Auto-enrollment or auto-escalation plans average $170,000 in balances, Bank of America says
Vestwell's own 401(k) and 403(b) account holders averaged a 6.4% deferral in 2023, while 62% of surveyed employees say they should save 10% or more.
At a glance
Plans offering auto-enrollment or auto-escalation averaged $170,000, $50,000 above plans with neither feature, according to Bank of America's Participant Pulse research.
Vestwell's own recordkept 401(k) and 403(b) account holders averaged a 6.4% deferral in 2023.
A balance gap between design categories is not on its own evidence that the features caused it.
Plans offering auto-enrollment or auto-escalation averaged $170,000, $50,000 above plans with neither feature, according to Bank of America's Participant Pulse research.
Bank of America's Participant Pulse research put the average 401(k) balance at $113,590, up 13% in 2025. That places the neither-feature group at about $120,000, and both design cohorts sit above the overall average.
A balance gap between design categories is not on its own evidence that the features caused it. Plans that adopt auto-enrollment or auto-escalation may differ from those that do not in employer size, workforce pay or tenure, and the reported figures do not separate those effects.
Vestwell's survey found 85% of employees expect their employer to offer retirement benefits and 62% say they should defer 10% or more of their salary.
Vestwell's own recordkept 401(k) and 403(b) account holders averaged a 6.4% deferral in 2023. The two figures measure different populations, so the gap is between stated expectations and plan settings rather than a change in one group.
Save this analysis and keep the funds you follow together in My Desk.
Sign in to save articles or follow funds.
The WrapFinhabits estimates 13.6 million Latino adults may qualify for Saver's Match
The WrapProposed EBSA rule gives plan fiduciaries 20 process examples
The Wrap