A fixed annuity is a contract with an insurance company that guarantees a fixed rate of return on your investment. It provides a steady, predictable income stream, making it a popular choice for those seeking stability in their retirement planning.
Guaranteed Income for Life
Tax Deferred Annuity Growth
Multiple Annuity Options
A fixed annuity is a type of annuity plan where the insurance company guarantees a specific interest rate for a set period. This means your principal and the interest earned are protected from market fluctuations. In essence, you're trading potential higher returns for the security of a consistent, predictable growth rate and income.
Below are the benefits of a fixed annuity:
The fixed interest rate ensures your investment grows predictably, regardless of market conditions.
Your initial investment is protected from losses due to market volatility.
Fixed annuities can provide a reliable income, especially during retirement.
Earnings grow tax-deferred until you withdraw them, potentially allowing for greater long-term growth.
Fixed annuities are relatively easy to understand compared to more complex investment options.
Your principal and earned interest is protected from market fluctuation.
Feature | Single Premium | Flexible-Premium |
Payment Type | One-time lump-sum payment | Periodic payments over time |
Suitability | Those with a large sum of money to invest | Those who want to invest smaller amounts regularly |
Growth | Immediate growth on the entire invested amount | Gradual growth as payments are made |
Insurance companies invest fixed annuity premiums in relatively conservative, fixed-income assets, such as government bonds and corporate bonds. This strategy aims to generate stable returns that support the guaranteed interest rate they offer to annuity holders.
Feature | Immediate Annuity | Deferred Annuity |
Income Start | Shortly after purchase (typically within a year) | At a later date (often during retirement) |
Purpose | Immediate income needs | Long-term growth and future income |
Growth Period | Little to no growth period after initial investment | Extended growth period before income begins |
Feature | Fixed Annuity | Variable Annuity |
Return | Guaranteed fixed interest rate | Returns fluctuate with market performance |
Risk | Low risk, principal protected | Higher risk, potential for losses |
Investment | Insurance company invests in fixed-income assets | Investor chooses subaccounts (mutual fund-like) |
Complexity | Simple and easy to understand | More complex |
Feature | Fixed Annuity | Indexed Annuity |
Return | Guaranteed fixed interest rate | Returns linked to market index performance |
Risk | Low risk, principal protected | Moderate risk, principal protected from market loss, but not from surrender charges or company failure. |
Growth Potential | Stable, predictable growth | Potential for higher returns than fixed annuities |
Complexity | Simple and easy to understand | More complex than fixed annuities |
Below are the risks involved with fixed annuities:
The fixed income may not keep pace with inflation over time, reducing your purchasing power.
If interest rates rise, your fixed annuity may offer a lower return than other available investments.
Early withdrawals may incur significant surrender charges.
While rare, there's a risk that the insurance company could default on its obligations. State guarantee associations offer some protection, but it's important to choose a financially stable insurer.
No, fixed annuities are not considered securities in India. They are insurance products regulated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), not the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
You are close to retirement and seeking a predictable income stream.
You are risk-averse and prioritize principal protection.
You want to diversify your retirement portfolio with a stable investment.
You want to defer taxes on your investment growth.
You want to supplement other retirement income sources.
Fixed annuity is a very good option for retirement plans. It offer a reliable and secure way to build and protect your retirement savings. With guaranteed returns and principal protection, they provide peace of mind in volatile markets. By weighing the benefits and drawbacks, and choosing the right type of fixed annuity and funding option, you can leverage this financial instrument to enhance your retirement planning.
˜Top 5 plans based on annualized premium, for bookings made in the first 6 months of FY 24-25. Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. This list of plans listed here comprise of insurance products offered by all the insurance partners of Policybazaar. For a complete list of insurers in India refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website, www.irdai.gov.in
*All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI approved
insurance plan. Standard T&C Apply
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