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Tell us your priorities
Share your state, general timeline, retirement goals, and the amount you may be considering. Avoid submitting account numbers or other sensitive financial credentials.
Annuities, explained clearly
More clarity for your retirement decisions.
Explore annuity options from a broad selection of highly rated insurance carriers. Learn how different strategies may support protected growth, dependable income, principal protection, and legacy goals.
Educational first
No direct cost to consumers
Nationwide professional network
Plain EnglishComplex concepts made understandable
Broad ComparisonExplore multiple annuity categories
Highly RatedCarrier strength considered
Expert ConnectionMeet a properly licensed professional
How it works
Education first. A conversation when you’re ready.
Begin with your goals, understand the major tradeoffs, and choose whether you want to speak with a licensed financial professional.
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Explore relevant categories
Review educational information about fixed, fixed indexed, and income-focused annuities, including access limitations, guarantees, and common tradeoffs.
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Connect with an expert
If you request help, we’ll match you with a participating professional who is appropriately licensed for your state and available to discuss your situation.
Understand the landscape
Different annuities solve different problems.
There is no universally “best” annuity. The right category depends on your goals, liquidity needs, time horizon, age, state, and tolerance for complexity.
Rate certainty
Fixed Annuities
A declared interest rate for a specified period, with guarantees backed by the issuing insurer.
- Predictable credited rate
- Tax-deferred accumulation
- Surrender schedules may apply
Protected growth potential
Fixed Indexed Annuities
Interest potential linked to an external index without direct ownership of the index or its securities.
- No direct market participation
- Caps, spreads, or participation rates
- Optional riders may carry fees
Bounded market-linked outcomes
Registered Index-Linked Annuities
RILAs link gains and losses in part to an index over a set period, subject to contract limits on both potential gains and potential losses.
- Also called buffer annuities
- Loss exposure remains possible
- Caps, floors, buffers, and fees vary
Retirement cash flow
Income Annuities
Products designed to convert premium into scheduled payments that may continue for a chosen period or for life.
- Immediate or deferred income
- Single or joint-life options
- Liquidity can be limited
A clearer approach
Compare the features—not just the headline.
Rates matter, but they are only one part of the decision. A useful comparison also considers financial strength, surrender terms, access to funds, rider costs, income provisions, and state availability.
- Understand what is guaranteed
- Identify fees and surrender limitations
- Compare features against your actual goal
- Confirm current terms with the issuing carrier
What you receive
Typical search
Annuity Index
Plain-language education
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Multiple annuity categories
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Carrier strength context
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No direct consumer fee
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State-appropriate professional
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Transparency matters
How Annuity Index is compensated.
Consumers do not pay Annuity Index to use this website. Participating financial firms may pay Annuity Index a fixed marketing fee for a qualified scheduled appointment. This fee is not based on whether a consumer purchases an annuity or another financial product.
Annuity Index provides general educational information and marketing services. It is not an insurance carrier, broker-dealer, investment adviser, or government agency. Professionals in our network are responsible for their own licensing, recommendations, disclosures, and regulatory obligations.