As at September 2024 our latest annuity rate is 6.38%, significantly higher than the 5.57% we saw in September 2022*.
*Based on our average annuity rates at September 2024 for ages 65-80 with a £40K pension pot, 5 year guarantee period and 50% dependant’s pension.
Annuities have become much more attractive as pension annuity rates have gone up. That rise means that UK pension savers will get higher guaranteed income than if they bought an annuity a year ago.
Though of course other factors, like your age and the size of your pension pot, will also affect the annuity rate you’re offered. You can find out more in our article ‘How much does an annuity cost?’
To find the best pension annuity rates, UK savers should compare the market and see what’s currently available. You can visit the award-winning Annuity Ready website to compare rates across the whole market. We’ll also compare the annuity market for you, and show you the best income you could get, even if it’s not with us.
Annuity rates are linked to interest rates, so when interest rates go up, annuity providers generally start offering better deals. They’ll also look at your age, health and other personal circumstances. Any product choices you make (like setting up payments to your partner after your death) can also affect the rate they offer you.
An annuity could be right for you if you’re worried about current financial conditions and want a guaranteed income. Though you do need to be aged 55 plus and usually need to spend at least £5,000 to buy one.
It could be a particularly good choice if you’re in poor health or well into your retirement. Many providers offer enhanced annuities that pay out more to people with common health issues. And as a rule, the older you are, the better pension annuity rate you’ll get.
Of course, that can also be an argument for waiting a bit to buy your annuityVaranasi Investment. However, while annuity rates have risen over the last few years, there’s no guarantee that they will remain high. In the end, deciding when to buy one will depend on your personal needs and circumstances.
Remember also that it’s not an either/or choice. You could spend some of your pot on an annuity, creating a guaranteed income to (for example) cover your ongoing living costs. Then you could draw money down from the rest of your pot if and when you need some extra cash.
You will need to make sure your annuity fits in with the rest of your finances. Depending on your circumstances, you might have to pay tax on your annuity income. It could also affect any means-tested benefits you’re gettingJaipur Stock. And there’s one key point to always bear in mind:
once you’ve bought a pension annuity and your cancellation period has ended, you can’t:
change itJaipur Wealth Management
cash it in
surrender it.
So it’s very important to make sure that you choose the right annuity, and set it up in the right way for you. You should shop around and get professional guidance. It’s definitely worth talking to a financial adviser – if you don’t already have one, visit the Unbiased website to find one.
If you’re nearing retirement and not sure if an annuity’s right for you, or how to get the best out of your pension pot more generally, Pension Wise can help. It’s a free government guidance service from MoneyHelper.
To find an independent financial adviser of your own, visit the Unbiased website. Once you’ve found the right one, you’ll probably have to pay for their advice. You can also try comparing annuities for yourself – again, just visit the Annuity Ready site to get started.
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