What are Annuities?

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Annuities are unique investment products, sold by insurance companies, that can help you save more for retirement, generate a guaranteed1 stream of income in retirement, or both. Annuities have helped millions of people prepare for retirement, but because there are different types with different purposes, they can be a bit confusing. Keep in mind, annuities generally fall into two distinct categories: tax-deferred and income.

SAVING FOR RETIREMENT INCOME IN RETIREMENT
Tax-Deferred Annuities let you save more for retirement—even after you have maxed out contributions to 401(k)s and IRAs. Income Annuities provide an immediate guaranteed1 stream of income in retirement in exchange for a lump sum of money.
  • Tax-deferred annuities are either variable or fixed
  • Taxes on gains are deferred2
  • For variable annuities, tax-deferred growth potential may allow savings to accumulate faster than in a taxable account3
  • Contributions are virtually unlimited4 (IRS 401(k) and IRA contribution limits do not apply to annuities)
  • If funded with non-qualified money, there is no minimum required distribution at age 70 1/2.
  • A tax-deferred annuity can be converted to an income annuity in retirement
  • Income annuities are either variable or fixed
  • A fixed-income annuity payment provides a steady stream of income. Income is guaranteed never to go down, but it may not keep up with inflation.
  • A variable income annuity payment will vary depending on its underlying investments—it may adjust with the market.

 Learn more about different types of annuities

Before investing, consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the annuity and its investment options. Call or write to Fidelity or visit Fidelity.com for a free prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully.
Principal value, income payments, and investment returns of a variable annuity will fluctuate and you may have a gain or loss when money is received or withdrawn.
Annuities are issued by Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company, and in New York, by Empire Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company®, New York, N.Y. Some annuities are issued by third party insurance carriers. The contract's financial guarantees are solely the responsibility of the issuing insurance company. Fidelity Brokerage Services, Member NYSE, SIPC, and/or Fidelity Insurance Agency, Inc. are the distributors.
  1. Guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.
  2. Any earnings and gains for non-qualified contracts and the entire amount for qualified contracts will be taxed as ordinary income.
  3. Additional fees apply to annuities. Withdrawals of taxable amounts from an annuity are subject to ordinary income tax, and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% IRS penalty.
  4. Fidelity reserves the right to limit contributions.

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Your goal Our solutions Advantages ConsiderationsClose

Retirement Savings
"I need to save more for retirement, and my main goal is growth."
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Compare FPRA with an IRA

Fidelity Personal Retirement Annuity is similar to a traditional IRA in that both allow any earnings to grow tax deferred.
  • Defer current taxes
  • Low cost
  • Virtually unlimited contributions1
  • Includes many 4- and 5-Star Morningstar rated funds2
  • Value of your annuity will fluctuate based on the performance of the investments selected
  • Guaranteed minimum death benefit not provided
"I'm near retirement, so I want to build my savings with minimal risk."
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Compare SPDAs with a CD

Fixed deferred annuities are similar to CDs in that your principal is protected and your returns are guaranteed*.

* Unlike CDs, fixed deferred annuities are not FDIC insured and guarantees are subject to the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company.
  • Guaranteed4 rate of return
  • May provide guaranteed principal
  • Tax-deferred growth
  • Fidelity preferred providers
  • May have surrender charges on early surrender of the contract or excessive withdrawals

Savings and Income
"I'm about to retire and I want guaranteed retirement income. I'm concerned about immediate income and future growth."
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Compare FGGI with an IRA

Fidelity Growth and Guaranteed Income is similar to a traditional IRA in that both allow any earnings to grow tax deferred, however, Fidelity Growth and Guaranteed Income can provide guaranteed* income in retirement.

* Annuity guarantees are subject to the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company.
  • Guaranteed4 lifetime income
  • Access to your assets
  • Low cost
  • Professionally managed asset allocation
  • The contract value may decline based on the performance of the investment options selected
  • Surrender charge may apply and excess withdrawals may reduce the withdrawal amount5
  • Guaranteed minimum death benefit not provided

Immediate Income in Retirement
"I'm retired and I want income now, but I'd like the potential to keep up with inflation, too."
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Compare FFLI with a Pension

Fidelity Freedom Lifetime Income (FFLI) is similar to a pension plan in that both provide payments guaranteed* for life, but is unique because FFLI's payments may increase or decrease based on market returns.

* Annuity guarantees are subject to the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company.
  • Guaranteed4 lifetime income
  • Professionally managed asset allocation
  • Income growth potential
  • Low cost
  • Payments fluctuate based on the performance of the investments selected
"I want guaranteed income for life to help me feel secure in retirement."
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Compare SPIAs with a Pension

Fixed income annuities are similar to pension plans in that both provide guaranteed* payments for life.

* Annuity guarantees are subject to the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company.
  • Guaranteed4 lifetime income
  • Predictable income stream
  • Fidelity preferred providers
  • Flexible payment options
  • Fixed payments may not keep pace with inflation
  • An annual payment increase option is available on some annuities

Before investing, consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the annuity and its investment options. Call or write to Fidelity or visit Fidelity.com for a free prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully.

Taxable amounts withdrawn from an annuity prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10% IRS penalty.

  1. Fidelity reserves the right to limit contributions.
  2. Morningstar ratings are based on a fund's risk-adjusted returns. The top 10% of funds in each broad asset class receive 5 stars, the next 22.5% receive 4 stars, the next 35% receive 3 stars, the next 22.5% receive 2 stars, and the bottom 10% receive 1 star. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
  3. Fidelity Preferred Outside Providers issue annuities that are distributed by Fidelity Insurance Agency, Inc. and are not affiliated with any Fidelity Investments company. The contract's financial guarantees are solely the responsibility of the issuing insurance company.
  4. Guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.
  5. Excess withdrawals may significantly reduce the guaranteed withdrawal benefit amount, and, if taken during the first 5 contract years, may be subject to a 2% Surrender Fee.

Fidelity Brokerage Services, Member NYSE, SIPC.