Human Interest review

Human Interest ranks first for businesses with staff because it publishes every part of its price and puts payroll sync on the cheapest plan. Essentials costs $80 a month plus $5 per eligible employee, Complete costs $180 plus $7 and Concierge costs $280 plus $9, and the pricing page notes that a one-time setup fee of $499 may apply. On top of the flat fees, plan assets pay 0.05% for recordkeeping and custody and 0.01% for investment advice when Human Interest Advisors acts as a 3(38) fiduciary. Every plan connects to more than 600 payroll systems and charges $0 transaction fees for amendments, profit sharing and annual IRS form preparation. The Complete plan is the point where Human Interest signs and files Form 5500, provides an ERISA fidelity bond and acts as a 3(16) fiduciary, so most owners who want to hand off compliance will land there. Concierge adds a named account manager, DOL Audit Defense of up to $50k and Audit Relief for plans with more than 100 participants. Solo owners pay for features they will not use.

Who it is for

small businesses with employees that want payroll sync and fiduciary help

Price

Essentials from $80 a month base plus $5 per eligible employee; Complete $180 plus $7; Concierge $280 plus $9; setup fee of $499 may apply.

Essentials The basics, done right $80 /mo base +$5/mo per eligible employee
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 14, 2026.

Key features

• Integration with 600+ payroll systems on every plan
• Human Interest Advisors selects and monitors the fund lineup and takes on fiduciary liability
• Complete plan adds 3(16) fiduciary services, Form 5500 signed and filed and an ERISA fidelity bond
• Concierge plan adds a named account manager, DOL Audit Defense up to $50k and Audit Relief for plans over 100 participants
• $0 transaction fees for employers and employees

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Published base and per-employee fees on all three plans
• Strength: Asset fees are low: 0.05% for recordkeeping plus 0.01% advisory as a 3(38) fiduciary
• Strength: Lower-wage employees can get 3% cash back for saving, up to $250
• Weakness: Essentials does not include 3(16) fiduciary services or Form 5500 filing
• Weakness: Per-employee fee rises from $5 to $9 a month on higher plans
• Weakness: A one-time setup fee of $499 may apply

Key facts

• Starting price: $80 a month + $5 per eligible employee
• Asset-based fees: 0.05% recordkeeping + 0.01% or 0.018% advisory
• Payroll integrations: 600+
• Setup fee: Up to $499

Where it ranks

Human Interest is No. 2 in our Best 401K Providers verdict.