Lincoln Financial Annuities Review: Rates, Features, Pros & Cons
If you want an annuity designed to grow your savings and support a secure, worry-free retirement, Lincoln Financial annuities can help you reach those goals. Lincoln Financial Group has been a reputable annuity provider since 1905 and was rated the best life insurance company in 2013 and 2015 by World Finance Magazine.
Lincoln Financial offers fixed, fixed indexed, and variable annuities, and you will learn about each product in further detail in our expert review. Compare their features, benefits, fees, and more to make an informed decision for your retirement.
Quick Facts
MYGuarantee Plus is ideal for conservative investors seeking guaranteed growth and predictable retirement income.
Insured Income provides immediate, reliable income for retirees who want a straightforward payout structure.
Investor Advantage B-Share allows market-linked growth with tax-deferred benefits and optional living or death benefits.
OptiBlend combines index-linked growth potential with principal protection and flexible allocation options.
Annuity Association is a trusted place to get expert consultation and guidance to select the right Lincoln annuity for your retirement goals.
About Lincoln Financial Group
Company Name
Lincoln Financial
Website
Phone Number
877-275-5462
AM Best
Standard and Poor’s Global
Moody’s
Fitch
Lincoln Financial Group has been helping Americans plan for their financial future since 1905.
It is a leading retirement solutions provider that offers a broad range of annuity and life insurance products designed to grow savings, protect assets, and provide income security in retirement.
With millions of contracts issued nationwide, Lincoln Financial is committed to helping individuals and families achieve a confident, worry-free retirement.
Lincoln Financial Annuity Reviews
Lincoln Financial annuities we review include:
Lincoln MYGuarantee Plus
Lincoln New Directions
Lincoln Insured Income
Lincoln Investor Advantage B-Share
Lincoln OptiBlend
| Product / Feature | MYGuarantee Plus | Insured Income | Investor Advantage B-Share | OptiBlend | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brochure | File | File | File | File | ||||
| Annuity Type | Fixed | Fixed Immediate | Variable | Fixed Indexed | ||||
| Contract Lengths | 5 or 7 years | Immediate | 5 years | 5, 7, or 10 years | ||||
| Issue Ages | Up to 85 | Up to 95 | Up to 85 | Up to 85 | ||||
| Minimum Premium (Single Premium) | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | ||||
| Maximum Premium | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 | ||||
| Free Withdrawal Provisions | Up to 10% | - | Up to 7% | Up to 10% | ||||
Key Features & Benefits
MYGuarantee Plus
The Lincoln MYGuarantee Plus fixed annuity is ideal for investors seeking predictable growth, protection, and flexible income options. Here are the key benefits and features you can achieve with this annuity:
Protected Growth
Since MYGuarantee Plus is not tied to market performance, there’s no market risk. The interest rate is set at issue and guaranteed for the initial interest rate period. After this period, a new interest rate is provided each subsequent year.
💡 Helpful Info: Fixed annuities offer steady growth without exposure to market fluctuations, making them a lower-risk option for retirement savings.
Tax-Deferred Advantage
With Lincoln MYGuarantee Plus, your annuity grows tax-deferred. You won’t pay taxes on earnings until you make withdrawals, which can help your savings grow faster compared with taxable products like CDs.
Flexible Income Options
It’s your retirement, so you choose the best way to take income. Lincoln MYGuarantee Plus allows you to select an income option that fits your lifestyle, financial needs, and long-term goals:
- Annually
- Semiannually
- Monthly
- Bimonthly
Guaranteed Regular Income Stream
After the fifth contract year, you can annuitize your contract to receive a guaranteed income stream. You will be able to choose from a variety of payment options, including payments for a specific period or for your entire lifetime.
Access for Medical Needs
If you face a qualifying medical situation, Lincoln MYGuarantee Plus provides access to funds without charges through nursing home and terminal illness provisions, after the first contract year.
💡 Helpful Info: These provisions ensure you can access funds during critical medical situations without early withdrawal penalties.
Insured Income
The Lincoln Insured Income Immediate Annuity is designed for investors who want predictable, guaranteed income, starting right away or within the first 12 months.
Guaranteed Lifetime or Period-Certain Income
Lincoln Insured Income provides regular, guaranteed payments you can count on. As a single premium immediate fixed annuity, it helps retirees create a dependable income stream that begins shortly after purchase.
Flexible Payment Options
You can choose the income structure that aligns with your personal or household needs:
- Single Life Options: Payments are made for the life of one individual.
- Joint-and-Survivor Options: Payments continue over two lifetimes, helping couples maintain income security.
- Period Certain Option: Income is paid for a guaranteed number of payments.
Customizable Payment Frequency
Choose how often you want to receive your income:
- Monthly
- Quarterly
- Semiannual
- Annual
Flexible Start Date
You can begin receiving payments immediately or defer the first payment for up to 12 months from the contract issue date.
Annual Increase Option
To help offset inflation, you can choose an optional annual compounded increase of:
- 1%
- 2%
- 3%
This increase begins on the first anniversary of your first payment. Keep in mind that selecting this benefit reduces the initial payment amount.
Death Benefit Provisions
If the annuitant(s) pass away before payments begin, no death benefit is paid until payments officially start. The payout will then follow the rules of the selected payment option.
Death benefit availability depends on the chosen payment structure:
- Lifetime-only options: No death benefit is provided.
- Lifetime options with a guaranteed minimum: Beneficiaries receive remaining guaranteed payments.
- Period-certain options: Payments continue to beneficiaries until the guaranteed period ends.
Investor Advantage B-Share
The Lincoln Investor Advantage B-Share annuity is designed for investors seeking tax-efficient growth, flexible income options, and beneficiary protection. You can achieve these benefits through the following features:
Tax-Efficient Income Option
Lincoln’s i4LIFE Advantage option provides immediate tax-efficient income by returning a portion of your original investment, which has already been taxed, along with any gains earned in the contract.
Tax Advantages
- Tax-deferred growth potential: Earnings, dividends, and capital gains are automatically reinvested without creating taxable events.
- Tax-free transfers: You can move funds within the contract without triggering taxes.
- Tax-efficient income option: Supports withdrawals in a way that reduces tax liability.
Beneficiary Protection Options
- Account Value Death Benefit: Your beneficiaries receive your current account value at the time of death.
- Earnings Optimizer Death Benefit: Provides beneficiaries with the greater of a total invested amount or current account value plus 40% of earnings, up to 200% of total deposits.
Access to Investment
- Years 1–5: Withdraw up to 10% of your account value or 10% of total purchase payments, whichever is greater.
- Years 6+: Full access to all invested purchase payments after five years, plus all earnings.
OptiBlend
The Lincoln OptiBlend fixed indexed annuity is designed for investors who want index-linked growth potential, downside protection, and flexible access to their money.
Additional Premium Flexibility
You can add up to $25,000 in additional premiums each contract year, with:
- Minimum: $50
- Cumulative Maximum: $100,000
All additional premiums are first allocated to the Fixed Account, and you can reallocate them during your scheduled reallocation period.
10% Annual Free Withdrawal Amount
From year one, you may withdraw up to 10% of your account value each contract year without surrender charges. This allows you to access funds even during the surrender charge period.
Market Value Adjustment (MVA)
The OptiBlend contract includes a Market Value Adjustment that may either increase or decrease a withdrawal depending on current interest rates.
💡 Helpful Info: The MVA does NOT apply to:
- The 10% annual free withdrawal
- Any withdrawals after the surrender period
- Death benefit payouts
Nursing Home & Terminal Illness Waivers
If you meet qualifying medical criteria, you may access your account value without surrender charges or MVA. These waivers are designed to support you during unexpected health events.
Death Benefit Protection
Your beneficiaries will receive the greater of:
- The current account value
- A guaranteed minimum value
This ensures your contract maintains protective value for your loved ones.
Income Options After Year Five
Beginning in the fifth contract year, your full contract value can be converted into a stream of guaranteed income, which is also free from surrender charges or MVA. You can choose from several payout methods, including lifetime income that continues for as long as you live.
Lincoln Financial Annuity: Index Accounts & Crediting Strategies
MYGuarantee Plus
The interest rate may vary depending on the amount you invest. Your initial rate is set when you purchase the annuity and is guaranteed for either five or seven years.
Insured Income
The payout rate for this Lincoln immediate annuity depends on a few factors, including your age, premium amount, and the income option of your choice.
Since the insurer offers several payment options, the exact rate can be customized to reflect the length and complexity of your contract.
Investor Advantage B-Share
Investing in Lincoln Investor Advantage B-Share, you will be able to design your annuity contract with the following index accounts:
- 6-Year Russell 2000 Dual15 Plus with Cap (Limited States)
- 6-Year First Trust American Leadership Dual15 Plus with Cap (Limited States)
- 6-Year Capital Strength (First Trust) Dual15 Plus with Cap (Limited States)
- 6-Year S&P 500 Dual15 Plus with Cap (Limited States)
- 1-Year Russell 2000 Dual Performance Triggered 10% Buffer (Limited States)
OptiBlend
The OptiBlend fixed index annuity has multiple interest accounts for each of the contract lengths:
| Lincoln OptiBlend 5 | Lincoln OptiBlend 7 | Lincoln OptiBlend 10 |
|---|---|---|
| ⚫ Fixed Account ⚫ 1 Year S&P 500 Dual Trigger ⚫ 1 Year S&P 500 Performance Triggered ⚫ 1 Year S&P 500 10% Daily Risk Control Trigger ⚫ 1 Year S&P 500 10% Daily Risk Control Trigger 5 Year Lock ⚫ 1 Year S&P 500 Cap ⚫ 1 Year S&P 500 Cap 5 Year Lock ⚫ 1 Year S&P 500 Participation ⚫ 1 Year Nasdaq Priva Participation ⚫ 5 Year S&P 500 Participation ⚫ 5 Year S&P 500 10% Daily Risk Control Participation | ⚫ Fixed Account ⚫ 1 Year S&P 500 Dual Trigger ⚫ 1 Year S&P 500 Performance Triggered ⚫ 1 Year S&P 500 10% Daily Risk Control Trigger ⚫ 1 Year S&P 500 10% Daily Risk Control Trigger 7 Year Lock ⚫ 1 Year S&P 500 Cap ⚫ 1 Year S&P 500 Cap 7 Year Lock ⚫ 1 Year S&P 500 Participation ⚫ 1 Year Nasdaq Priva Participation ⚫ 7 Year S&P 500 Participation ⚫ 7 Year S&P 500 10% Daily Risk Control Participation | ⚫ Fixed Account ⚫ 1 Year S&P 500 Dual Trigger ⚫ 1 Year S&P 500 Performance Triggered ⚫ 1 Year S&P 500 10% Daily Risk Control Trigger ⚫ 1 Year S&P 500 10% Daily Risk Control Trigger 5 Year Lock ⚫ 1 Year S&P 500 Cap ⚫ 1 Year S&P 500 Cap 5 Year Lock ⚫ 1 Year S&P 500 Participation ⚫ 1 Year Nasdaq Priva Participation ⚫ 5 Year S&P 500 Participation ⚫ 5 Year S&P 500 10% Daily Risk Control Participation |
Fees, Surrender Charges & Liquidity
When comparing annuities, it’s important to understand how each product handles fees and access to your money.
MYGuarantee Plus and Insured Income have no annual fees, but they also offer limited liquidity, which is typical for a fixed annuity.
On the other hand, Lincoln Investor Advantage B-Share is a variable annuity with a 0.95% annual insurance charge, plus additional investment-related fees.
OptiBlend stands out by offering no annual product fees, giving investors market-linked growth potential without extra contract charges.
MYGuarantee Plus Surrender Charges
| Contract Year | Y1 | Y2 | Y3 | Y4 | Y5 | Y6 | Y7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-year | 7% | 7% | 6% | 5% | 4% | 0% | 0% |
| 7-year | 7% | 7% | 6% | 5% | 4% | 7% | 0% |
Insured Income Surrender Charges
The Lincoln variable annuity does not have a surrender charge period because your premium is converted into income right away.
Investor Advantage B-Share Surrender Charges
| Contract Year | Y1 | Y2 | Y3 | Y4 | Y5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charge % | 7% | 6% | 5% | 4% | 3% |
OptiBlend Surrender Charges
| Contract Year | Y1 | Y2 | Y3 | Y4 | Y5 | Y6 | Y7 | Y8 | Y9 | Y10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-year | 9% | 8% | 7% | 6% | 5% | |||||
| 7-year | 9% | 8% | 7% | 6% | 5% | 4% | 3% | |||
| 10-year | 9% | 9% | 8% | 7% | 6% | 5% | 4% | 3% | 2% | 1% |
Want to See Which Lincoln Financial Annuity Is Right for You?
Lincoln Annuitites Pros and Cons
MYGuarantee Plus
The MYGuarantee Plus is a Lincoln fixed annuity that can be the investment that may help you grow your savings and enjoy a secure and stable retirement.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Guaranteed fixed interest rate with no market risk. ✔️ Tax-deferred growth potential. ✔️ Flexible income options, including annuitization after year five. ✔️ Nursing home and terminal illness waivers for early access to funds. | ➖ Limited growth compared with market-linked products. ➖ Interest rate resets after the initial guarantee period. |
Insured Income
Lincoln Insured Income annuities may be a strong choice for retirees who want a predictable, guaranteed income that starts right away. However, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of:
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Guaranteed income for life or for a set period. ✔️ Income can start immediately or be deferred up to 12 months. ✔️ Wide range of payout structures (single life, joint life, period certain). ✔️ Flexible payment frequency: monthly, quarterly, semiannual, or annual. | ➖ Once payments begin, you generally cannot access your premium. ➖ Less flexible than deferred annuities or index-linked products. |
Investor Advantage B-Share
The Lincoln Investor Advantage B-Share variable annuity offers market-driven growth with added protection options, but it also comes with higher fees and early-withdrawal limitations to consider.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Tax-deferred growth so earnings compound without immediate taxes. ✔️ Market-linked growth potential, giving investors access to diversified portfolios. ✔️ Lower upfront costs compared to A-Share annuities (no large initial sales charge). ✔️ Access to optional living or death benefit riders for added protection. | ➖ Higher annual fees than fixed annuities due to underlying fund and insurance costs. ➖ Returns depend on market performance, meaning no guaranteed growth. |
OptiBlend
OptiBlend offers a balance of protection and growth potential, but like any annuity, it comes with both advantages and limitations worth considering.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Combines fixed and indexed crediting strategies for balanced growth. ✔️ Offers downside protection with no market-loss risk. ✔️ Tax-deferred growth on all earnings. ✔️ Flexible allocation options so investors can tailor their strategy. | ➖ Growth is capped or limited, depending on index strategies. ➖ Not ideal for investors seeking full market participation. |
Who These Annuities Are Best For
MYGuarantee Plus
- Conservative investors prioritizing safety and predictable growth
- Those seeking tax-deferred savings for retirement
- Individuals wanting flexible income options with protected withdrawals
Insured Income
- Individuals who want guaranteed growth without market risk
- Savers looking for tax-deferred accumulation
- People who prefer stable, predictable returns over higher-risk investments
- Anyone wanting a straightforward fixed annuity with flexible payout options
Investor Advantage B-Share
- Investors who want long-term, tax-deferred market growth
- Individuals comfortable with market ups and downs
- Those looking for lower upfront costs instead of paying an initial sales load
- People planning to keep funds invested from medium to long term to avoid surrender fees
OptiBlend
- Investors who want market-linked growth without risking principal
- People seeking tax-deferred retirement accumulation
- Conservative savers who still want the option to benefit from index performance
- Individuals who prefer flexibility in how their premium is allocated
- Those wanting a no-fee annuity with built-in downside protection
How to Buy & Next Steps
Are you ready to find the annuity solution that secures your retirement?
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What types of annuities does Lincoln Financial offer?
Lincoln Financial provides fixed, fixed indexed, and variable annuities, including MYGuarantee Plus, Insured Income, Investor Advantage B-Share, and OptiBlend, each designed for different retirement goals and risk levels.
Can I access my money early without penalties?
Access varies by product: MYGuarantee Plus and OptiBlend allow partial withdrawals under certain conditions, while Insured Income generally locks in your premium once payments begin. Investor Advantage B-Share allows limited withdrawals during the surrender period.
How do Lincoln annuities grow?
Growth depends on the product type: fixed annuities offer a guaranteed interest rate, fixed indexed annuities like OptiBlend tie growth to a market index with downside protection, and variable annuities like Investor Advantage B-Share grow based on underlying investment performance.
Are Lincoln annuities tax-deferred?
Yes. All Lincoln annuities grow tax-deferred, meaning you pay taxes on earnings only when you make withdrawals, which can accelerate retirement savings growth.
What happens to my annuity when I pass away?
Each product offers beneficiary options: fixed annuities typically pay the account value, variable annuities can include earnings-based death benefits, and immediate annuities may provide guaranteed minimum payments depending on the income option selected.
Annuity Expert
Jeremiah Konger
PS - Here's 3 ways we can help you learn more about annuities.
1. Watch Videos on How to Identify The Highest Paying Protected Income & Growth Annuities.
2. Watch Videos That Reveal What to Look For When Buying A Protected Growth Annuity.
3. Click Here To Access Our Annuity Review Vault To Compare The Pro's and Con's of Dozens of Annuities.
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