Best Fixed Annuity Rates | December 22, 2023 | Up To 6.35% (2024)

As of December 19, 2023, the best 3 year fixed annuity rate is 6.00% offered by Sentinel Security Life.

EquiTrust currently offers the highest10 year fixed annuity rate of 6.00% as of December 19, 2023.

Fixed annuities offer a guaranteed rate of return for a set period of time. For example, when you buy a 5-year annuity your interest rate is guaranteed for the length of the contract but a new rate is declared at the end of the annuity.

The fixed annuity contract will explain whether, how, and when this can happen. Although the word “fixed” might suggest otherwise, the interest rate on a fixed annuity canchange over time.

To better understand annuities, let’s delve into their mechanics. Annuity contracts consist of two phases:

1. the accumulation phase
2. the distribution phase.

Accumulation Phase:

During the accumulation phase, you contribute funds to your annuity, which can be a lump sum or regular payments. The insurance company invests these funds, allowing your money to grow over time.

One of the advantages of annuities is their tax-deferred status, meaning you won’t owe taxes on the earnings until you start withdrawing the money.

Distribution Phase:

Once you reach the distribution phase, you have several options for receiving payments from your annuity. You can choose a fixed payment amount for a specific duration, opt for variable payments tied to market performance, or even select a lifetime income option that guarantees payments for as long as you live.

Multi Year Guaranteed Annuity Rates

Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity Rates (MYGA)are set for the length of your contract. Most annuities provide some liquidity but not all; so that is something to keep in mind.

Essentially a multi-year guaranteed annuity is a CD that is issued by an insurance company rather than a bank which is why MYGA annuities are often referred to as a CD Type of Annuity.

This guaranteed rate of return is a primary reason multi year guaranteed annuities have become so popular among retirement savers.

Traditional Fixed Annuity Rates

A traditional fixed annuity provides principal protection – offering a safe way to grow your savings without any market risk. Traditional fixed annuity rates do not guarantee a set interest rate for the entire length of the annuity contract.

Traditional fixed annuity interest rates can be changed each year on the contract anniversary. The only guarantee is the annual renewal rate will be above the stated minimum guaranteed interest rate.

Fixed Index Annuity Rates

Fixed index annuity rates combine elements of both fixed and variable annuities. They offer a minimum guaranteed interest rate, similar to fixed annuities, but also provide the potential for additional earnings based on the performance of a stock market index.

The rate of return on an annuity is a crucial factor to consider when choosing an annuity product. Annuity rates are typically based on several factors, including the age and health of the individual purchasing the annuity, and the length of the payout period.

One of the main factors that determine annuity rates is the current interest rate environment. In general, annuity rates tend to be higher when interest rates are higher since insurance companies can earn more on the deposits they receive from annuity purchasers.

Conversely, when interest rates are low, annuity rates may be lower as well.

Overall, the factors that determine annuity rates can be complex, and it’s important to carefully consider all of the factors involved before making a decision.

Annuity rates are influenced by US Treasury rates because insurance companies invest much of their assets in high-quality bonds and U.S. Treasuries.

This is why current annuity rates often mirror the interest rates available in other fixed-income investments, primarily bondsand U.S. Treasuries. When bond rates increase, annuity rates usually go up as well.

The Federal Reserve signaled it would begin steadily raising interest rates in mid-March, 2022 in an effort toward removing stimulus to bring down inflation.The Federal Reserve has been raising the Fed funds rate since 2022 to combat high inflation, which peaked at 6.4% in January 2023.

However, as inflation falls back to the Fed’s 2% target and the economy slows down due to higher borrowing costs, the Fed is likely to pause its rate hikes by the summer of 2023 and start cutting them by the end of the year.

The interest you earn in an annuity grows tax-deferred, which means you don’t have to pay taxes on the interest your annuity earns until you make a withdrawal from your annuity. Generally speaking, earnings from annuities are taxed at your ordinary income tax rate using the LIFO (last in, first out) method.

Ultimately, the manner in which your annuity earnings will be taxed depends on the type of funds you use to purchase the annuity.

Below is an example showing how tax deferral could increase your earning power. Consider someone whose Federal Tax bracket is 32% owns an annuity that earns 4.50%.To match those same earnings in a taxable investment they would have to earn 6.62% instead.

Guaranteed annuity sales were $208 Billion in 2022; setting a new all-time high and surpassing the previous record by 49%.

Each year theSecure Retirement Institute publishes a U.S. Individual Fixed Annuity Sales Survey which lists the top 20 Annuity Companies ranked by the dollar amount of individual U.S. Fixed Annuity Sales.

The table below lists the top 10 best-fixed annuity companies in order by sales(in thousands). So, for instance, New York Life Annuity sales were $14.86 Billion in 2022.

Annuities come with unique features that make them an attractive option for retirement planning. They offer tax-deferred growth, meaning you don’t have to pay taxes on the earnings until you withdraw the money.

Additionally, annuities can be customized to suit your preferences, offering choices in payout options and even providing death benefits for your beneficiaries.

Annuities offer several benefits that make them worth considering for retirement planning. Here are some compelling reasons to buy an annuity:

Retirement Income Stability

One of the primary advantages of annuities is their ability to provide a stable income stream during retirement. By opting for a lifetime income option, you can rest assured that you’ll have aconsistent source of income to cover your living expenses, regardless of how long you live. This stability can help alleviate concerns about outliving your savings and provide peace of mind in retirement.

Tax Advantages

Annuities offer tax advantages that can be beneficial for retirement planning. During the accumulation phase, your contributions grow on a tax-deferred basis, meaning you don’t pay taxes on the earnings until you start withdrawing the money.

This tax deferral allows your investment to potentially grow faster compared to taxable investments. However, it’s important to note that withdrawals from annuities are subject to ordinary income tax.

Investment Control and Flexibility

Depending on the type of annuity you choose, you may have control over how your contributions are invested. Variable annuities, for example, allow you to allocate your funds among different investment options. This flexibility enables you to potentially earn higher returns by taking advantage of market opportunities.

Death Benefit for Beneficiaries

Annuities can provide a death benefit to your beneficiaries. If you pass away before receiving the full value of your annuity, a death benefit can be paid out to your loved ones. This ensures that your contributions and any accumulated earnings are not lost and can be passed on to your heirs.

Now that you understand the benefits of annuities, let’s discuss how and where you can purchase one.

There are various avenues through which you can buy annuities. Here are some common options to consider:

• Insurance Companies and Financial Institutions.Insurance companies are the primary providers of annuities. They offer a range of products and can guide you through the selection process. Additionally, many financial institutions, such as banks and credit unions, also offer annuities as part of their investment offerings.
• Independent Financial Advisors.Working with an independent financial advisor can be beneficial when buying annuities. These professionals have in-depth knowledge of different annuity products in the market and can help you find the one that aligns with your retirement goals and risk tolerance. They provide personalized advice and recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
• Online Annuity Marketplaces.Online annuity marketplaces have emerged as a convenient option for purchasing annuities. These platforms allow you to compare annuity rates for many different annuity products, access customer reviews, and get quotes from multiple providers. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the online marketplace is reputable and trustworthy before making any financial decisions.

Assess Your Retirement Needs

Before purchasing an annuity, evaluate your retirement goals and financial situation. Consider factors such as your desired income level, estimated retirement expenses, and the length of time you expect to need income from the annuity. This assessment will help you determine the type of annuity and payout option that best aligns with your retirement objectives.

Review all Annuity Rates, Fees, and Charges

Annuities often come with various fees and charges, including annual maintenance fees, surrender charges for early withdrawals, and investment management fees for variable annuities. Make sure you understand the fee structure associated with the annuity you’re considering and how it may impact your overall returns.

Consider How and When You’ll Withdraw Your Funds

Decide which type of payment options are available for the annuity. Consider whether you prefer a fixed payment amount, inflation-adjusted payments (COLA), or a lifetime income stream.

Additionally, explore any optional income riders that can enhance the annuity’s features, such as long-term care benefits or guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits. Assess these options based on your specific needs and priorities.

Compare Annuity Companies

Compare factors such as financial strength reputation, customer service, and the variety of annuity products they offer. Look for providers with a solid track record, positive customer reviews, and a strong financial standing to ensure the reliability and stability of your annuity.

Now that we have covered the tips and guidelines for shopping annuities, let’s discuss the pros and cons associated with these financial instruments.

PROS

• Steady Retirement Income:Annuities offer a reliable income stream, providing a sense of financial security during retirement.
• Tax Advantages:Thetax-deferred growth of annuitiescan lead to faster accumulation of wealth and potentially lower tax liability.
• Investment Options:Variable annuities allow for investment control and the potential to earn higher returns based on market performance.
• Death Benefit:Annuities can provide a death benefit, ensuring that your contributions and earnings are passed on to your beneficiaries.

CONS

• Lack of Liquidity:Annuities are long-term investments, often imposing penalties for early withdrawals. Make sure to consider your liquidity needs before committing to an annuity.
• Fees and Charges:Annuities can come with various fees, including administrative fees, mortality, and expense charges, and investment management fees. These costs can affect the overall returns of the annuity.
• Loss of Control:Annuities limit your access to the invested funds, potentially restricting your ability to make other investment choices.
• Complexity and Transparency: The terms and conditions of annuities can be complex, making it important to fully understand the details of the contract before making a purchase.