Lincoln Financial Annuities Review: Rates, Features, Pros & Cons

The Lincoln MYGuarantee Plus fixed annuity is ideal for investors seeking predictable growth, protection, and flexible income options. Here are the key benefits and features you can achieve with this annuity:

Since MYGuarantee Plus is not tied to market performance, there’s no market risk. The interest rate is set at issue and guaranteed for the initial interest rate period. After this period, a new interest rate is provided each subsequent year.

The Lincoln Insured Income Immediate Annuity is designed for investors who want predictable, guaranteed income, starting right away or within the first 12 months.

Guaranteed Lifetime or Period-Certain Income

Lincoln Insured Income provides regular, guaranteed payments you can count on. As a single premium immediate fixed annuity, it helps retirees create a dependable income stream that begins shortly after purchase.

Flexible Payment Options

You can choose the income structure that aligns with your personal or household needs:

• Single Life Options: Payments are made for the life of one individual. 
• Joint-and-Survivor Options: Payments continue over two lifetimes, helping couples maintain income security. 
• Period Certain Option: Income is paid for a guaranteed number of payments.

Customizable Payment Frequency

Choose how often you want to receive your income:

• Monthly
• Quarterly
• Semiannual
• Annual

Flexible Start Date

You can begin receiving payments immediately or defer the first payment for up to 12 months from the contract issue date.

Annual Increase Option

To help offset inflation, you can choose an optional annual compounded increase of:

• 1%
• 2%
• 3%

This increase begins on the first anniversary of your first payment. Keep in mind that selecting this benefit reduces the initial payment amount.

Death Benefit Provisions

If the annuitant(s) pass away before payments begin, no death benefit is paid until payments officially start. The payout will then follow the rules of the selected payment option.

Death benefit availability depends on the chosen payment structure:

• Lifetime-only options: No death benefit is provided.
• Lifetime options with a guaranteed minimum: Beneficiaries receive remaining guaranteed payments.
• Period-certain options: Payments continue to beneficiaries until the guaranteed period ends.

Investor Advantage B-Share

The Lincoln Investor Advantage B-Share annuity is designed for investors seeking tax-efficient growth, flexible income options, and beneficiary protection. You can achieve these benefits through the following features:

Tax-Efficient Income Option

Lincoln’s i4LIFE Advantage option provides immediate tax-efficient income by returning a portion of your original investment, which has already been taxed, along with any gains earned in the contract.

Tax Advantages

• Tax-deferred growth potential: Earnings, dividends, and capital gains are automatically reinvested without creating taxable events.
• Tax-free transfers: You can move funds within the contract without triggering taxes.
• Tax-efficient income option: Supports withdrawals in a way that reduces tax liability.

Beneficiary Protection Options

• Account Value Death Benefit: Your beneficiaries receive your current account value at the time of death.
• Earnings Optimizer Death Benefit: Provides beneficiaries with the greater of a total invested amount or current account value plus 40% of earnings, up to 200% of total deposits.

Access to Investment

• Years 1–5: Withdraw up to 10% of your account value or 10% of total purchase payments, whichever is greater.
• Years 6+: Full access to all invested purchase payments after five years, plus all earnings.

OptiBlend

The Lincoln OptiBlend fixed indexed annuity is designed for investors who want index-linked growth potential, downside protection, and flexible access to their money. 

Additional Premium Flexibility

You can add up to $25,000 in additional premiums each contract year, with:

• Minimum: $50
• Cumulative Maximum: $100,000

All additional premiums are first allocated to the Fixed Account, and you can reallocate them during your scheduled reallocation period.

10% Annual Free Withdrawal Amount

From year one, you may withdraw up to 10% of your account value each contract year without surrender charges. This allows you to access funds even during the surrender charge period.

Market Value Adjustment (MVA)

The OptiBlend contract includes a Market Value Adjustment that may either increase or decrease a withdrawal depending on current interest rates.

Nursing Home & Terminal Illness Waivers

If you meet qualifying medical criteria, you may access your account value without surrender charges or MVA. These waivers are designed to support you during unexpected health events.

Death Benefit Protection

Your beneficiaries will receive the greater of:

• The current account value
• A guaranteed minimum value

This ensures your contract maintains protective value for your loved ones.

Income Options After Year Five

Beginning in the fifth contract year, your full contract value can be converted into a stream of guaranteed income, which is also free from surrender charges or MVA. You can choose from several payout methods, including lifetime income that continues for as long as you live.

Lincoln Financial Annuity: Index Accounts & Crediting Strategies

MYGuarantee Plus

The interest rate may vary depending on the amount you invest. Your initial rate is set when you purchase the annuity and is guaranteed for either five or seven years.

Insured Income

The payout rate for this Lincoln immediate annuity depends on a few factors, including your age, premium amount, and the income option of your choice. 

Since the insurer offers several payment options, the exact rate can be customized to reflect the length and complexity of your contract. 

Investor Advantage B-Share

Investing in Lincoln Investor Advantage B-Share, you will be able to design your annuity contract with the following index accounts: 

• 6-Year Russell 2000 Dual15 Plus with Cap (Limited States)
• 6-Year First Trust American Leadership Dual15 Plus with Cap (Limited States)
• 6-Year Capital Strength (First Trust) Dual15 Plus with Cap (Limited States)
• 6-Year S&P 500 Dual15 Plus with Cap (Limited States)
• 1-Year Russell 2000 Dual Performance Triggered 10% Buffer (Limited States)

OptiBlend

The OptiBlend fixed index annuity has multiple interest accounts for each of the contract lengths:

Lincoln Annuitites Pros and Cons

MYGuarantee Plus

The MYGuarantee Plus is a Lincoln fixed annuity that can be the investment that may help you grow your savings and enjoy a secure and stable retirement.

Insured Income

Lincoln Insured Income annuities may be a strong choice for retirees who want a predictable, guaranteed income that starts right away. However, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of: 

Investor Advantage B-Share

The Lincoln Investor Advantage B-Share variable annuity offers market-driven growth with added protection options, but it also comes with higher fees and early-withdrawal limitations to consider.

OptiBlend

OptiBlend offers a balance of protection and growth potential, but like any annuity, it comes with both advantages and limitations worth considering.