
ADP Retirement Services
401(k) software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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$100 per month
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What is ADP Retirement Services
ADP Retirement Services is a retirement plan administration and recordkeeping platform used to offer and manage employer-sponsored defined contribution plans such as 401(k) plans. It supports plan setup, payroll-linked contributions, compliance-related administration workflows, and participant account access. The product is typically used by small to mid-sized employers and their advisors who want retirement administration aligned with ADP’s payroll and HR ecosystem.
Tight payroll contribution integration
The product is designed to connect retirement contributions and related data flows with ADP payroll processing. This can reduce manual file handling for deferrals, employer match, and contribution timing compared with standalone retirement platforms. It also supports ongoing administration where payroll changes (e.g., compensation, eligibility, terminations) affect plan operations.
Broad plan administration coverage
ADP Retirement Services supports core recordkeeping and plan administration functions needed to operate a 401(k), including participant servicing and employer administration tasks. It is positioned for employers that need an end-to-end provider rather than assembling multiple point solutions. This breadth can be useful for organizations that prefer a single vendor for retirement operations and service.
Enterprise-grade controls and reporting
As part of a large HR/payroll provider, the offering typically includes structured administrative roles, audit-oriented reporting, and standardized operational processes. These capabilities can help employers and advisors manage recurring plan tasks and documentation. It can be a fit for organizations that prioritize established operational governance over highly customized workflows.
Less flexible than specialists
Organizations seeking highly configurable plan design support, bespoke participant experiences, or rapid product iteration may find the platform more standardized than some retirement-first providers. Custom integrations outside the ADP ecosystem can require additional effort. This can matter for employers or advisors with non-ADP payroll/HR stacks or unique operational requirements.
Complexity for very small plans
Very small employers that want a minimal setup and simplified ongoing administration may find the overall service model heavier than necessary. Some features and processes are oriented toward broader HR/payroll operations rather than a lightweight retirement-only workflow. This can increase perceived administrative overhead for micro and startup-sized plans.
Pricing and service variability
Total cost can depend on plan size, service tier, and bundling with other ADP products, which can make comparisons harder than with more standardized pricing models. Service experience may vary by plan segment and assigned support structure. Buyers often need to validate fees, fiduciary roles, and service-level expectations in the contract.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| ADP Starter-k Complete | $100 per month (0–4 employees); $100 per month + $5 per participant (5+ employees) | Starter plan for ultrasmall/small employers. Automatic enrollment, simplified administration, Roth option. (ADP source: SPARK blog and ADP 401(k) product page.) |
| ADP 401k Essential | Contact ADP / Get pricing (custom) | Small-business 401(k) solution; ADP notes an investment management fee of 0.10% of eligible assets (annual) with a monthly minimum of $30. Other fees/pricing vary by plan customization. |
| ADP 401k Enhanced | Generally $250–$400 monthly base fee + approx. $5–$14 per participant (ADP describes this as an "enhanced service tier"; actual pricing varies) | Flexible plan design and investment choice; consultative support and additional fiduciary services. ADP indicates prices vary by customization and to contact sales. |
| ADP 401k Premier | Custom pricing — Contact ADP / Get pricing | Enterprise-level service with dedicated client service manager, personalized support; pricing not published. |
| SAVE4RETIREMENT Pooled Employer Plan (PEP) | Custom pricing — Contact ADP / Get pricing | Pooled plan option for employers; ADP directs users to download brochure and contact sales for pricing. |
Notes:
- ADP prominently shows "Get Pricing" / "Contact Us" on the retirement product pages; much ADP Retirement Services pricing is customizable.
- ADP-stated investment management fee: 0.10% of Eligible Assets (annual), billed monthly and subject to a monthly minimum of $30 (per ADP small-business 401(k) page).
- ADP Starter-k Complete pricing is published in ADP Spark blog and ADP product pages as shown above.
Seller details
ADP, Inc.
Roseland, New Jersey, USA
1949
Public
https://www.adp.com/
https://x.com/ADP
https://www.linkedin.com/company/adp/