Nationwide Peak Annuity Review

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Navigating the crowded annuity landscape can be tricky. There are tons of annuity providers out there, each offering multiple different annuity products. This makes finding that perfect annuity for you a daunting task. 


Luckily, you have the Annuity Association to help you. In today’s annuity review, we look into the Nationwide Peak annuity from the Nationwide insurance company. Is it the right choice for you? Let’s find out. 

About Nationwide Insurance Company

Nationwide Insurance, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest insurance and financial services companies in the United States. 


Established in 1926, Nationwide offers a comprehensive range of insurance and financial products, including auto, home, life, and commercial insurance, as well as banking, investment, and retirement planning services, including fixed, variable, and immediate annuities. 

Nationwide Financial Rating

Rating Company

Rating

Moody’s 

A1

S & P 

A+

A.M. Best Rating

A+

Nationwide Peak Highlights

Nationwide Peak Annuity Overview

🔔 Important Information

Annuity Term

1-year

Type of Annuity

Fixed Index

Premium Type

Single Purchase

Maximum Issue Age

90 for single life, 85 for joint

Withdrawal Charge Schedule

9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 0%

Minimum Premium

$25,000

Maximum Premium 

$1,000,000

Market Value Adjustment

Yes

Nationwide Peak Historical Rate of Return

The hypothetical historical performance provided herein showcases the annualized return of allocation strategies, representing the investment's annual growth rate considering compounding effects. Similar analyses can be found for each account in official fixed index annuity illustrations provided by insurance carriers.

 

What's not reflected:
The annualized return does not encompass rider charges, strategy fees, or applicable premium bonuses.
 

Notes on rates:
The information presented assumes the annuities' current caps, spreads, participation rates, and other related rates, without guarantee.

 

No guarantees:
These actual elements are subject to change over time, resulting in potentially higher or lower outcomes. Additionally, no single index consistently outperforms in every scenario. It is advisable to consult with a properly licensed and educated annuity professional before making any decisions.

Fees and Charges

The good news is that the Nationwide Peak annuity does not charge annual or contract administration fees. The only additional costs you might incur are when you opt for an optional rider or need to withdraw funds from your annuity during the 7-year annuity surrender period. 

Index Options

Nationwide Peak offers four different index options:

  • S&P 500 Index
  • Morgan Stanley 3D Index
  • J.P. Morgan Mozaic II Index
  • MSCI EAFE Index

Crediting Methods

Nationwide Peak annuitants have two primary crediting methods:

  • Index Account: Earnings can be credited annually based on the performance of the underlying index or indexes, excluding capital gains and dividends, up to a specified cap. Tiered caps are available based on the premium amount. Any credited earnings are locked in at the end of the index term.
  • Fixed Account: The annual interest rate is credited daily, with tiered rates available based on the premium amount.

Important Note: Purchase payments can be allocated across all available fixed and indexed options in any combination, using whole number percentages only.

Annuity Surrender Charge Schedule

If you decide to withdraw your money early, you will face surrender charges. These are common in the industry, with most annuity providers charging fees for early money withdrawals (typically a percentage of the withdrawal amount decreasing annually). 


 In the case of Nationwide Peak, the surrender charge schedule is seven years:
 

*The interest rate may vary depending on the state. 

Nationwide Peak Key Features

Market Value Adjustments

  • A market value adjustment (MVA) may apply based on changes in interest rates since the purchase of the annuity, potentially increasing or decreasing the value. In the case of Nationwide Peak, the following MVA rules apply:
  • If interest rates have increased, the MVA will be negative, reducing the amount of your withdrawal.
  • If interest rates have decreased, the MVA will be positive, increasing the amount of your withdrawal.


Minimum Guaranteed Contract Value

  • A percentage of your purchase payment (less withdrawals) accumulated at a specified rate. 
  • The annuity’s Minimum Guaranteed Contract Value is used when determining full surrender amounts.


Required Minimum Distribution 

  • Withdrawals are available without Contingent Deferred Sales Charges (CDSC) and Market Value Adjustments (MVA) under certain conditions. 
  • If the Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) for the year exceeds the allowable free withdrawal amount, the free withdrawal limit will be increased to match the RMD amount for that year.

Nationwide Peak Pros & Cons

 

Company Information

Company Name

Nationwide 

Website

www.nationwide.com

Phone Number

1-877-669-6877

A.M. Best Rating

A+

Moody’s Best Rating

A+

S&P’s Best Rating

A1

About the Product

Product Name

Nationwide Peak

Product Type

Fixed Index Annuity

Product Information

The Nationwide Peak annuity is a fixed-indexed annuity that offers a balanced approach to retirement savings by combining growth potential with principal protection. Earnings are credited based on the performance of selected market indices, such as the S&P 500, without direct investment in the stock market. 


Policyholders can choose from various crediting strategies with tiered caps based on premium amounts, and any credited earnings are locked in at the end of each index term. Additionally, the annuity provides a guaranteed minimum interest rate to safeguard the principal during market downturns. The product also features flexible income options, including guaranteed lifetime income and optional income riders, as well as tax-deferred growth to maximize accumulation over time.

Product Brochure

Account Types

Nonqualified, IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, charitable remainder trust and 401(a)

Not Available In

N/A

Jeremiah Konger CEO Annuity Association

Annuity Expert

Jeremiah Konger

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Other Nationwide Annuity Products

Besides Nationwide Peak, Nationwide Insurance Company provides a full suite of other annuity products, including:

Assured Edge Income Builder

 

Assured Edge Income Builder is a fixed annuity from Corebridge Financial, offering guaranteed income and flexibility for retirement planning.
 

Power 5 Protector

 

The Power 5 Protector annuity is a fixed-indexed annuity. It allows you to earn interest based on a fixed rate or specific indices in exchange for your premiums. 
 

Power 7 Protector 

 

The Power 7 Protector offers a guaranteed income for life. The annuity also offers growth potential and protects your principal from market losses. 
 

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Nationwide Peak fixed index annuity is suitable for individuals seeking growth potential, reliable income, and flexible retirement fund management while ensuring principal protection. However, potential investors should consider the impact of MVAs, surrender charges, and fees before committing. It’s definitely one of the most solid annuity options on the market to consider, coming from a reputable and highly valued company. 

Annuity Association is the leader in providing Independent Annuity recommendations for protected income, safe growth and other benefits in retirement.

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