1-Year Fixed Annuity Rates

Explore 1-year fixed annuities, which offer guaranteed one-year interest. While typically yielding lower rates than longer-term options, they provide immediate income security. Compare rates, fees and provider reputations to make informed choices for your retirement planning.

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  • Written by Dori Zinn
  • Edited By
    Michael Santiago, CRPC™
    headshot of Michael Santiago

    Michael Santiago, CRPC™

    Senior Financial Editor

    Michael Santiago, a senior financial editor, joined RetireGuide in 2023. With over 10 years of professional writing and editing experience, he brings a wealth of expertise in creating content for diverse industries, including travel and healthcare. Having traveled to more than 40 countries across five continents and lived in Europe and Asia for several years, Michael's global perspective enriches his work. He combines his strong writing skills, editorial judgment and passion for crafting accurate and engrossing content to enhance the user experience on RetireGuide.

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  • Published: October 16, 2024
  • Updated: October 23, 2024
  • 6 min read time
  • This page features 3 Cited Research Articles
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APA Zinn, D. (2024, October 23). 1-Year Fixed Annuity Rates. RetireGuide.com. Retrieved December 13, 2024, from https://www.retireguide.com/annuities/rates/1-year/

MLA Zinn, Dori. "1-Year Fixed Annuity Rates." RetireGuide.com, 23 Oct 2024, https://www.retireguide.com/annuities/rates/1-year/.

Chicago Zinn, Dori. "1-Year Fixed Annuity Rates." RetireGuide.com. Last modified October 23, 2024. https://www.retireguide.com/annuities/rates/1-year/.

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RetireGuide’s mission is to provide seniors with resources that will help them reach important financial decisions that affect their retirement. Our goal is to arm our readers with knowledge that will lead to a healthy and financially sound retirement.

We’re dedicated to providing thoroughly researched annuity information that guides you toward making the best possible financial decisions for you and your family.

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While the experts from SMS are available to help you navigate various annuity options, RetireGuide retains complete editorial control over the information it publishes.

We operate independently from SMS, which allows the award-winning RetireGuide team to provide you with unbiased information.

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Key Takeaways
  • A 1-year fixed annuity guarantees a set interest rate for one year.
  • 1-year annuities are generally lower than other annuities because they have shorter terms.
  • You may want to pair a 1-year annuity with other types of income while planning for retirement.

There are many types of annuities, each catering to different financial goals. If you’re considering your short- and long-term retirement plans, a 1-year fixed annuity might be worth exploring. This option offers a guaranteed interest rate for a set term, providing stability and predictable returns. It’s ideal for those looking to safeguard their funds temporarily while reassessing their investment strategy, especially as they approach retirement.

Understanding 1-Year Annuities

For fixed annuities, you’ll earn the same principal and interest rate for a set time. For a 1-year fixed annuity, it’ll be for a 1-year term. Fixed-rate means you’ll earn at least a minimum amount on your annuity regardless of market conditions. It’s different from a variable annuity, which fluctuates based on economic conditions since your money goes into an investment fund. There’s a chance you could earn more with a variable interest annuity, but there’s also a chance you could earn less.

Moreover, you might opt for a 1-year annuity if you want to secure a guaranteed rate and some retirement income quickly, even if you’re not ready for a long-term commitment. This short-term option provides an additional income stream right away. At the end of the year, you can cash out and explore other affordable options.

Factors Influencing 1-Year Annuity Rates

When considering an annuity, several key factors can impact your monthly payout and overall returns. These include the type of interest rate, how market conditions affect variable annuities and the specific terms offered by different providers. Understanding these elements can help you make an informed decision about the best annuity for your financial needs.

  • Interest Rates: Having a fixed or variable rate can impact your monthly payout. A fixed interest rate means getting the same amount, while a variable interest rate means you get a different amount from month to month.
  • Market Conditions: Having a variable annuity means that your monthly payout may depend on market conditions. If you decide to defer your annuity, you might earn more than someone who chooses an immediate annuity since it has time to grow.
  • Provider Factors: Not all insurers have the same agreements. Different providers may have varying requirements based on your health, location, sex, the type of annuity and their individual product offerings — all of which impact rates.
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Comparing 1-Year Annuity Options

When exploring 1-year annuities, it’s essential to evaluate all aspects before making a decision. Factors such as interest rates, fees, payout structures and the reputation of providers can significantly impact your returns and overall experience. Taking the time to compare options ensures you choose an annuity that best fits your financial goals and offers the most value.

Key Factors To Compare When Choosing a 1-Year Annuity
Annuity rates
Look for a 1-year fixed annuity with the highest interest rate. A higher interest rate means a higher monthly payout, even though 1-year annuities typically offer lower interest rates compared to longer-term annuities. Compare the rates with competitors to ensure you look at the same options.
Payouts and Disbursements
Compare how you’ll get your money from each company. Look into lump-sum payouts or monthly disbursements. See how much you’ll get if you opt for a deferred annuity compared to an immediate annuity.
Coverage
Who is the plan covering? There are single or joint annuity plans, so ensure you have the right coverage options. It may be beneficial to compare two separate single plans instead of one joint plan.
Fees
Depending on what's outlined in your agreement, you might have to pay insurer fees, commissions, management fees, annual fees and more. Compare these to other providers. The fewer fees you have to pay, the more money you get to keep when it comes time to get your disbursement.
Provider Reputation
Conducting thorough research is essential to make informed decisions and select a trustworthy provider. Evaluating a company’s financial health, reputation and customer feedback can give you a clearer picture of their reliability. Resources like AM Best, Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) are great places to start.

AM Best specializes in rating the financial strength of insurance companies, offering valuable insight into their stability. Meanwhile, the BBB and CFPB provide consumer reviews and feedback, helping you understand how well companies meet their customers’ needs.

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Is a 1-Year Fixed Annuity Right for You?

A 1-year fixed annuity might not be suitable for everyone, but it could be a good option for you. If you have limited savings for retirement but are seeking supplemental income when you retire, a 1-year fixed annuity could help. Additionally, you can modify your plans later if you decide to pursue a longer annuity or defer disbursements to a later date.

If you’re unsure about creating a plan, consider consulting a financial advisor or planner with experience in annuities. They can provide guidance tailored to your budget and unique situation, helping you make informed decisions.

If you’re uncertain whether Social Security and your existing retirement benefits will fully meet your needs, a 1-year fixed annuity could be a viable option. However, keep in mind that if higher-rate options become available, you may prefer not to commit to a longer-term annuity.

Editor Norah Layne contributed to this article.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do you get your money back at the end of an annuity?
You will receive your funds back through disbursements, which can be either monthly payments or a lump sum, based on the terms specified in your contract with the insurer.
Are there 1-year fixed annuities?
1-year fixed annuities are generally the shortest terms available. While longer terms often offer higher interest rates, shorter terms like a 1-year fixed annuity may not be as competitive compared to other annuity options.
Can you lose money on a fixed annuity?
In most cases, you won't lose money with a fixed annuity. Your insurance company guarantees a minimum interest rate, ensuring your investment remains stable. Unlike a variable annuity, where you could experience losses based on market fluctuations, a fixed-rate annuity provides consistent earnings regardless of market performance.
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Last Modified: October 23, 2024

3 Cited Research Articles

  1. AM Best. (n.d.). Rating Services. Retrieved from https://web.ambest.com/home
  2. Better Business Bureau. (n.d.). Find a Better Business. Retrieved from https://www.bbb.org/
  3. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (n.d.). Find answers to your money questions. Retrieved from https://www.consumerfinance.gov/