---
title: Guideline Reviews
meta_title: 'Guideline Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2'
meta_description: Filter 1156 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry
  to find out how Guideline works for a business like yours.
aggregate_rating:
  rating_value: 4.5
  review_count: 1156
  scale: '5'
date_modified: '2026-07-19'
parent_category:
  name: HR
  url: https://www.g2.com/categories/hr
---

# Guideline Reviews
**Vendor:** Gusto  
**Category:** [401(k) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/401-k)  
**Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0  
**Total Reviews:** 1,156
## About Guideline
Guideline 401(k) is now part of Gusto. We provide a modern, integrated 401(k) experience for businesses and their teams. As part of the Gusto ecosystem, Guideline offers streamlined retirement solutions designed to simplify plan management, administration, and compliance. Employees receive a user-friendly experience to enroll and manage their financial future. Our mission is to help companies effortlessly offer a powerful retirement benefit their team can truly appreciate. For informational purposes only. Should not be considered investment or tax advice



## Guideline Pros & Cons
**What users like:**

- Users find the **ease of use** of Guideline exceptional, allowing quick adoption and smooth implementation for teams. (144 reviews)
- Users find the **easy setup** of Guideline intuitive and accessible, simplifying the onboarding process for their teams. (106 reviews)
- Users appreciate the **helpful customer support** from Guideline, making interactions smooth and issue resolution prompt. (70 reviews)
- Users appreciate the **seamless integration** with QuickBooks, making payroll management easy and user-friendly. (70 reviews)
- Users commend the **ease of use** in 401k Management, highlighting its simple setup and integration with payroll systems. (59 reviews)
- Payroll Integration (54 reviews)
- Simple (50 reviews)
- Affordable (49 reviews)
- Automation (42 reviews)
- Integrations (40 reviews)

**What users dislike:**

- Users find the **limited investment options** of Guideline disappointing, especially the lack of cryptocurrency exposure. (16 reviews)
- Users feel that **limited options** for investment customization restrict their ability to tailor portfolios effectively. (15 reviews)
- Users find **limited customization options** for reporting and plan configurations, impacting detailed requirements and flexibility. (13 reviews)
- Users express frustration with **poor customer support** , experiencing delays and difficulty in getting timely assistance. (13 reviews)
- Users feel there is **inadequate guidance** for investment decisions, leaving teams without necessary support and control. (11 reviews)
- Users find **difficulty understanding** Guideline's processes and policies, leading to frustrating experiences and financial impacts. (10 reviews)
- Users find the product **expensive** , considering the cost could be lower and is more than alternatives. (10 reviews)
- Users are frustrated by the **ongoing price increases** that significantly raise the monthly cost of Guideline. (10 reviews)
- High Fees (9 reviews)
- Payroll Issues (9 reviews)

## Guideline Reviews
  ### 1. Quality, efficient and low cost 401k planning services.

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Legal Services | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** April 22, 2025

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Easy to work with.  Easy to work with. Easy to work with

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

Should provide investment returns report to account holders on quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

401k is good for tax planning and employee retention.

  ### 2. Seamlessly Integrated and Intuitive Retirement Benefits

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Joshua B. | President, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** August 22, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

I appreciate Guideline's ease of use and seamless integration with Gusto, our payroll provider.  Employees are auto enrolled after their waiting period and have been able to set up and manage their accounts.  Customer support is always willing to help and is easily accessible.  We have had zero issues to date with Guideline.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

I have yet to find a downside of using Guideline.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Guideline solves our 401K integration and implementation saving me time and contributing to our employee satisfaction.

  ### 3. What We Needed, When We Needed It

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Non-Profit Organization Management | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** September 19, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

The ease of use and finding information is amazing on this platform. We were having issues with people not even realizing they had a 401k with our previous company. 
With Guideline, people can find and change their contributions easily and on their own. Staff has been able to educate themselves on loans and financial well-being. 
This was just what we needed.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

Only downside is confusion about how to seek help for admins. It would be great if they had chat available. And if they do, it is hard to find.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Providing benefits to our staff. It helps with their total rewards package.

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> Thank you for sharing your experience. Your feedback is invaluable to us and plays a key role in helping us improve. If you have any further questions or thoughts, please don’t hesitate to reach out at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 4. Great overall value

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Nick S. | Managing Partner, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** October 08, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Our plan is reasonably priced and has pretty good investment options.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

I am not thrilled about paying a fee in basis points, but apparently that is where the industry has gone.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

As a small business, we needed a quality plan to attract and retain employees, yet allow owners to have the ability to contribute fully.

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Your feedback is invaluable, and we’re committed to making improvements. Please feel free to reach out to us at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 5. Easy to deploy, Highly recommend!

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** James Z. | Operations Manager, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** September 10, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

As a small business, we’ve used Guideline for our employees’ 401k plan since day one. After comparing several options, we found their pricing to be the most competitive, with flexible service configurations that perfectly suit small businesses. easy to deploy, Highly recommend!

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

Nothing we do not like, I have to say that it is too easy for you to config,

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Find a 401k provider for our small team

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with us. If you ever have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 6. Guideline was SO MUCH EASIER than my previous provider

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Chris C. | Partner, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** September 10, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Guideline was super easy to setup. It was miles easier than our previous 401(k) provider. The previous provider felt like a fulltime job. Guideline manages everything, and the 360 degree connection with QuickBooks was super simple. When I needed help I got it within 5 minutes from customer support. The 360 QuickBooks connection helped my employees manage their contributions.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

I love everything about Guideline. A++++

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Reporting and management.

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with us. If you ever have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 7. User friendly, cost effective and efficient online retirement platform

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Firas K. | Owner / Administrator, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** June 27, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

The platform is intuitive and efficient. 
The transition process from a previous retirement provider was smooth.
Customer service is available by email and if needed by phone.
Low cost.
Availability of low cost index funds.
Availability of different settings for compliance testing 
Availability of different options for profit sharing calculations

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

Response from Customer Service might not always be prompt (though acceptable)
It does not integrate with some payroll systems (including the one that we decided to transition to which is Heartland)
Some technical glitches that can be annoying (pending items on dashboard that have already been taken care of)

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Low cost index funds availability

  ### 8. Good Product for the price

**Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Brad H. | Accounting Manager, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** August 15, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

It integrates with QBO very well. No issues with the integration since set up in 2 years. The emails for notifications are helpful. This program also reminds staff well to enter and setup various information.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

There are limited options in company contributions and various thresholds.Staff in their portal can only see overall market return since the beginning of their 401K etc., not YTD or with options to see MTD.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Offering a 401K while seamlessly integrating with our accounting system.

  ### 9. Great tool for small companies looking for big benefits

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Vanessa B. | CEO, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** November 14, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Easily navigatble and deployable tool to use for setting up 401ks as a small business administrator.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

The administrative fee is high and has just increased.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

I'm an owner/operator of a small company looking to provide my employees and myself with a retirement option.  Guideline allows for me to do that, set a company match, commuicate with contirbutors throughout the year and especially around tax season, and provides compiance support and assurance.

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> Thank you for your valuable feedback. We’re always looking for ways to improve, and your experience helps guide our efforts. If you have additional questions or comments, you can reach us anytime at clients@guideline.com

  ### 10. Easy to use. Low fees compared to the industry.

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Ronald P. | President, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** May 07, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Pricing. Quick customer service. Good investment options.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

Nothing. Since they now have a mobile app, everything is perfect

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Offering retirement benefits to my employees

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> We’re so glad you’re enjoying our service! Here at Guideline, we’re committed to providing our customers with excellent service and are here for you if you need anything. Feel free to contact us at clients@guideline.com 

  ### 11. Ease of use

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Mental Health Care | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** January 28, 2025

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Never have had any issues, all services have been smooth.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

So far, I have not had any issues with Guideline.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Guideline has not helped me with any isues as none has presented.

  ### 12. Seemless integration with Gusto

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Consulting | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** October 08, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

We love Guideline. We use the enterprise level to manage our parent and portfolio companies. It connects seamlessly with Gusto to update new hires and terminations, contributions, and compliance reporting. We set it up and it runs on its own. Support is always helpful and has a quick response time.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

No downsides so far. We love Guideline with Gusto.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Guideline significantly reduces our admin time managing 401k but connecting directly to Gusto payroll and automatically processing updates of employee status, contributions, and processing contribution payments and reporting.

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with us. If you ever have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 13. Couldn't be simpler to reward your team

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Nik W. | Founder, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** August 22, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Guideline makes it easy to select a safeharbor plan and put the compliance side of a retirement plan on autopilot. Since the simple sign up form, I haven't had to deal with any sort of forms or paperwork.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

Not a downside for me, but perhaps if you're looking for specific investment options you might feel limited. As with any provider, they give you a limited basket of investments to choose from. However, I find the selection to be more than adequate.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

I was able to add the retirement benefit to my team with minimal hassle. I feel like I don't have to do anything at all on an ongoing basis.

  ### 14. Guideline made my plan easy!

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Accounting | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** August 22, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Guideline plan was able to be set up entirely online at my own pace, but still made a customer service agent available to support any questions!  All of the features I wanted in a plan (safe harbor being a key for me!) were available.  Integrates with QuickBooks online which I use for my company.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

I wish statements were available more frequently or that I could run a report of a balance at a previous point in time.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

I needed to be able to save for retirmement and allow my team to do the same, but without spending a ton of time and money to set it up and maintain it!

  ### 15. An amazing change

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Retail | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** September 12, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

The whole process from Guideline's end was incredibly simple and easy.  Their support team was always quick to respond when questions came up.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

The admin dashboard is more limited than what I am used to.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Our previous provider was a mess, and we were having issues getting the required information from them to make sure our plan was compliant.  When we switched, everything with Guideline was transparent, and was communicated upfront.  The further into the process I got, the more I realized how much our previous provider was holding back information to try am make us reliant on them.

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> Thank you for the positive feedback! We’re committed to providing the best service possible. If there’s anything more we can do for you, please let us know at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 16. Guideline does the job

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Accounting | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** October 22, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

I like that Guideline does the job that they are paid to do without hiccups and with good customer service.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

I have not run into any downsides so far.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Guideline makes integrating our 401k plan for our employees easy.  Whenever we hire a new employee they get on boarded to Guideline and then have full control of their contributions etc. with no other action needed on our part.  Guideline also integrates with our payroll provider Gusto for easy implementation.

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> Thank you for the positive feedback! We’re committed to providing the best service possible. If there’s anything more we can do for you, please let us know at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 17. Easy to Use and Administer

**Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** John I. | President and Co-Founder, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** September 10, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Guideline's 401k product excels in user experience and cost-effectiveness. The platform offers an intuitive interface that simplifies account management for both employers and employees. Their transparent, low-fee structure is particularly appealing, allowing participants to retain more of their investments.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

Limited investment options compared to some competitors. 
Customer support can be challenging at times.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Offering a low cost 401(k) to my employees

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> Thank you for your valuable feedback. We’re always looking for ways to improve, and your experience helps guide our efforts. If you have additional questions or comments, you can reach us anytime at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 18. Easy to setup and easy to use.

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Dennis M. | Adjunct Professor, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** January 21, 2025

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Ease of use, compliance and good funds to choose from.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

Not as easy to put money into for profit sharing.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Allows me to have a safe harbor 401k for a small business,

  ### 19. Easy to manage

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Alisha P. | Owner, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** October 08, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

As a business owner, providing a 401K plan helps bring in and support good team members. Guideline has been easy to manage and pretty much takes care of itself through Gusto.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

None so far. Maybe logging in could be easier

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Helps employees manage their own plan

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> We’re so glad you’re enjoying our service! Here at Guideline, we’re committed to providing our customers with excellent service and are here for you if you need anything. Feel free to contact us at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 20. Easy to use interface, provides what we need

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Ashley E. | HR & Ops Manager, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** August 22, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

We like that the interface is very user friendly for all of our employees, but it is still a robust system and has enough options to make everyone happy.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

So far we haven't had any problems.Any concerns have been immediately resolved by support.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Guideline integrates with our HRIS, making our lives very easy. We never have to think about contributions, and our employees can make changes on their own.

  ### 21. Helpful staff and easy to set up

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Financial Services | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** December 03, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

I own a small 5 person firm and found Guideline to be a very straightforward set up. The process is easy and the user interface is great. The support staff is also excellent

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

I also use Guideline for some of my clients on their Advisor side and I will say that if Guideline doesn't integrate with the businesses payroll company I may look for a provider that does. Payroll integration is a big part of what makes this platform easy to set up and run.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Tax deferral of savings and employee retention.

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> Thank you for your valuable feedback. We’re always looking for ways to improve, and your experience helps guide our efforts. If you have additional questions or comments, you can reach us anytime at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 22. Easy to setup and use

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Jason R. | Owner, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** September 10, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Guideline is very easy to use and integrates easily with Gusto, which has made the entire process simple.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

Guideline is very simple, but at times, a little too. I wish there was more robust reports and options for managing my money.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

It has allowed me to offer 401k plans to my employee's through Gusto with very little headaches.

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> Thank you for your valuable feedback. We’re always looking for ways to improve, and your experience helps guide our efforts. If you have additional questions or comments, you can reach us anytime at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 23. Easy to set up, easy to review

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Consumer Services | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** April 22, 2025

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

User friendly, automated and easy access

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

More creative graphics would be nice to look at

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Keeps Administrative maintenance to a minimum

  ### 24. Great 401K for our company

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Chemicals | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** December 17, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

The online platform is great for both the admin and users. Information is provided in a clear and organized to make finding the information easy to find.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

I miss a dedciated advisor to help me manage the company's plan.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Reporting 5500 and doing complaince testing.

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> We’re so glad you’re enjoying our service! Here at Guideline, we’re committed to providing our customers with excellent service and are here for you if you need anything. Feel free to contact us at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 25. Easy!

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Food Production | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** December 19, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Very easy to use. Integrates seamlessly with our payroll system.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

Likely not for huge companies, but the ease of use and implementation makes this perfect for small to mid size organizations.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Most everything is automated. Filing process is easy. Compliance testing is handled automatically.

  ### 26. Value Proposition is Very High

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Alan R. | President/CEO, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** August 23, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Seamless, trouble-free exprience.  Excellent value for the provision of retirement management services to our employees.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

No issues.  We get what we pay for and have no complaints.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

As a growing business we need to provide a 401k solution to our employees, and Guideline allows us to do this in a very cost-effective manner.  This adds value to our employment benefits provided to our employees.

  ### 27. Easy solution for 401K program

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Brendan G. | CEO, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** September 18, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Very simple. They handle all the admin for you. Integrates with Gusto. Simple to setup and they are very helpful to work with

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

Fees can be high at huge scale, but not an issue for most professional service / software companies

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

They run our 401K program and handle all the admin

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> Thank you for the positive feedback! We’re committed to providing the best service possible. If there’s anything more we can do for you, please let us know at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 28. Guideline

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Melanie W. | People Operations Specialist, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** July 15, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Extremely user friendly.  Very flexible in allowing you to change your options whenever you need to, and then change them back.  Allocating your distribution is super simple.  All around it is a very user friendly site.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

The only downside part of Guideline for me is the ability to see your monthly statements in one streamline visual.  The graphi is nice, but I would like more of a mathematical breakdown to visually see, rather than looking at each monthly statement

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

easy use for employees

  ### 29. Easy , Integrates and performs great.

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Donald P. | Manager, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** August 27, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Signing our company up for Guideline was a fast and easy process. Best part is that it intergrates with Quickbooks. Customer support has been great so far!

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

We have been with guidline for less than a year so far and have not found anything we dislike.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Guiline brings managing the 401(k) plan under one roof which is Quickbooks Online for us.

  ### 30. Simple but wished it synced with NetSuite

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** January 23, 2025

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Simple interface for users. Straightforward for administrators.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

Doesn't synce with NetSuite.  Need to manually added deductions each payroll.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Easy way to manage employees' 401K benefit

  ### 31. Guideline for 401K management

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Melissa S. | Office Manager, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** September 19, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Guildeine is extremely user friendly.  I can check my companies account and switch easily to my personal account and manage both efficiently.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

I wish there was an easier way to decline our union employees and have it connect to QuickBooks.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Guideline is making managing our 401K easy and seamless.

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> Thank you for the positive feedback! We’re committed to providing the best service possible. If there’s anything more we can do for you, please let us know at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 32. Easy to manage 401K benefits for small businesses

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Tim J S. | Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** August 13, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Offering benefits to employees as a small business can be difficult. Guideline made the enrollment process easy and continues to make the benefit management process easy.  Glad to have this benefit to attract and retain top talent in my small business.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

Wish the accounting side of it was better managed in my QBO account.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Offer benefits that attract and retain top talent with low adminstrative overhead.

  ### 33. Guideline is Great

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Restaurants | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** July 31, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Guideline provides a great product- inexpensive, Vanguard Investment choices, simple to use for administrators and users, payroll integration. I have about 30 employees who have opted in and none of them have much investment knowledge or savvy. This plan is working great for us and is as customizable as we need. I am so happy that the company money is going in to matching contributions for employees instead of paying the plan managers like it did with our past 401k plan.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

There is nothing I dislike about Guideline. Before choosing to try Guideline I read some reviews complaining about the lack of freedom and not enough fuctionality with their services.  For my employees, that has been a total non-issue. The platform offers more than enough for our level of sophistication.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Guideline provides a low cost, great value plan which helps my business to meet its regulatory requirements.

  ### 34. Great option for a small company retirement program!

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Information Technology and Services | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** March 04, 2025

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

The ease of setup and maintenance. Was super easy to link with our existing payroll and bring over employee info.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

The only possible downside is smaller selection of investment options within Guideline.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

A straightforward 401k benefit program to offer employees.

  ### 35. Super simple and easy to implement

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Mark P. | Human Resources Generalist, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** October 22, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Super simple and straightforward product

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

It would be nice if the invoice system was more detailed and understandable to read

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Provides our employees a 401k plan without to much maintenance

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Your feedback is invaluable, and we’re committed to making improvements. Please feel free to reach out to us at clients@guideline.com if you have any additional questions.


  ### 36. Bait and switch

**Rating:** 0.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Computer Software | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** May 07, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

I chose to use Guideline based on their promise of no AUM fees for my employees.

After I moved my company to Guideline they changed their fee structure to have a per employee fee and charge an AUM fee for employee balances.

Because they had such an outstanding offer, many people rolled over large balances into the plan, only to be forced to pay AUM fees that Guideine advertised would not be charged.

Further, it's not possible to move funds out of the plan unless an employee separates from the company per Guideline policy. This is not a limitation due to the tax code, if Guideine wanted to support it they could.

Overall I do not recommend Guideline to other business owners, they cannot be trusted due to their bait and switch tactics.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

I do not trust or recommend Guideline due to their bait and switch marketing and pricing tactics.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Managing 401k program for my employees.

At first it was a great deal that enabled us to offer a 100% employer paid benefit without AUM fees charged to our employees.

Guideline changed their price structure with no way for customers like us to retain the zero AUM fees for our employees.

Further, there's no way for employees to remove funds from the plan. Guideline holds their funds hostage.

  ### 37. Guideline is GOOD

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Paddy K. | GM, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** April 05, 2022

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Good Products. Good Service. Accurate. no problems. lots of benefits. Most importantly, Tax advantages for both Employer and Employee along with long term tax deferred savings

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

not applicable as Guideline is generally good

**Recommendations to others considering Guideline:**

simple system

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Good Products. Good Service. Accurate. no problems. lots of benefits

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> We’re so glad you’re enjoying our service! Here at Guideline, we’re committed to providing our customers with excellent service and are here for you if you need anything. Feel free to contact us at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 38. Amazing experience as a small business

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Paul R. | Principal Consultant, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** January 21, 2025

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Integrates with quickbooks, really easy to setup and use.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

Nothing it was an amazing service for our 401k.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Automation with Quickbooks.

  ### 39. SO easy to use

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Diana F. | Realtor, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** September 10, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

I run a very small business and I don't have a lot of time for complicated stuff.  Guideline has been super simple to use and even easier to understand.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

Onboarding took a little longer than I would have liked, but it wasn't that hard.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

WAY cheaper than other providers

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> We’re so glad you’re enjoying our service! Here at Guideline, we’re committed to providing our customers with excellent service and are here for you if you need anything. Feel free to contact us at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 40. Easy, fast and good value!

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Melanie A. | VP Finance, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** September 19, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Guideline's interface is very user friendly.  It's easy, fast and intuitive.  Also, the cost is reasonable both from an admin and an employee perspective.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

There isn't much that I actively dislike about Guideline

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Allows a small business to provide tax-advantaged retirement options to employees

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> Thank you for the positive feedback! We’re committed to providing the best service possible. If there’s anything more we can do for you, please let us know at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 41. Guideline made it easy to set up benefits for my employees.

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Primary/Secondary Education | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** October 22, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

I set up a 401(k) for my employees through Guideline and I was very pleased with the overall experience. The platform is super user-friendly and made the whole process painless from start to finish. Highly recommend.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

Perhaps more clarity on changes? No complains, really.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Navigating all the available 401(k) options out there was daunting. I ended up going with Guideline because it was the easiest.

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with us. If you ever have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 42. Super user friendly !

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Sara K. | Freelance Production Manager, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** December 17, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

I love that it's automated and user friendly. Makes 401k super convienient for any boss or company!

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

It costs a lot if you only haveone employee!

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

It's fully taking care of my 401K bi-monthly automatically. VERY convenient!

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> Thank you for your valuable feedback. We’re always looking for ways to improve, and your experience helps guide our efforts. If you have additional questions or comments, you can reach us anytime at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 43. Good Quality - Reasonable Load

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** James D. | Managing Attorney, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** September 10, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Low load fund availaibility provides good value for money. Ease of access for employees. Intigration with QB was easy and impliemntation with QB payroll was seamless.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

Downsides generally are limited to access to advisors being mildly limited.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Providing a 401k form employees at a reasonable price point.

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> Thank you for the positive feedback! We’re committed to providing the best service possible. If there’s anything more we can do for you, please let us know at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 44. Tracking as an owner and a employee

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Construction | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** January 21, 2025

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Getting the email updates about the contributions are great and easy accessing guidline from my email keep it simple and effective for me as a business owner.  Couple of clicks and you are in the portal.  I use this feature all the time.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

I haven't had any negative things directly about Guidline yet.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Offering a 401k

  ### 45. Guideline has been great for our practice!

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Benjamen H. | Office Manager, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** June 27, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

They make it super easy to manage contributions with smart suggestions based on answers employees give. It puts the power of managing their finances in their hands and takes the pressure off me to make sure I make adjustments to contributions on behalf of the employees. They also like seeing realtime projections based on their percentages!

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

Nothing really to complain about! Super intuitive and easy to use!

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Takes the pressure off our HR team and gives the power of control to our staff!

  ### 46. Guideline has streamlined our benefits process

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Mental Health Care | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** September 19, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

I like how easy it is to set up and I don't really have to even think about it. It also has warnings to make sure that we are in compliance.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

It does feel a little expensive for our company of 5 people.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

New regulations in Colorado required all businesses with 5 employees or more to offer a 401K for their employees. I had no idea how to set this up and stay in compliance. Guideline made it easy.

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Your feedback is invaluable, and we’re committed to making improvements. Please feel free to reach out to us at clients@guideline.com if you have any additional questions.


  ### 47. Easy to use for our small business

**Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Rebecca F. | Owner, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** August 28, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

It's easy and automatic - once we set it up we don't have to worry about it

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

VERY unhappy with the way my deceased husband's 401k was distributed. The 401k loan should have been settled before transferring his funds to his wife.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Allowing our small business to easily do a 401k match

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> Thank you for your valuable feedback. We’re always looking for ways to improve, and your experience helps guide our efforts. If you have additional questions or comments, you can reach us anytime at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 48. Easy employer and employee experience

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Biotechnology | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** March 25, 2025

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Seamless to implement and operate from day 1.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

Nothing, it's a great solution for small companies!

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Offering a 401k plan to small companies.

  ### 49. Works Flawlessly with QBO

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Manufacturing | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** December 05, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Guideline works perfectly with Quickbooks Online.
Fast response to call in customer support.
Initial setup was very easy.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

Guideline is very hands off and automatic. - This is both a pro and a con.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Retirement planning for our employees.

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> We’re so glad you’re enjoying our service! Here at Guideline, we’re committed to providing our customers with excellent service and are here for you if you need anything. Feel free to contact us at clients@guideline.com.

  ### 50. Guideline solved our retirement account issue

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Eli N. | Principal, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** September 10, 2024

**What do you like best about Guideline?**

Guideline is great to comply with state mandated retirement plans and I love that it integrates with Gusto.

**What do you dislike about Guideline?**

So far I have no complaints regarding our use of Guideline.

**What problems is Guideline solving and how is that benefiting you?**

We needed to comply with State-mandated retirement plans and Guideline served our purpose perfectly.

**Official Response from Guideline Team:**

> Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with us. If you ever have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out at clients@guideline.com.


## Guideline Discussions
  - [Would you possibly make monthly statements available as a feature?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/50689-would-you-possibly-make-monthly-statements-available-as-a-feature) - 1 comment, 1 upvote
  - [Can I use this for myself as the owner?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/46542-can-i-use-this-for-myself-as-the-owner) - 1 comment, 1 upvote
  - [What is Guideline used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-guideline-used-for) - 1 comment

- [View Guideline pricing details and edition comparison](https://www.g2.com/products/guideline/reviews?page=10&section=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-07-25+03%3A37%3A26+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=a5822c9c-2ac7-431e-8539-f61f72a5d1ac&secure%5Btoken%5D=cb864666ab7607eef6200387136297221a24c28e2215e8fb32c4149a7ee8e88e&format=llm_user)
## Guideline Integrations
  - [Gusto](https://www.g2.com/products/gusto/reviews)

## Guideline Features
**Onboarding**
- Administrators
- Employees

**Dashboard**
- Balances
- Investments
- Personal Information

**Compliance**
- IRS
- Tax Benefits

**Administration**
- Monitoring
- Reporting

**Generative AI**
- AI Image-to-Text

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