Registered Index-Linked Annuities

Market upside with buffer protection. The fastest-growing annuity type.

No caps on gains • Downside buffer • More growth potential than FIAs

How RILA Buffers Work

You participate in market gains (no cap) but are protected from the first 10-20% of losses

↑

✓ Unlimited Upside

If S&P 500 gains 20%, you get 20%

+25% → You Get +25%

0% Line

Your principal is here

🛡️ Buffer Zone (Protected)

Buffer absorbs first 10% of market losses

Market -8% → You Get 0%

✗ You Take Losses Beyond Buffer

Market -15% → You Get -5%

↓

Example: Good Year

S&P 500 returns +18%
Your RILA: +18% (full upside)
Traditional FIA: +11% (capped)

Example: Bad Year

S&P 500 returns -12%
Your RILA: -2% (buffer absorbed 10%)
Traditional FIA: 0% (full protection)

📊 Model Your Growth Scenarios

Investment Amount

Investment Period

Your Age

Choose Your Buffer Level

Higher buffer = more protection but slightly lower upside potential

10%

Standard Buffer

Your Projected Returns

$250,000 investment • 6-year term • 15% buffer

Strong Market (+10% avg/year)

+79%

$250,000 → $447,500

What this means: In years when market performs well, you capture the full upside with no cap. Your $250K grows to nearly $450K.

Average Market (+7% avg/year)

+50%

$250,000 → $375,000

What this means: Historical average returns. Your money grows steadily with protection during down years.

Volatile Market (±15% swings)

+12%

$250,000 → $280,000

What this means: Even in volatile periods with multiple down years, your buffer protects against many losses. Still end positive.

💡 Key Takeaway

With a RILA, you get full market upside potential (no 10-12% caps like FIAs) while still being protected from moderate losses. Perfect for investors who want growth but can't stomach full market risk.

Browse All RILAs

RILAs vs FIAs vs Index Funds

Understanding the key differences

RILA

Fixed Index (FIA)

Index Fund

Upside Potential

Unlimited (no cap)

10-12% cap

Unlimited

Downside Protection

Buffer (10-20%)

0% floor (full)

None

Can You Lose Money?

Yes (beyond buffer)

Yes (unlimited)

Tax Treatment

Tax-deferred

Taxed annually

Liquidity

Low (surrender charges)

High (sell anytime)

Fees

Built-in costs

Very low (0.03%)

Best For

Growth seekers who accept some risk

Safety-first investors

Long-term growth

Why RILAs Are Exploding in Popularity

🚀

No Caps on Gains

Unlike FIAs, your upside isn't limited. Market gains 25%? You get 25%.

🛡️

Downside Buffer

Choose 10-20% buffer. Protects you from typical market corrections.

💰

Tax-Deferred Growth

No annual taxes on gains. Compound growth tax-free until withdrawal.

📊

Multiple Index Options

Track S&P 500, Russell 2000, or multi-asset strategies. You choose.

🔄

Flexible Terms

Choose 1, 3, 6, or 10-year terms. Adjust strategy as markets change.

⚖️

SEC Regulated

RILAs are securities. Full disclosure, prospectus required. Transparent.

🎯

Customizable Risk

Choose your comfort level: 10% buffer (more growth) or 20% (more protection).

📈

Performance Trigger

Some offer "step-up" features. Lock in gains and reset your protection.

RILA vs Fixed Index Annuity: The Real Difference

Both offer market participation + protection, but they work very differently

🎯 RILA (Registered Index-Linked)

                            ✓
                            Unlimited upside: Market gains 30%? You get 30%
                        
                            ✓
                            Downside buffer: Protected from first 10-20% of losses
                        
                            ✓
                            Can lose money: Yes, if market drops beyond buffer
                        
                            ✓
                            Best for: Growth seekers comfortable with some risk
                        
                            ✓
                            Regulation: SEC-registered security (prospectus required)
                        
                            ✓
                            Risk level: Medium (between FIA and index fund)

⚡ FIA (Fixed Index Annuity)

✓ Capped upside: Limited to 10-12% even if market gains more

✓ Full downside protection: 0% floor, can never lose money

✓ Can lose money: No, principal always protected

✓ Best for: Safety-first investors who can't stomach losses

✓ Regulation: Insurance product (state regulated)

✓ Risk level: Low (principal guaranteed)

Which Should You Choose?

Choose RILA if:

• You want maximum growth potential
• You can handle some losses (5-10%)
• FIA caps frustrate you
• 10+ years until retirement

Choose FIA if:

• Principal protection is non-negotiable
• You can't stomach ANY losses
• 10-12% returns are acceptable
• 5-7 years until retirement

Browse All RILA Products

83 RILAs from 24 carriers • Updated daily

Brighthouse

A AM Best

Buffer

15%

Shield Level Protection

Term

6 Year

Index

S&P 500

Upside

Uncapped

Min

$10K

Step-Up Feature Free Withdrawal 10%

View Details →

Allianz

A+ AM Best

Buffer

10%

Benefit Control

Term

6 Year

Index

Multi-Asset

Upside

Uncapped

Min

$10K

Multiple Indices

View Details →

Lincoln Financial

A+ AM Best

Buffer

20%

OptiBlend Plus

Term

6 Year

Index

S&P 500

Upside

Uncapped

Min

$25K

Max Buffer Income Rider

View Details →