FeeFriction

401(k) Fees Overview: Where Retirement Friction Hides

Admin fees, fund expense ratios, and advice fees — a US overview for plan participants.

Updated 2026-07-15 · Not financial advice

Ask for the fee disclosure

Participants typically receive fee disclosures showing plan-level and investment-level costs. Use those percentages in the fee-drag calculator.

Employer match still often dominates fee differences — do not skip a match solely chasing a slightly cheaper fund without numbers.

Related tool: 401k fee drag

Sources

  1. DOL EBSA — Retirement plans

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can I roll over to cut fees? +

Sometimes, subject to plan rules, taxes, and investment options. That is a personal decision for a fiduciary advisor or tax professional — not this site.