An annuity is a lump sum invested by the policyholder with an intent to receive regular payouts after retiring until they pass away. If a person exceeds their estimated life expectancy, they are entitled to receive attractive returns on their annuity investment. The rate of return for every investor varies and is determined by some crucial factors such as deposit amount, current and expected tax rate, age, gender, investment term, withdrawal age, and minimum guaranteed interest.

Usually, an annuity is split into two categories, fixed and variable annuity. The former delivers a uniform rate of return for the entire term, whereas the latter adjusts the rate of return based on market conditions such as inflation. Comparatively, fixed rate annuities are preferred over the variable kind as they ensure guaranteed yields. Here are some companies offering the best fixed annuity rates for the year 2018.

American Equity
An investment life holding organization, American Equity offers annuity solutions in all the 50 states. Some of their plans like the Guarantee Series, RateShield Series 7, RateShield Series 10, and RateShield Series 10+ offer the best fixed annuity rates. Apart from traditional fixed-rate annuities they also serve multiple plans for fixed-index and immediate annuities. You can find some helpful resources on their websites such as customer service and tax forms, calculators, and blog. They have impressive ratings from recognized organizations such as A.M. Best®, The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI), National Association for Fixed Annuities (NAFA), Standard and Poor’s®, National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and Indexed Annuity Leadership Council (IALC).

Fidelity
Fidelity’s financial services involve an array of fixed annuities such as Deferred Fixed Annuities, New York Life Clear Income Fixed Annuity – FP Series and Immediate Fixed Income Annuities. The minimum investment range for these plans is from $5,000 to $50,000. These are designed for individuals saving for retirement, transitioning to the retirement phase or are already retired. Apart from annuities, they also sell investment products such as mutual funds, ETFs, stocks, bonds, IRAs, credit cards, 529 college savings, and life insurance. They have solid ratings from reviewers such as A.M. Best® and Standard and Poor’s®.

MassMutual
MassMutual offers a range of annuity solutions like fixed-deferred, variable, immediate-income and fixed-index. If you are looking for best income annuity rates from MassMutual then the most viable choice will be the Deferred Fixed Annuity plan which offers tax-deferred growth, principal protection, and death benefits. They also allow the policyholder to withdraw a specific percentage of the amount on an annual basis. Besides annuities, MassMutual renders services related to insurance, investments, and retirement. They have some remarkable ratings from accreditation agencies such as A.M. Best®, Standard and Poor’s®, Fitch, and Moody’s Investors Services.

Lincoln Financial Group
These providers have a variety of best income annuities. When it comes to fixed annuities, it deals with traditional fixed, fixed index, deferred, and immediate annuities. Lincoln MYGuaranteeSM Plus fixed annuity, Lincoln OptiChoiceSM fixed indexed annuity, and Lincoln Insured IncomeSM Immediate Annuity (SPIA) are some of their popular fixed annuity plans. Apart from annuities, they also manage services related to life insurance, education savings, family protection, and workplace benefits. They have admirable ratings from agencies such as A.M. Best®, Standard and Poor’s®, Moody’s and Fitch.

Apart from the above-mentioned companies providing the best fixed annuity rates, you can also compare insurers like American National Insurance Company, ING, MetLife, and AllState for great plans.

Choosing the best fixed annuity rates
Unlike savings, checking, and money market accounts, annuity accounts are not insured by the government. Therefore, before you pick an annuity plan to inquire how the company plans to protect your investments. Furthermore, scrutinize factors such as annual and administrative fees, minimum guaranteed return, surrender fees, death benefits, accreditation, and company’s overall reputation. If you seem confused about making a choice, then check out customer reviews online to make an informed decision.