Compare annuities from the UK’s leading providers

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What is an annuity?

What is an annuity?

An annuity is a way to turn money in your ‘defined contribution’ pension savings into guaranteed retirement income for life, or for a fixed term of your choice.

You will have peace of mind when it comes to your finances because there won’t be any unexpected changes to your income. That’s because it won’t be affected by changes to stock markets or interest rates - unlike other investment-based retirement income solutions.

How much income you receive depends on the size of your pension pot, your age, the rate the annuity provider offers and whether you choose a lifetime or fixed-term annuity. Poorer health or lifestyle may also affect your income, potentially qualifying you for more with an enhanced annuity. Purchasing a pension annuity is something you can do from age 55 (rising to 57 from April 2028).

Annuity rates differ from provider to provider, so that means comparing rates and income levels from each one is crucial. It could add thousands of pounds to your pocket over the course of your retirement. Compare More’s selected annuity specialists will do this for you, ensuring you access the best available deal and guaranteed income.

Why choose an annuity?

The main attraction of annuities is that they deliver care-free guaranteed income. You’ll always know how much your annuity will pay, and you’ll never worry about stock market changes affecting your lifestyle.

Guaranteed income

With an annuity you have a secure level of income for life or a fixed term, allowing you to budget more accurately.

Simplicity

Once your annuity is set up, you have nothing else to do. There’s no need to monitor a pension fund or manage investments.

Enhanced rates

You could benefit from better rates and a higher income if you have qualifying medical conditions or lifestyle choices.

Death benefits

You can include benefits for your spouse or any nominated beneficiary on your death, either income or a lump sum.

No investment risk

Your income is locked in, no matter what happens to the stock market or interest rates. Complete peace of mind.

No annual charges

The cost of setting up your annuity is built into your annuity rate, so there are no ongoing management charges.

Five star reviews for this annuity comparison service

Setting up your retirement income is a big decision, so it’s good news that our annuity comparison partners enjoy great feedback and an ‘excellent’ Trustpilot rating from customers who have used the service.

Best annuity quote

The annuity quotes were the best that I received.

Quotes from a range of providers

Everything explained, all questions answered, multiple quotes from a range of providers covering all options.

A company you can trust

Would highly recommend this company for annuity purchase… a company you can trust.

Thoroughly recommended

I couldn't have asked for a better service and would thoroughly recommend them.

The best option without any pressure

They took the time to understand what I was looking for, helping me select the best option without any pressure.

Considerably more than the existing provider

Found the best annuity rate for my father, which was considerably more than the rates offered by his existing provider.

What types of annuities are available?

Explore your options to find an annuity that’s best for you.

How to get your annuity quotes

How to get your annuity quotes

At Compare More we gather quotes on your behalf from the UK’s leading annuity providers. To help us show you quotes to match your circumstances and needs, we need to know:

Your pension savings

The value of your pension fund will impact the income you receive from your annuity. We also ask whether you wish to take any tax-free cash before buying your annuity, as this also affects your income.

When do you plan to retire?

Your retirement date is when you want your annuity to start and should be within two years for the most accurate quote.

Your personal details

You’ll need to share details like your age, postcode, whether you smoke and if you have any medical conditions as these will affect your annuity income. We also need some contact details so we can get in touch with information about your quotes. 

Tips for comparing annuities

Comparing annuities is one of the best ways to make sure you are getting the biggest possible income from your pension savings. Before you dive in, it is worth thinking about your priorities and getting clear on your options. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:

  • Lifetime or fixed-term? You may want to look at illustrations for lifetime and fixed-term annuities to see which works best for you.

  • Think about what matters most to you: Do you want regular monthly payments, protection against inflation, or to leave something behind for loved ones? Knowing your priorities will help you find the right fit.

  • Be upfront about your health: It might feel a bit personal, but being honest about your health and lifestyle could mean a bigger income. Providers offer enhanced annuities to people with medical conditions or certain lifestyle factors.

  • Inflation factor: A level annuity might look attractive at first because it pays more upfront, but inflation can chip away at its value over time. An inflation-linked option could give you peace of mind for the longer term.

  • Get expert help: Buying an annuity is a big decision, so it is worth doing properly. An annuity specialist can compare rates for you and explain how the various products and features work.

Taking the time to shop around can make a huge difference to your retirement income. The key is making sure your choice lines up with your goals and needs for the years ahead.

Answering your questions about annuities

Still unsure of a few things? We've got you covered with a few simple answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Annuity guides

Annuity tools and calculators

Page updated on 27th July 2025, Reviewed by Richard Groom