The Nationwide Secure Growth Annuity is a fixed or fixed-indexed annuity designed to help you accumulate retirement savings with principal protection and the potential for growth through fixed-rate or index-linked interest crediting. It’s structured to offer a balance of safety and upside potential over a multi-year horizon.

You may choose between a guaranteed fixed-interest option or one or more index-linked crediting strategies. If using an index option, interest credits are calculated using caps, participation rates, or spreads. Your money is not directly invested in the stock market — only the crediting formula is linked to index performance.

Yes. Because this is a fixed or fixed-indexed annuity, the accumulation value (your principal plus any credited interest) is shielded from market losses. Negative index performance simply results in no credited interest for that period — it does not reduce your account value, assuming no withdrawals or other contract actions occur.

Many contracts allow limited annual free withdrawals after the first contract year, often up to a small percentage of account value without surrender charges. However, withdrawals above that amount or early surrender during the surrender-charge period may trigger fees or reduce future crediting or benefit features.

Early surrender or withdrawals beyond permitted free-withdrawals may lead to surrender charges, reductions in credited interest or benefits, and potential loss of optional rider features. That can significantly affect long-term value, so this annuity is best suited for funds you can leave invested for the term.

Depending on the version, you may have the option to add riders or convert the annuity into income — providing structured payouts or lifetime income. Evaluate income-option terms, payout amounts, and any associated fees carefully before selecting that path.

Earnings accumulate on a tax-deferred basis. When you take withdrawals or begin income payments, earnings are taxed as ordinary income. Withdrawals made before age 59½ may also be subject to additional IRS penalties, as with other annuities.

If the contract includes a death-benefit or beneficiary provision, your heirs may receive a benefit based on the accumulation value or a guaranteed minimum. If income payments have started, payout options like joint-life or period-certain may allow continuation for a spouse or beneficiary, depending on the selected terms.

This annuity may suit individuals who want to combine safety of principal with potential for modest growth — people who value downside protection but still want upside potential, and who are comfortable locking in funds for multiple years. It can work well for retirement accumulation or as a conservative growth component in a diversified portfolio. You might compare it alongside other secure options in our fixed indexed annuity primer.

Before buying, examine the crediting method (fixed vs index), surrender-charge schedule, free-withdrawal provisions, liquidity needs, and any optional riders or income features. Ensure the contract’s structure aligns with your time horizon, risk tolerance, and retirement goals.