Kroger Fan

Menu

Kroger 401(k) Login and Benefits Guide (2025)

If you’re a current or former employee of Kroger, managing your retirement plan is an essential part of securing your financial future. Kroger offers a competitive 401(k) savings plan through Merrill Lynch, designed to help employees grow their retirement savings with tax advantages and employer contributions.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Kroger 401(k) login, benefits, rollover options, and how to get support.

Table of Contents

  • How to Log in to Your Kroger 401(k) Account
  • Kroger 401(k) Plan Overview
  • Employer Matching Policy
  • Vesting Schedule
  • How to Rollover Your Kroger 401(k)
  • Withdrawing From Your Kroger 401(k)
  • Kroger 401(k) Contact Information
  • Kroger 401(k) Frequently Asked Questions

How to Log in to Your Kroger 401(k) Account

Kroger partners with Merrill Lynch to manage its 401(k) retirement savings plan. To access your account, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Merrill Lynch 401(k) login page.
  2. Enter your username and password.
  3. If you’ve forgotten your credentials, use the “Forgot Username/Password” feature to reset.
  4. If you’re a first-time user, select “Register” and follow the instructions to create a new account.

Ensure you have personal identification details like your Social Security Number (SSN) and date of birth available when registering or resetting credentials.

Kroger 401(k) Plan Overview

The official Kroger 401(k) plan is named:
THE KROGER CO. SAVINGS PLAN
(Also known as THE KROGER CO. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN MASTER TRUST)

  • Plan Provider: Merrill Lynch
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN): 31-0345740
  • Plan Administrator: Theresa Monti
  • Total Assets: Over $8.6 billion (as of 2019)
  • Covered Employees: 226,865+

Employer Matching Policy

Kroger offers a generous employer match to help boost your retirement savings:

  • Match Rate: 100% of the first 3% of your salary contributed
  • Matching Type: Dollar-for-dollar
    For example, if you contribute 3% of your salary to the plan, Kroger will contribute an additional 3%, effectively doubling your contribution up to that threshold.

Vesting Schedule

To take full ownership of employer-matched contributions, Kroger follows a 3-year graded vesting schedule:

• Year 1: 0% vested
• Year 2: 50% vested
• Year 3: 100% vested

Your own contributions are always 100% vested, but employer contributions follow the above timeline. Leaving Kroger before reaching full vesting may result in forfeiting part of the employer match.

How to Rollover Your Kroger 401(k)

If you’ve left Kroger or want to consolidate your retirement accounts, you can roll over your Kroger 401(k) into an IRA or another 401(k) plan. Here’s how:

Steps to Roll Over Your Kroger 401(k)

1. Review your current Merrill Lynch account for balances and restrictions.
2. Choose a destination for the rollover (IRA or new employer’s 401(k) plan).
3. Contact Merrill Lynch to initiate the rollover request.
4. Receive a check for the rollover amount (if applicable).
5. Deposit the check into your new retirement account within 60 days to avoid penalties.
6. Verify your funds are properly allocated in your new investment account.

Rolling over your 401(k) can help simplify your finances and potentially reduce fees.

Withdrawing From Your Kroger 401(k)

While withdrawing from your 401(k) may be an option, it comes with important consequences:
Withdrawal Considerations:
• Taxes: Funds withdrawn are subject to federal and state income taxes.
• Penalties: If you are under age 59½, expect a 10% early withdrawal penalty (unless exceptions apply).
• Reduced retirement savings: Taking money early can significantly impact your long-term financial goals.

Steps to Withdraw:

1. Contact Merrill Lynch or the Kroger 401(k) administrator.
2. Request a partial or full withdrawal and specify the amount.
3. Choose your delivery method (paper check or ACH transfer).
4. Wait for the funds to be processed and delivered.

Tip: Explore rollovers or 401(k) loans before withdrawing funds. These options may help you avoid taxes and penalties.

Kroger 401(k) Contact Information

Having trouble logging in or need to manage your plan? Here’s how to reach the Kroger 401(k) support team.

Merrill Lynch 401(k) Support:
• Login Page: Merrill Lynch 401(k) Login
• Phone Number: 1-866-820-1492
• Fax: 866-994-7807
• Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM EST
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 29002 Hot Springs, AR 71903-9002

Kroger Corporate Address:
• The Kroger Co.
• 1014 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Kroger 401(k) Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the name of Kroger’s 401(k) plan?
The Kroger Co. Savings Plan, managed by Merrill Lynch.

2. How do I access my Kroger 401(k) account?
Visit the Merrill Lynch login portal, enter your credentials, or register as a new user.

3. What is the Kroger 401(k) match policy?
Kroger matches 100% of the first 3% of your contributions. The match follows a 3-year graded vesting schedule.

4. Can I roll over my Kroger 401(k) after leaving the company?
Yes, you can roll it over into an IRA or a new employer’s 401(k). Merrill Lynch can guide you through the process.

5. How do I contact Kroger or Merrill Lynch for 401(k) questions?
Call 1-866-820-1492 during business hours, or visit the Merrill Lynch 401(k) website.

6. What are my options if I want to cash out my Kroger 401(k)?
You can request a withdrawal, but early withdrawals may trigger taxes and penalties. Consider a rollover or loan if possible.

Final Thoughts

Kroger’s 401(k) retirement savings plan offers a valuable opportunity for employees to grow their wealth with the help of employer matching and tax-deferred investments. Whether you’re just getting started, looking to roll over an old account, or planning your retirement withdrawals, understanding your options is essential.

Bookmark this page for future reference, and if you’re no longer with Kroger, consider consolidating your retirement accounts for easier management and potentially lower fees.