Best Mutual Fund Firms for Service: Dalbar

"The level of service performance achieved by these companies sets extremely high standards for their competitors and in doing so improves the service levels to customers across the industry as a whole," Kathleen Whalen, managing director at Dalbar, said in a statement.

Dalbar noted that in addition to providing high-quality service, it's been provided consistently, too. In 25 years of recognizing mutual fund providers, Putnam has won 23 times. BlackRock has been recognized 15 times, and JPMorgan and MainStay have each been recognized 14 times. Lord Abbett and Primerica have won 12 times and Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management six times.

Dalbar evaluates firms throughout the year to test their level of customer service by taking a random sample of calls between representatives and investors. Calls are judged based on representative attidude, accommodation, expertise and how well they handle interruptions like silences, holds and transfers. Firms that exceed Dalbar's benchmarks after one year are recognized as Mutual Fund Service Award winners.

— Related on ThinkAdvisor:

• 10 Best Investing Sites for Mobile Users: 2014
• TD Ameritrade Fee Rebates: A Win or a Loss for Investors, Advisors?
• 10 Best Mobile Apps for Financial Advisors: 2014