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About Nationwide
Nationwide is one of the largest and most diversified insurance and financial services companies in the world. Their annuity division offers a comprehensive range of products including variable, fixed, and indexed annuities. With nearly a century of experience, Nationwide combines financial strength with product innovation.
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The tradeoffs
What works
- Superior financial strength ratings
- Wide range of annuity types (variable, fixed, indexed)
- Strong brand recognition and trust
- Robust online tools and account management
- Nationwide network of financial advisors
What to watch
- Variable annuity fees can be higher than average
- Some products have complex structures
- Fixed rates not always the most competitive
- Minimum investments can be higher
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What you could receive
Live projection for New Heights Select 8 with NHS 8 High Point 365 Lifetime Income Benefit Rider w Bonus — single life, issue age 62, income beginning at age 70. Illustrative, not a quote; figures refresh from Annuity Rate Watch.
| Premium | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $3,094 | $37,132 |
| $500,000 | $6,189 | $74,265 |
| $1,000,000 | $12,377 | $148,529 |
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Income rider fees
Disclosed charges for optional riders on Nationwide products, live from Annuity Rate Watch. Product-level detail is on each review.
| Rider | Product | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Peak 10 Bonus Income+ Rider | Nationwide Peak 10 | 1.00% annually (1.20% max) |
| High Point Select Enhanced Death Benefit | Nationwide New Heights Select 12 | 0.50% |
| High Point Select Enhanced Death Benefit with Purchase Payment Bonus | Nationwide New Heights Select 12 | 0.95% |
| NHS 10 High Point 365 Lifetime Income Benefit Rider | Nationwide New Heights Select 12 | 0.95% annually |
| NHS 12 High Point 365 Lifetime Income Benefit Rider | Nationwide New Heights Select 12 | 0.95% annually |
| NHS 9 High Point 365 Lifetime Income Benefit Rider w Bonus | Nationwide New Heights Select 12 | 1.10% annually |
| NHS 8 High Point 365 Lifetime Income Benefit Rider | Nationwide New Heights Select 8 | 0.95% annually |
| NHS 9 High Point 365 Lifetime Income Benefit Rider | Nationwide New Heights Select 9 | 0.95% annually |
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Best fit for these buyers
Investors wanting a well-known, trusted brand
Those seeking variable annuity options
Retirees who value advisor access
Ages 50-70 with diversified retirement needs
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Frequently asked questions
Is Nationwide a good annuity company?
We have reviewed 19 Nationwide products, and A.M. Best rates the carrier A+ for financial strength. We describe its financial position as "Superior" with $280+ Billion in total assets.
How much income can I get from a Nationwide annuity?
Income depends on your premium, age, and start date. At our benchmark scenario — single life, issue age 62, income beginning at age 70 — Nationwide's highest-paying income product (New Heights Select 8) currently projects about $74,265 per year on a $500,000 premium, or $37,132 on $250,000. Figures are illustrative, based on live Annuity Rate Watch data, and are not a quote.
What are the fees for Nationwide annuities?
Fee structures vary by product. Optional income riders on Nationwide products carry disclosed charges — for example Peak 10 Bonus Income+ Rider (Nationwide Peak 10): 1.00% annually (1.20% max); High Point Select Enhanced Death Benefit (Nationwide New Heights Select 12): 0.50% ; High Point Select Enhanced Death Benefit with Purchase Payment Bonus (Nationwide New Heights Select 12): 0.95% . See each product review for the full fee detail.
What is the surrender period for Nationwide annuities?
Surrender periods on Nationwide's current lineup run 3–12 years, depending on the product. Most products allow an annual free-withdrawal amount before charges apply — the product table above shows each product's surrender length, and each review covers the exact schedule.