Valley Forge, Pa. – September 15, 2026 -- Vanguard ranked third among 17 retirement plan providers for website experience and fourth for mobile app experience in the JD Power 2026 U.S. Retirement Plan Digital Experience Study, with both channels scoring above industry averages.
Vanguard outperforms industry average across all four measured categories
The firm scored above the industry benchmark in design, system performance, information and content, and tools and capabilities, according to the study, which surveyed more than 6,500 retirement plan participants between May and July 2026. JD Power evaluated the 17 providers on a 1,000-point scale and, for the first time, ranked mobile applications and websites separately.
Vanguard rolled out digital upgrades over the past year to boost engagement
Recent enhancements include saving features that let participants visualize how contribution changes affect retirement outcomes, new goal-setting tools, and a mobile check deposit feature for asset consolidation within retirement plans. The company also added personalized educational videos, simplified access for participants with non-qualified plans, and expanded balance transparency through tax-source breakdowns.
"We're encouraged by our ranking and the progress we've made in enhancing the digital experience for the participants we serve," said Lauren Valente, Managing Director, Vanguard Workplace Solutions.
Vanguard points to AI-powered tools as next step in participant engagement
Amber Brestowski, Head of Participant Financial Success at Vanguard, said digital experiences are critical to helping retirement savers take action and stay on track, citing the firm's combination of intuitive technology, including AI-powered capabilities, with a focus on investor outcomes.