Annuity.org’s editorial team evaluated annuity products using a strict, fact-based methodology. Only products from top annuity providers were considered, ensuring that the reviewed options were from leading companies. Products were compared based on features like terms, riders, liquidity, and specific options such as index choices for fixed index annuities and payout options for income annuities.
Since annuities are diverse, different products are suitable for different needs—no single annuity fits everyone. While the products listed are from top industry providers, it’s important for individuals to consider their unique financial circumstances before making a decision.
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Best Fixed Index Annuity: Lincoln OptiBlend
Fixed index annuities have become increasingly popular over the years. They give customers a way to achieve growth tied to a market’s performance without putting their principal at risk.
“Some people nowadays look for a fixed index annuity that has a fixed account, ” Aamir Chalisa, General Manager at Futurity First Insurance Group, told Annuity.org. “Because the indexes have been so off the charts at times when they have not done well.”
The Lincoln OptiBlend, provided through Lincoln Financial, offers access to a simple fixed account and more. It’s one product that stands out among fixed index options.
Ranked as a Best Annuity Company of 2024
Lincoln OptiBlend
Product Details
- Offers five-, seven- or 10-year terms with industry-standard liquidity options such as nursing home and terminal illness riders, and the ability to withdraw 10% of the annuity’s value without penalty
- Nine index options, including access to a simple fixed account
- $10,000 minimum and a $2 million maximum; customers can add up to $25,000 a year in additional premiums, with a cap of $100,000
- Offers a death benefit allowing the beneficiary the option to take the greater of the account value or guaranteed minimum value
Best Fixed Annuity: MassMutual Stable Voyage
Fixed annuities come in many shapes and sizes. One that stands out thanks to its variety of terms offered and favorable renewal terms is the MassMutual Stable Voyage, provided through MassMutual.
Ranked as a Best Annuity Company of 2024
MassMutual Stable Voyage
Product Details
- Offers a fixed and guaranteed interest rate for three, four or five years
- Offers a 30-day renewal window to either take your money or roll it over into a new term of one, three, five or seven years with a lower surrender charge
- Includes nursing home and terminal illness waivers and the ability to withdraw 10% of the contract without penalty
- $10,000 minimum and $1.5 million maximum
- Offers beneficiary a death benefit equal to the contract value if you die during accumulation phase
Best Variable Annuity: Nationwide Destination Future
Variable annuities operate differently than most types of products for a few reasons. The primary one being you can lose money since they are more overt investment vehicles. You must also consider the fees.
“The biggest component of a variable annuity for customers is fees, that people just don’t like. The 2.5 or 3% fees,” Chalisa said.
Nationwide’s Destination Future variable annuity stands out due to its markedly lower fees than many other offerings.
Ranked as a Best Annuity Company of 2024
Nationwide Destination Future
Product Details
- Charges a 0.85% M&E ratio and a 0.10% administration fee, whereas other Nationwide variable annuities charge M&E ratios upwards of 1%
- Waives administrative charge if the value of annuity eclipses $1 million, or waives $30 maintenance fee if account balance is over $50,000
- Offers access to over 100 investment options, helping it remain a robust product
- Offers a spousal protection death benefit to customers for an additional cost
Best Income Annuity: MassMutual RetireEase
Income annuities sometimes have less diversity than more complex products like variable annuities, simply because there are fewer bells and whistles to consider.
The MassMutual RetireEase stands out partly due to the strong standing and security offered by the company that sells it.
Ranked as a Best Annuity Company of 2024
MassMutual RetireEase
Product Details
- Single premium product with a $10,000 minimum and a $1 million maximum
- Offers wide range of payout and term options, allowing you to customize your annuity as you see fit
- Set up guaranteed payments that will last an agreed-upon amount of time or for the rest of your life
- 16 joint and survivor options available
- Offers optional inflation protector, which can allow your payments to grow by an agreed-upon percentage of 1% to 4% each year
MassMutual also holds a prestigious A++ rating from AM Best and traces its roots back to the 1850s. There are simply fewer companies of higher standing to trust with your money.
Our Methodology
Annuity.org’s independent editorial team employs a strict, fact-based methodology when evaluating annuity products. A product must be available through one of Annuity.org’s top annuity providers to be considered.
This helps to ensure that only products sold by some of the top companies in the industry were considered.
We compared eligible products based on factors such as their terms and features offered, available riders, liquidity and access to product-specific features like index options for fixed index annuities and payout options for income annuities.
It’s important to remember that annuities are incredibly diverse products that can cover a wide range of needs. Different products work better for different people, and no single annuity can help everyone achieve their financial goals.
While this list includes some exceptional products sold by top industry providers, it’s always important to consider your personal circumstances before making a decision.
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