transaction fees for distributions and loans, ancillary services and conversion fees.Based on Extra costs: Plan installation and setup fees, Participant transaction fees for distributions and loans, Ancillary services such as self-directed brokerage accounts and financial wellness, Conversion fee, Fund expense ratios
- What 401(k) options does Vanguard offer employers?
- Direct recordkeeping, Vanguard Retirement Plan Access for small and midsize plans, a pooled employer plan, Individual 401(k), SEP-IRA and SIMPLE IRA.Based on Modules: Direct recordkeeping, Vanguard Retirement Plan Access (VRPA), Pooled employer plan (PEP), Individual 401(k), SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA
- Can a VRPA plan use non-Vanguard funds?
- Yes. Plans can use about 12,000 non-Vanguard funds as well as Vanguard funds, stable value funds and company stock.Based on Investment menu and default investment: Yes
Coverage of core 401(k) providers capabilities
Each core capability we evaluate in 401(k) Providers, checked against Vanguard Workplace Solutions’ own documentation. “Not verified yet” means we have not confirmed it either way, not that it is missing.
6 verified of 10 core capabilities
401(k) Providers
- Plan design and document
- Participant recordkeeping
- Payroll integration · not verified yet
- Investment menu and default investment
- Fiduciary services
- Compliance testing
- Form 5500 support
- Automatic enrollment · not verified yet
- Participant notices and education · not verified yet
- Fee disclosure · not verified yet
Specifications
Product
- Modules
- Direct recordkeeping, Vanguard Retirement Plan Access (VRPA), Pooled employer plan (PEP), Individual 401(k), SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA
- AI features
- AI-enhanced personalization system for participant guidance
Vanguard Workplace Solutions alternatives
- Fidelity Workplace Investing100% similar
- Principal Financial Group90% similar
- Empower70% similar
Implementation and support
- Implementation fee
- Plan installation and setup fees are charged separately; amounts not published
- Support channels
- Dedicated Vanguard retirement experts, Client service team, Participant services
About The Vanguard Group, Inc.
- Founded
- 1975
- Headquarters
- Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, USA
- Ownership
- Private
Official profiles
Vanguard Workplace Solutions: frequently asked questions
Does Vanguard run 401(k) compliance testing?
Yes. VRPA offers real-time compliance testing via the web, and Vanguard lists tax-form preparation assistance.
Can a Vanguard plan use a 3(38) fiduciary?
Yes. VRPA accommodates firm-specific 3(21) and 3(38) arrangements and model portfolios.
What tools does Vanguard give plan sponsors?
My Plan Manager with Plan Health analytics, How America Saves benchmarks and the Well on Your Way financial wellness program.
Does Vanguard use AI in its 401(k) service?
Vanguard describes an AI-enhanced personalization system for participant guidance.
What tools does Vanguard give employers?
My Plan Manager with Plan Health analytics, How America Saves benchmarks and the Well on Your Way financial wellness program.
What is Vanguard Workplace Solutions used for?
Vanguard Workplace Solutions is a 401(k) providers product built for small businesses and mid-market companies. Its modules include Direct recordkeeping, Vanguard Retirement Plan Access, Pooled employer plan, Individual 401, and 2 more.
Is Vanguard Workplace Solutions legit?
Vanguard Workplace Solutions is sold by The Vanguard Group, Inc., which was founded in 1975, is headquartered in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, USA, and is privately held.
What are the pros and cons of Vanguard Workplace Solutions?
Strengths documented on the vendor’s own pages: published VRPA fee schedule, fund lineup, and fiduciary flexibility. It is less suited to buyers who need published SOC 2 or payroll integration details and very small plans comparing flat monthly fees (VRPA is priced by the year).
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