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About Prudential
Prudential Financial is one of the largest financial services companies in the world, with over 150 years of history in retirement income planning. Pruco Life Insurance Company, their annuity subsidiary, is known for innovative registered index-linked annuities (RILAs), competitive fixed indexed annuities, fixed annuities, and variable annuities. They offer a broad product lineup designed for both accumulation and income strategies.
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How we scored them
Income Options86/100
Financial Strength92/100
Fees & Costs80/100
Flexibility88/100
Customer Service85/100
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The tradeoffs
What works
- Strong financial ratings (A from AM Best, AA- from S&P)
- Innovative FlexGuard RILA lineup with flexible mid-term features
- Wide range of product types (fixed, FIA, RILA, variable annuities)
- Competitive income rider options and spousal coverage features
- Brand recognition and 150+ year history in retirement planning
What to watch
- Variable annuity fees can be higher relative to FIA products
- Some products have longer surrender periods (7-10 years)
- Income rider fees on certain products can impact returns (up to 1.45% annually)
- Not all products available in all states (CA, NY, OR limitations on some RILAs)
- Accumulation-focused products lack income rider options on entry-level MYGA line
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What you could receive
Estimated guaranteed lifetime income based on a single premium payment. Actual rates may vary.
| Investment | Age | Monthly | Annual | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | 60 | $480 | $5,760 | Lifetime |
| $250,000 | 65 | $1,320 | $15,840 | Lifetime |
| $500,000 | 65 | $2,640 | $31,680 | Lifetime |
| $1,000,000 | 70 | $6,100 | $73,200 | Lifetime |
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Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Contract Fee | $0 | No annual maintenance fee on WealthGuard, PruSecure, or SurePath base contracts |
| Income Rider Fee | 1.00% - 1.45% | Annual fee on income riders (SurePath Income at 1.00%, FlexGuard Income at 1.45%) |
| Surrender Charge | Varies by product | Declining schedule typically starting at 7-10% depending on product type and duration |
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Early withdrawal penalties
Charges apply to amounts above the annual free withdrawal (typically 10%).
| Yr 1 | Yr 2 | Yr 3 | Yr 4 | Yr 5 | Yr 6 | Yr 7 | Yr 8 | Yr 9 | Yr 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9% | 9% | 8% | 7% | 6% | 5% | 4% | 3% | 2% | 0% |
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Best fit for these buyers
Investors wanting innovative RILA products with mid-term flexibility
Retirees seeking protected lifetime income with growth participation
Those who value brand recognition and 150+ year financial history
Ages 50-75 seeking accumulation, income, or hybrid strategies
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Frequently asked questions
Is Prudential a good annuity company?
Prudential earns an average rating of 4.1/5 across the 23 products we've reviewed, with an AM Best rating of A+ and S&P rating of AA-. Their financial strength is rated "Superior" with $650+ Billion in total assets. Prudential is particularly strong in financial strength.
How much income can I get from a Prudential annuity?
Income depends on your investment amount and age. For example, a $500,000 investment at age 65 could generate approximately $31,680 per year in guaranteed lifetime income. A $250,000 investment at the same age could generate about $15,840 per year.
What are the fees for Prudential annuities?
Prudential charges Annual Contract Fee: $0, Income Rider Fee: 1.00% - 1.45%, Surrender Charge: Varies by product. Notably, there is no annual contract fee on the base contract, which is a competitive advantage.
What is the surrender period for Prudential annuities?
Prudential annuities typically have a 10-year surrender period. Charges start at 9% in year one and decline to 0% in the final year. Most products allow 10% annual free withdrawals without penalty.