Understanding Commission-Free Annuities and Their Role in Retirement

One of retirement's biggest challenges is figuring out how to turn your savings into a steady paycheck. While you may have built up your nest egg over the years, now comes the challenge of withdrawing it in a way that makes your money last you a lifetime. Annuities can help you here. They are designed to give you a reliable income stream for life, similar to getting a monthly paycheck. However, some annuities come with hefty fees that can eat into your savings. Luckily, there is a smarter option - commission-free annuities.

With the help of a knowledgeable financial advisor, you can explore how these low-cost annuities fit into your retirement plan. This article will also walk you through the ins and outs of commission-free annuities and how they can simplify your retirement income strategy.  

Understanding annuities and how they work

An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company. You can purchase an annuity either by paying a lump sum upfront or through periodic payments over time. An annuity plan is designed to provide you with a steady income stream during retirement. The insurance company starts sending you regular payments after you retire, which essentially mimics a salary. Annuity plans provide tax-deferred growth, which makes them suitable for tax diversification, too.

Annuities simplify your financial planning, help you manage your expenses, and maintain your lifestyle during your golden years, similar to your pre-retirement life. Instead of worrying about how to withdraw your savings and investments, you can invest in an annuity plan and enjoy a predictable income stream. You can invest a portion or all of your retirement savings in an annuity, and the insurance company will pay you back in manageable installments. This ensures you do not spend too much of your money too quickly or too little and end up living more frugally than necessary.

However, traditional annuity plans often come with high commissions. Agents or brokers who sell these products typically earn a commission on the sale. These commissions can range from 1% to as high as 8% of the total value of the annuity. Having said that, annuities come in different forms, especially when it comes to their fee structures.

Let’s find out more about the types of annuity fees and commissions that come with different annuity plans:

1. Fee-based annuity plans

Fee-based annuities are not sold through brokers or agents but financial advisors who work independently. Unlike traditional annuities, where the financial advisor earns a commission, fee-based annuities charge you an ongoing annual fee. This fee is typically a percentage of your annuity’s total value. If the annuity’s value increases, the financial advisor earns a higher fee and vice versa.

2. Commission-based annuity plans

Commission-based annuities are sold through brokers or agents who earn a one-time commission for the sale. This commission is paid by the insurance company but is added to the product’s cost structure. So, essentially, the customer may bear the cost. The commission can range from 1% to 8% and can impact your long-term returns.

3. Commission-free annuity

Commission-free annuities are also known as no-load annuities. They are often offered by fee-only financial advisors. While these advisors may charge a fee for their advice, they do not receive commissions on the products they recommend. Hence, commission-based annuities can be a more cost-effective option out of the three as they do not include a commission for the salesperson. This results in lower overall costs for you.

Why are commission-free annuities suitable for retirement?

A commission-free annuity offers a cost-effective way to secure a steady income stream without the high commission fees. Unlike traditional annuity plans, these products do not include commissions for brokers or agents, which makes them a more economical choice to maximize your retirement savings and eliminate the risk of outliving your savings.

While commission-free annuities are not entirely devoid of costs, the fees associated with them are a lot lower compared to other types of annuities. These fees may include administrative costs, investment management charges, etc. They may also charge mortality and expense risk fees to cover risk and surrender charges if you exit the plan prematurely. Additionally, commission-free annuity plans may offer add-on riders, which can come with their own costs. However, these riders are optional, and you can buy them only if you wish to. If not, you can completely eliminate this cost.

All of these charges are designed to ensure that the annuity remains affordable and sustainable for both the insurance company and the retiree. Despite these standard fees, commission-free annuities are still among the most affordable options for retired individuals. The absence of commission payments ensures that more of your money is given back to you instead of being spent on hidden commissions and fees.

Here are some benefits of using commission-free annuities for retirement:

1. Low cost

Evidently, the most apparent advantage of commission-free annuities is their low-cost structure. With fewer fees and no commissions, a larger portion of your money stays in your pocket and helps you build a tax-deferred nest egg that can last you a lifetime. This can be an ideal product for retirees living on a limited nest egg, who often have fewer opportunities for financial growth but a higher likelihood of needing access to funds. These annuity plans eliminate hefty commissions typically paid to brokers or agents and allow you to avoid unnecessary costs. Instead, you only pay for what is essential, such as administrative fees or investment management charges, which are kept to a minimum. The fee structure is streamlined and ensures that these plans remain both cost-effective and practical for retirees.

2. More flexibility

Commission-free annuities provide greater flexibility in managing your investments. They give you the control to make decisions independently. Without intermediaries or agents in the picture who can potentially influence your choices and have their own vested interests, you can tailor your investment strategy to align with your specific retirement goals and preferences.

Commission-based annuities are ideal for individuals who have a clear understanding of annuities and their role in retirement planning. They are designed for those who are knowledgeable about the product. Since you will not have an insurance agent or broker offering detailed guidance beyond the basics of account setup, it is crucial to have a solid grasp of how these annuities work and their features. This can be a significant advantage for confident and experienced investors who are comfortable making financial decisions on their own.

On the other hand, if you are unfamiliar with annuities or lack the confidence to manage them independently, the lack of personalized advice may be a drawback. Hence, make sure to evaluate your own expertise and comfort level before opting for a commission-free annuity. If you are unsure, consider consulting with a fee-only financial advisor beforehand to ensure that the decision aligns with your long-term financial needs and goals.

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3. Transparency

While commission-free annuities have some associated costs, these fees are transparent and straightforward. The simplified fee structure makes it easier for you to understand the product. With no hidden fees or commissions, you can clearly see where your money is going and what you are getting in return. This helps you manage your retirement expenses more effectively and ensures there are no unexpected surprises down the road. The simplicity of the fee structure allows you to focus on your financial goals without worrying about unnecessary costs eating into your savings. You will know precisely what you are paying for, from administrative fees to investment management charges, which makes it easier to evaluate whether the annuity is offering value for your money.

Additionally, these annuity plans are often offered by fee-only financial advisors who do not earn any commissions in between. This ensures that the financial advisor’s recommendations align with your financial interests, as they are not incentivized to sell high-commission products.

4. Low risk

As with all types of annuity plans, commission-free annuities carry low risk, which makes them ideal for all retirees. Your money is safe and not exposed to market risk. The funds placed in the annuity grow tax-deferred, which ensures that you only pay tax on your withdrawals. Until then, your money grows risk-free. This can be an ideal arrangement for retired individuals and lets you focus on capital preservation without worrying about unsteady returns due to market ups and downs.

When to use commission-free annuities in retirement?

Even with several benefits, commission-free annuities may not be ideal for all retirees. Here are some situations where these plans may be suitable for you:

1. If you have maxed up your retirement accounts

Retirement accounts like 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) offer benefits similar to annuity plans, such as providing a steady income during retirement. These accounts have Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), which ensure that you generate regular payouts through them and are able to manage your finances well. However, they also come with annual contribution limits, which can restrict how much you can save within them. In 2025, the contribution limits for retirement accounts are as follows:

• 401(k) plans: The annual limit for 401(k) plans has increased to $23,500 for 2025. For employees aged 50 and older, the catch-up contribution limit remains at $7,500, allowing for a total contribution of $31,000. Additionally, under the SECURE 2.0 Act, employees aged 60 through 63 can contribute up to $11,250 in 2025.
• IRAs: The annual contribution limit for Traditional and Roth IRAs remains at $7,000. Individuals aged 50 and older can contribute an additional $1,000, bringing the total to $8,000.

If you have already maxed out your retirement accounts and still have additional savings, annuity plans can be an excellent option to consider. Unlike retirement accounts, annuity plans do not have contribution limits and allow you to invest as much as you want. This ensures that your extra savings are not sitting idle but instead are used to create a stable income stream that can support you throughout your retirement.

Another benefit of investing in annuities is that they are not exposed to market risks. Retirement accounts are typically invested in market-linked products, so their value can fluctuate based on market performance. Even if you shift to a conservative investment strategy during retirement, your funds will still be subject to some degree of market risk. Annuity plans, on the other hand, offer a more secure alternative. They provide a guaranteed income without being affected by market volatility.

2. If you have a large estate and need a steady income

Commission-free annuities can be an excellent option for individuals with large estates who require a steady income. Managing withdrawals can become complicated when a significant portion of your wealth is tied up in investment assets. An annuity plan allows you to convert a lump sum of your savings into a regular income stream for the rest of your life. Instead of worrying about how to manage withdrawals or what the market might do to your assets, an annuity plan ensures that you receive regular payouts, much like a salary. The insurance company takes on the responsibility of managing the payouts, so you do not have to spend time monitoring your investments or dealing with complex financial decisions.

Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about annuity plans?

1. What is the commission paid on a $1mn annuity?

The commission paid on an annuity plan can range from 1% to 8%. This can result in a commission of anywhere between $10,000 and $80,000 which can be a significantly high expense.

2. What’s the least expensive annuity available in the USA?

The cost of annuity plans can vary from insurer to insurer and type of annuity. You can consult a fee-only financial advisor to get a better idea of affordable options in your state.

To conclude

Commission-free annuities can be a cost-effective and reliable way to create a guaranteed income stream during retirement. They eliminate intermediaries and associated commissions and offer a more affordable and transparent option compared to traditional annuity plans. These annuities also provide flexibility, which makes them an attractive choice for many retirees. However, before selecting a commission-free annuity, it is crucial to evaluate your financial needs and level of experience in managing annuities. While they offer simplicity and security, understanding how they work and how they fit into your overall retirement strategy is important.

Use the free advisor match tool to get matched with experienced financial advisors who can explain commission-free annuities and how you can use them optimally in your retirement plan. Answer a few simple questions and get matched with 2 to 3 vetted financial advisors based on your requirements.