Nationwide Review 2026: Fixed Index Annuity Rates & Options

In this Nationwide review, we analyze one of the largest and most established financial services companies in the United States. Nationwide earns an Expert Score of 4.4/5.0 from BestGuide, a rating that reflects its exceptional financial stability, broad product offerings, and strong record of customer satisfaction. Founded in 1926, the company is a Fortune 100 firm with over $359 billion in total assets, providing a high degree of security for annuity holders.

Our analysis of Nationwide reviews and product data shows the company offers a comprehensive suite of annuity products, including fixed, variable, fixed index, and immediate annuities. This variety makes it a suitable option for a wide range of retirement planning goals, from guaranteed income streams to tax-deferred market growth. While product complexity and surrender charges for early withdrawals are notable considerations, its financial strength and low complaint volume make it a formidable contender in the annuity market.

Compare Nationwide with other top-rated annuities companies to see how it stacks up.

How Nationwide Annuities Work

An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company designed to meet retirement and other long-term goals. With Nationwide, the process begins by funding the contract with a lump sum or a series of payments. This capital then grows on a tax-deferred basis, meaning you don’t pay taxes on the earnings until you begin receiving payments. The minimum premium for some products, like the Soloist® Variable Annuity, is as low as $300, making them accessible to a broad range of investors.

Choosing Your Annuity Type

Nationwide offers several types of annuities to match different risk tolerances and income needs. A fixed annuity provides a guaranteed interest rate for a set period, offering predictable, stable growth. A variable annuity allows you to invest in a selection of sub-accounts, similar to mutual funds, offering higher growth potential with corresponding market risk. A fixed index annuity offers returns linked to a market index, like the S&P 500, with protection against market downturns, as your principal is not directly exposed to the market.

Receiving Payouts

When you are ready to receive income, you can ‘annuitize’ the contract, which converts your account balance into a stream of guaranteed payments. These payments can be structured to last for a specific number of years or for the rest of your life. Most Nationwide annuity products also allow for penalty-free withdrawals of up to 10% of the account value annually, providing a degree of liquidity before annuitization begins.

Who Nationwide Is Best For

Nationwide is best for individuals seeking a financially secure and reputable provider for long-term retirement savings. Its diverse product lineup, including fixed, variable, and fixed index annuities, caters to both conservative investors who prioritize principal protection and those comfortable with market risk for higher growth potential. The company’s A+ financial strength ratings from A.M. Best and S&P provide a high level of confidence for those planning to secure an income stream that will last for decades. However, Nationwide may not be ideal for investors who need unrestricted access to their funds in the short term, as most of its annuity products carry surrender charges for early withdrawals that can last for several years.

Nationwide Standout Features

Based on our analysis, three features distinguish Nationwide in the competitive annuity landscape. Each contributes to its high score in our evaluation.

Exceptional Financial Strength: Nationwide holds some of the highest financial strength ratings in the industry. It is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and S&P, and A1 by Moody’s. These ratings indicate a superior ability to meet ongoing insurance and contract obligations, a critical factor when selecting a provider for long-term income.

Broad Product Selection: The company offers a wide array of annuity products, ensuring a fit for various financial goals. Its lineup includes Fixed Annuities, Variable Annuities, Registered Index-Linked Annuities (RILAs), Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs), and Immediate Annuities (SPIAs). This diversity surpasses that of many competitors who may only specialize in one or two annuity types.

Liquidity and Rider Options: Most Nationwide annuities include a provision for 10% annual free withdrawals starting from the first year, which is a more generous liquidity feature than some competitors offer. The company also provides a range of optional riders, such as enhanced death benefits and guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits (GLWBs), allowing for significant customization of the annuity contract.

Nationwide Pros and Cons

Is Nationwide Legit?

Yes, Nationwide is a legitimate and highly reputable financial services company. Founded in 1926 and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, it is a Fortune 100 company with a long history of stability and performance. The company’s financial strength is consistently affirmed by major rating agencies, with an A+ from A.M. Best, an A+ from Standard & Poor’s, and an A1 from Moody’s. These ratings confirm its strong capacity to meet its financial obligations to policyholders.

Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company demonstrates strong operational performance from a customer service perspective. In 2023, it received a complaint index of 0.03 from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). A score below 1.0 indicates fewer complaints than the industry median, and a score of 0.03 is exceptionally low, suggesting a high level of customer satisfaction with its claims and service processes.

For transparency, it is important to acknowledge past regulatory issues. In 2015, Nationwide agreed to an $8 million SEC penalty concerning processing delays that occurred between 1995 and 2011. While this is a significant historical event, the company’s current performance metrics and financial ratings remain among the best in the industry, confirming its status as a reliable and legitimate provider of annuity products.

Nationwide BestGuide Rating

Nationwide earns an Expert Score of 4.4 out of 5.0 in BestGuide’s comprehensive evaluation. This score is the result of our analysis across five core criteria, weighted according to our published methodology for annuities providers. Our expert panel reviewed Nationwide’s product offerings, financial stability, customer feedback, and fee transparency to arrive at this rating.

The score reflects top-tier performance in several key areas. Nationwide’s strongest criteria were Reputation, Services, and Scalability, each scoring 90%. This is driven by its A+ financial ratings, extensive product catalog, and nationwide presence as a Fortune 100 company. Its lowest-scoring, yet still strong, criterion was Transparency at 80%, which is common in an industry where specific contract rates and fees often require direct consultation with a financial professional rather than being published broadly online.

Compared to the annuities industry average Expert Score of 4.1, Nationwide’s 4.4 rating places it in the upper echelon of providers we review. This indicates that it is a highly reliable choice for consumers prioritizing financial strength and product diversity in their retirement planning.

Nationwide Cost: What You Should Expect to Pay

The cost of a Nationwide annuity varies significantly based on the product type you select. Some products have no explicit annual fees, while others carry charges for investment management and optional riders. For example, the Nationwide Peak 5 Fixed Indexed Annuity has no annual contract or administration fees. Its costs are implicit in the interest crediting strategy, such as caps or participation rates on index-linked gains.

In contrast, variable annuities involve several layers of fees. These typically include mortality and expense (M&E) charges, which often range from 1.0% to 1.5% of the account value annually. Additional administrative fees may apply, and each underlying investment sub-account has its own expense ratio. Optional riders for guaranteed income or enhanced death benefits also add to the annual cost, often ranging from 0.75% to 1.5% per rider. These costs place Nationwide in the mid-range for variable annuity providers, consistent with industry standards.

Final Verdict: Nationwide Review

Nationwide earns an Expert Score of 4.4/5.0, cementing its position as a premier provider of annuity products for retirement planning. Its greatest strengths are its fortress-like financial stability, demonstrated by A+ ratings from A.M. Best and S&P, and an exceptionally low customer complaint ratio of 0.03 according to the NAIC. The company’s comprehensive product shelf, offering everything from simple fixed annuities to complex variable and indexed options, provides flexibility for nearly any retirement strategy.

Our review of Nationwide also finds clear areas for consideration. The primary limitation is the complexity and potential cost of its products, particularly variable annuities with multiple layers of fees and optional riders. Furthermore, like all annuities, these are long-term products with significant surrender charges for early withdrawals. In summary, the combination of financial strength, product diversity, and a proven service record makes Nationwide an excellent choice for long-term investors prioritizing security and choice. Competing Nationwide reviews consistently highlight these same strengths.

See our full Buyers Guide for the best annuities companies before making your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nationwide

What do experts say about Nationwide annuities?
Experts consistently rate Nationwide highly for its financial strength and stability. BestGuide’s expert panel awarded Nationwide an Expert Score of 4.4/5.0, citing its A+ ratings from A.M. Best and S&P, a diverse product lineup, and a very low 2023 NAIC complaint index of 0.03.

Is a Nationwide annuity worth it in 2026?
For individuals seeking long-term, tax-deferred growth and a guaranteed income stream in retirement from a financially secure company, a Nationwide annuity is worth considering. Its value depends on your financial goals, as its products are best suited for those who will not need to withdraw funds for at least 5-10 years to avoid surrender charges.

How does Nationwide compare to other annuities companies?
Nationwide compares favorably to competitors like New York Life and MassMutual due to its broad product accessibility and competitive features like a 10% annual free withdrawal provision. While other mutual companies may offer dividends, Nationwide’s status as a top-five seller of Fixed Index Annuities shows its strong position in the market.

What is a fixed index annuity?
A fixed index annuity is a type of annuity contract that credits interest based on the performance of a stock market index, such as the S&P 500, without direct investment in the market. It offers the potential for higher returns than a traditional fixed annuity while protecting your principal from market losses.

Does Nationwide have a good reputation for annuities?
Yes, Nationwide has a strong reputation. This is supported by its A+ financial strength ratings from major agencies and a 2023 NAIC complaint index of 0.03, which is significantly better than the industry median of 1.0. This indicates high policyholder satisfaction and a strong ability to meet its financial commitments.

What are the surrender charges on a Nationwide annuity?
Surrender charges vary by product but are typically applied to withdrawals that exceed the annual 10% penalty-free amount during the surrender period, which can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. The charge is a percentage of the amount withdrawn and declines each year until it reaches zero.

What is the highest annuity rate from Nationwide?
Annuity rates change frequently based on market conditions. As one specific example, the Nationwide Secure Growth with MVA 5 annuity offered a highest 5-year guarantee period with an annual yield of 5.50% on premiums of $100,000 or more, according to data available in late 2023. You must contact a financial professional for current rates.