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GROWTH ANNUITY QUOTE

Request Your Free Growth Annuity Quote

See how growth annuities can help you reach your retirement goals with steady, tax-deferred accumulation.

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What Is a Growth Annuity?

A growth annuity helps you build retirement savings safely inside the annuities category before you begin receiving payments. It helps your money grow tax-deferred, protects it from market loss, and gives you flexible options to turn your balance into steady payments later on. Key benefits include:

Guaranteed Income1

When you’re ready, you can turn your accumulated value into predictable payments for life or for a set period

Principal Protection

Your original investment is backed by the insurer’s guarantees, even when markets fluctuate

Tax-Deferred Growth

Earnings grow without yearly income taxes, helping your savings compound faster over time

Growth Potential

Earn interest at a fixed rate or through market-linked strategies, depending on the annuity type

Beneficiary Protection

Options can provide payments or remaining value to loved ones if you pass away before payouts begin

Compare Growth Annuity Plans

You can pursue accumulation with a fixed annuity or a variable annuity. Fixed offers guaranteed rates and principal protection. Variable offers market exposure and higher growth potential, with higher risk and fees. Choose based on time horizon, risk comfort, and need for stable or flexible growth.

Feature Fixed Annuity   Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA)   Variable Annuity (VA)  
Primary Goal Guaranteed, steady growth Growth potential tied to a market index, with protection from loss Long-term growth tied to the stock and bond markets
Growth Potential Steady, guaranteed interest Moderate, based on index performance (with caps or limits) Highest, based on market performance
Risk(s) Very low – rate and principal are guaranteed Moderate – principal protected, but returns can vary  Higher – account value can rise or fall with the market
Rate Type Fixed interest rate set by the insurer Varies with index results, limited by caps or participation rates Varies with investment performance of chosen subaccounts
Market Exposure None Indirect (linked to an index, not invested in it) Direct (invested in market funds)
Access To Funds Usually available, but may face withdrawal charges Usually available, but may face withdrawal funds Usually available, but may face withdrawal funds and market losses
Flexibility Simple, predictable returns Some flexibility in choosing index options and crediting methods High – wide choice of investments and optional riders
Best For Savers who want safety and steady growth Savers who want some market upside without risking principal Investors comfortable with market risk and seeking higher growth

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How a Growth Annuity Works

A growth annuity helps you build savings before you start receiving payments. You can use a single lump sum or make regular contributions to fund your annuity. In return, the insurer provides guarantees for principal protection and the potential for tax-deferred growth.

  1. Fund the Annuity: You can start your annuity with one payment or make regular contributions over time. Your money grows tax-deferred until you decide to take payments.
  2. Insurer Manages the Contract: The insurance company manages your funds, applies interest or growth, and upholds the guarantees in your contract.
  3. Value Grows Over Time: Your annuity value builds safely based on the contract design, either at a fixed rate or through strategies tied to the market.
  4. Convert To Payments Later: When you’re ready, you can turn your accumulated value into guaranteed payments for life or for a set number of years.1
  5. Provide for Loved Ones: If you pass away before payments begin, many contracts include options to pass remaining value to your beneficiaries.

Want a deeper dive? Read our full guide:  How Do Annuities Work?

Why Choose Western & Southern?

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Financial Strength

High ratings reflect stability you can count on
established 1888

Trusted for Over 135 Years

Helping families protect their future since 1888

Serving Millions Nationwide

Trusted by families across the 50 states

Is a Growth Annuity Right for You?

A growth annuity helps you build retirement savings with steady growth and protection from market loss. It’s designed for people who want balance – growth potential with guarantees – and the option to turn savings into predictable payments later.

Below are examples of who might benefit from a growth annuity:

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Pension Builder

If your employer doesn’t offer a pension, you can use a growth annuity to build protected savings that can later become a personal “paycheck for life.”
Conservative saver

Conservative Saver

Wants predictable accumulation with clear rules, and protection for their principal when markets drop.
Balanced planner

Balanced Planner

Individuals who are 5-15 years from retirement and want growth that balances protection and opportunity.
Tax efficient investor

Tax-Efficient Investor

Those who prefer to let earnings compound faster by deferring taxes until withdrawals begin.
401(k) companion

401(k) Companion

Those who want to grow savings alongside a 401(k) or IRA to diversify retirement income sources.
Senior couple reviewing expenses

Legacy Planner

Those who want to make sure that they can continue payments or pass remaining value to a spouse or loved ones.

It’s important to remember that a growth annuity is designed for accumulation and long-term protection. While funds may be less accessible than in other accounts, it can be a useful way to grow savings safely before turning them into guaranteed payments.

Not sure if a growth annuity is right for you? Compare retirement and income annuities to see which fits your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a growth annuity and how does it build savings?
A growth annuity is designed to help you accumulate retirement savings on a tax-deferred basis. Your earnings compound without annual taxes, allowing your balance to grow faster over time. You can choose between fixed, indexed, or variable options depending on your goals and risk comfort.

How safe are growth annuities?
Fixed growth annuities protect your principal and offer a guaranteed rate of return. Variable growth annuities include market exposure, which means your account value can rise or fall with investment performance. Choosing between them depends on your tolerance for risk and desire for growth potential.

How does tax deferral benefit my annuity growth?
With a tax-deferred annuity, you don’t pay taxes on interest or investment gains each year. This allows your earnings to stay invested and compound more efficiently. Taxes are only due when you withdraw income or begin receiving payments.

What fees or charges come with growth annuities?
Fixed growth annuities typically have minimal or no annual fees. Variable annuities may include investment management fees, mortality and expense charges, and optional rider costs. Review all fees carefully to understand the net growth potential of your contract.

How do growth annuities compare to CDs or other savings products?
Certificates of Deposit (CDs) offer bank guarantees and short-term commitments, but earnings are taxed annually. Growth annuities grow tax-deferred and can offer higher potential returns or lifetime income options, but may include surrender periods for early withdrawals. Consider your time horizon and liquidity needs.

Can I access my money in a growth annuity if I need it?
Most growth annuities allow limited annual withdrawals without penalty, often up to 10% of your contract value. Withdrawals above that may trigger surrender charges and taxes. Keep an emergency fund outside your annuity to maintain flexibility.

What happens to my annuity if I pass away?
Most growth annuities include a death benefit, so any remaining contract value goes to your named beneficiaries. Some contracts offer enhanced death benefit options or riders for added protection. Review and update your beneficiary designations regularly.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

1 Payment of benefits under the annuity contract is the obligation of, and is guaranteed by, the issuing company. Guarantees are based upon the claims paying ability of the issuer. Products are backed by the full financial strength of the issuing company.

An annuity is a long-term financial vehicle designed for retirement. An insurance company accepts premiums and provides future income or a lump-sum amount to the contract owner by contractual agreement.

Annuities are issued by Integrity Life Insurance Company and Western-Southern Life Assurance Company, both in Cincinnati, Ohio. Securities offered through W&S Brokerage Services, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC. All companies are members of the Western & Southern Financial Group.

Earnings and pre-tax payments are subject to income tax at withdrawal. Withdrawals may be subject to charges. Withdrawals from an annuity are subject to ordinary income tax, and, if taken before age 59 ½ may be subject to 10% IRS penalty.