10-Year Fixed Annuity Rates
A 10-year fixed annuity offers stable, guaranteed returns with a higher interest rate than shorter-term options. It's a great choice for those seeking security and predictable growth for retirement savings. Learn about current rates, benefits, risks and how to determine if it's right for you.
- Written by Christy Bieber
- Edited By
Michael Santiago, CRPC™
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.
Read More- Published: December 11, 2024
- Updated: December 12, 2024
- 7 min read time
- This page features 3 Cited Research Articles
- Fixed annuities have different term lengths ranging from one to 10 years.
- A 10-year fixed annuity comes with higher interest rates due to the long commitment.
- You have the peace of mind of knowing that your rate is locked in for a decade.
When you have money to invest for the long term, a 10-year fixed annuity is worth considering. Annuities provide stability and security while also providing you with the flexibility to tailor your investment to your timeline and goals. A 10-year fixed annuity can provide a higher rate than annuities with shorter terms, as well as consistent rates with minimal risk.
To decide if a 10-year fixed annuity is right for you, read on to see the ROI you could earn and learn more about the pros and cons of this investment choice.
What Is a 10-Year Fixed Annuity?
When you buy an annuity, you make an agreement with a life insurance company. You can choose immediate income or deferred income annuities and can also benefit from tax-free growth.
A fixed annuity is one specific type of annuity you can buy. Fixed annuities have terms ranging from one to 10 years, so a 10-year annuity offers you the chance to lock in your rate for the longest possible period.
Since your rate is guaranteed during the entire 10-year time that you’re invested, these annuities are a very stable and predictable option that allows you to easily plan for your financial goals.
When you buy a 10-year fixed annuity, you will generally get a higher rate than an annuity with a shorter term, as well as a higher rate than a certificate of deposit (CD) or savings account would offer. Because you are taking on little risk to earn a relatively generous ROI, these investments can be an ideal choice for retirement planning.
How Do 10-Year Fixed Annuity Rates Work?
When you buy a 10-year annuity, it comes with a guaranteed minimum rate set by your insurer. Insurance companies consider many factors in setting rates, including 10-year treasury yields, the Federal Reserve’s benchmark interest rate and their financial strength. If you buy an annuity with a multi-year guarantee, your initial rate is also locked in for the full decade you own the annuity.
Rates offered on 10-year annuities are typically higher than rates offered both on CDs and on shorter-term annuities as a result of the term premium. Essentially, you are rewarded with a higher ROI for agreeing to keep your money invested for a long time. You also have many more options to find 10-year annuities compared to 10-year CDs and, unlike with savings accounts that have variable rates, you don’t need to worry that your ROI will fall.
*Ad: Clicking will take you to our partner Annuity.org.
Current 10-Year Fixed Annuity Rates
Since insurers set 10-year annuity rates, your potential ROI will differ by company. Here are some of the rates offered by popular annuity providers as of October 22, 2024.
Provider + Product | Rate |
---|---|
EquiTrust Life Insurance Company Certainty Select | 5.45% |
Heartland National Life Insurance Company | 5.70% |
Guaranty Income Life Insurance Company Guaranty Rate Lock | 4.70% |
Oxford Multi-Life Select | 4.95% |
Surging inflation in recent years caused the Federal Reserve to raise the benchmark interest rate which, in turn, resulted in 10-year annuities offering higher rates. However, the Fed recently lowered its benchmark rate by 50 basis points in its September meeting and future rate cuts are expected into 2026.
While rate drops will not cause your rate to decline once you have purchased a 10-year annuity, the rates insurers offer on new products may decline as the Fed moves forward with continued rate cuts.
You take on more interest rate risk when you purchase an annuity with such a long term, but you are rewarded for doing so with higher returns than insurers offer on annuities with shorter terms.
Benefits of a 10-Year Fixed Annuity
There are many benefits of investing in a 10-year fixed annuity that you should consider, including the following:
- Guaranteed steady growth
- Risk-averse investors will love the fact that their rate is locked in for a decade so they don't need to worry about earning a lower-than-anticipated ROI.
- Principal protection
- You can't lose the money you invested when you buy a 10-year annuity, unlike if you invested in the stock market.
- Higher interest rates compared with shorter-term investments
- Because of the term premium, you can expect to earn a better ROI with a 10-year annuity compared to annuities with shorter timelines.
Risks of a 10-Year Fixed Annuity
There are also some risks that you need to be aware of before you jump in:
- Inflation risk
- Price increases may outpace the returns your annuity offers, especially as it can be hard to predict levels of inflation over the coming decade. If your ROI doesn't keep pace with rising prices, you'll lose buying power.
- Liquidity concerns
- Locking up your money for a decade is a major commitment. You will pay penalties for taking out funds early so be sure that you are comfortable giving up access to your money for a long time.
- Insurer risk
- You get paid the promised returns only if your insurer is financially able to do so. While state guaranty agencies provide some protection, you could still experience missed payments and lose out on promised returns if your insurer doesn't remain financially sound for a decade.
Be sure to carefully research annuity providers and consider your long-term goals to ensure you can leave your money invested for a decade before you buy a 10-year annuity. A financial advisor can assist you in understanding the benefits and risks and determining if this investment deserves a place in your portfolio.
*Ad: Clicking will take you to our partner Annuity.org.
How to Compare 10-Year Fixed Annuity Providers
When deciding on a 10-year fixed annuity provider, there are many options available to you. Here’s what to consider as you compare the annuities offered by different insurers:
- Interest Rates: Find out what rate the provider offers, if the annuity comes with a multi-year rate guarantee and what the minimum guaranteed rate is.
- Fees: Research the costs you'll pay for the contract and any administrative or mortality and expense risk fees. Also, learn up front what the penalties for surrender are so you can understand what your costs would be if you had to take money out early.
- Financial Strength: Check the insurer's S&P Global, Moody's and A&M Best rates to find out whether you can count on the insurer to follow through on your annuity contract as promised.
Is a 10-Year Fixed Annuity Right for You?
A 10-year fixed annuity can be an ideal option if you are nearing retirement in the coming years but still have some time before leaving the workforce. When retirement is closing in, putting too much money into the stock market can be too risky, so a 10-year annuity can offer a safer alternative that still provides a generous ROI.
You’ll want to consider trends in interest rates, how soon you’ll need to access your funds and what financial goals you’re hoping to accomplish to decide if a 10-year fixed annuity is right for you. If you need help, a financial advisor can offer the guidance and support you need to make the most informed choice.
Editor Norah Layne contributed to this article.
Connect With a Financial Advisor Instantly
Our free tool can help you find an advisor who serves your needs. Get matched with a financial advisor who fits your unique criteria. Once you’ve been matched, consult for free with no obligation.
3 Cited Research Articles
- Guaranty Income Life Insurance Company. (2024, November 1). Interest Rate Bulletin. Retrieved from https://image.s12.sfmc-content.com/lib/
- Oxford Life Insurance Company. (2024, November 1). Current Rates. Retrieved from https://oxfordlife.com/agent/tools/current-rates/
- Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. (2024, September 18). Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement. Retrieved from https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20240918a.htm
Calling this number connects you to one of our trusted partners.
If you're interested in help navigating your options, a representative will provide you with a free, no-obligation consultation.
Our partners are committed to excellent customer service. They can match you with a qualified professional for your unique objectives.
We/Our Partners do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information provided is limited to those plans offered in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
844-359-1705