What Is the Nationwide Peak 10?
The Nationwide Peak 10 is a fixed index annuity built for income. With a 25% immediate bonus to the income benefit base, an 8% simple interest roll-up for up to 10 years, and access to some of the highest participation rates available on a volatility-controlled index, it’s one of the most competitive income-focused FIAs on the market right now.
But it comes with a 10-year surrender period, a 1% annual rider fee, and a newer index with limited live track record. Here’s our full breakdown of how the Nationwide Peak 10 works, what the numbers actually look like, and who it’s best suited for.
Nationwide Peak 10 at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Fixed Index Annuity (FIA) |
| Carrier | Nationwide Life & Annuity Insurance Company |
| AM Best Rating | A+ (Superior) |
| Surrender Period | 10 years |
| Maximum Issue Age | Annuitant: 85 (single or joint); owner: any age |
| Free Withdrawals | 10% of contract value per year; RMDs also penalty-free even if over 10% |
| Income Rider | Bonus Income+ Rider, optional, 1.00% annual fee (max 1.20%) |
| Income Base Bonus | 25% at issue ($100K premium → $125K income base immediately) |
| Roll-Up Rate | 8% simple interest per year for up to 10 years |
| Market Value Adjustment | Yes, applies to surrenders and excess withdrawals during first 10 years |
| Qualified Funds | Traditional IRA, IRA Rollover, 401(k), Non-Qualified, 1035 Exchange |
How Much Income Does the Nationwide Peak 10 Pay?
| Bonus Income+ rider (male 60, $100,000) | Result |
|---|---|
| Income base on day one (25% bonus) | $125,000 |
| Roll-up | 8% simple, $10,000 a year for up to 10 years |
| Income base at 65 | $175,000 |
| Payout rate at 65 | 6.25% |
| Guaranteed income at 65 | $10,938 a year for life |
| Income base after a full 10-year wait | $225,000 |
- Rider fee: 1.00% a year (1.20% maximum), charged quarterly.
- Step-ups: if account value passes the income base on an anniversary, the base and income can rise.
- Early start allowed: income can begin as early as age 45.
- Run your own numbers: try our income rider calculator or the live quote below.
How Much Guaranteed Lifetime Income Can You Buy?
Live quotes from today’s carrier feedHypothetical Historical Rate of Return
The illustration split $100,000 evenly between the BNP Paribas Global H-Factor and the S&P 500 cap strategy.
| Strategy | Current rate | Best / worst / most recent 10 years |
|---|---|---|
| BNP Paribas Global H-Factor, 2-year | 295% participation, 1% spread | 21.36% / 11.74% / 12.05% |
| S&P 500, 1-year | 6.25% cap | 4.97% / 4.06% / 4.97% |
| 50/50 blend | – | 8.51% effective (most recent) |
- Illustrated result: $407,250 of lifetime income by age 96, with account value still above $300,000.
- Backtest caveat: the BNP index launched in April 2022, so most of its history is simulated.
- Benchmark it: compare the 6.25% cap with current fixed index annuity rates.
- MYGA benchmark: At today's top 10-year rate of 6.30% (compound), $100,000 grows to about $184,218 over 10 years, a gain of $84,218. See current MYGA rates.
Get your Nationwide Peak 10 illustration for your age and state
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Nationwide Peak 10 Strengths and Red Flags
What it does well
- 25% income bonus: $100,000 becomes a $125,000 income base on day one.
- Fast roll-up: 8% simple builds the base to $225,000 over 10 years.
- RMD friendly: RMDs are penalty-free even above the 10% free amount.
Red flags
- Steep early charges: 10% in years 1 and 2, plus an MVA for 10 years.
- Young headline index: BNP Paribas Global H-Factor launched in April 2022.
- Rider fee: 1.00% a year, up to 1.20%, reduces account growth.
- Bonus is income-only: you can’t surrender or pass on the income base.
Final verdict: the Nationwide Peak 10 is built for guaranteed lifetime income after a 5- to 10-year wait. It earns our 4.0 rating for buyers who can hold 10 years. For a 9-year Nationwide option with a 30% bonus, compare the New Heights Select 9 with the Nationwide Peak 10.
Compare live rates on 137 fixed index annuities or visit our annuity review database.
This review is for educational purposes only and is not a recommendation or an offer to sell any annuity. Product features, index options, and rates can and do vary by state, and this product is not available for sale in every state. Always request a carrier illustration and work with a licensed annuity agent before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nationwide Peak 10?
The Nationwide Peak 10 is a 10-year fixed index annuity issued by Nationwide Life & Annuity Insurance Company (AM Best A+). It's designed primarily as an income product, featuring an optional Bonus Income+ Rider with a 25% income base bonus and 8% simple interest roll-up for up to 10 years.
What is the 25% income base bonus?
When you purchase the annuity and elect the Bonus Income+ Rider, Nationwide adds 25% to your income benefit base (not your actual account value). A $100,000 premium creates a $125,000 income base on day one. This higher base is used to calculate your future guaranteed lifetime income payments.
How does the 8% roll-up work?
The income base grows at 8% simple interest per year during the deferral period (before you turn on income), for up to 10 years. On a $125,000 income base, that's $10,000 per year added to the base. After 10 years of deferral, the income base from a $100,000 premium would be $225,000 ($125K + $100K in roll-up credits).
Can I lose money with the Nationwide Peak 10?
If an index finishes a crediting period negative, your account is credited 0%, your principal is protected from market losses. However, the 1% annual rider fee is deducted from your account value, so your actual account value could decline slightly in years with no index credits. Also, surrender charges and the MVA could reduce your value if you withdraw early.
How does the Nationwide Peak 10 compare to the Corebridge Power 10 Protector?
Both are income-focused 10-year FIAs. The Nationwide Peak 10 offers a larger income base bonus (25% vs. Corebridge's) and an 8% roll-up, while the Corebridge Power 10 Protector offers a higher payout rate at age 65 (7.5% vs. 6.25%). Which produces more income depends on your age, premium, and deferral period. We recommend comparing personalized illustrations side by side.
