The Standard Keystone Index 10 Fixed Indexed Annuity – Safe Accumulation with Market Potential
At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we specialize in designing annuity strategies that bring together protection, disciplined growth, and long-term retirement income stability. For individuals who want exposure to market-based upside without placing their principal at risk, the Keystone Index 10 Fixed Indexed Annuity from The Standard represents a compelling balance of guarantees and opportunity. In today’s volatile environment—where equity markets fluctuate sharply and interest rates remain dynamic—many pre-retirees and retirees are looking for a middle ground between conservative fixed returns and direct market exposure. The Keystone Index 10 is built precisely for that purpose: structured accumulation with contractual safeguards and defined crediting strategies.
This annuity offers multiple crediting approaches designed to align with varying risk comfort levels and growth objectives. Policyholders may select from S&P 500-linked strategies featuring cap rates or participation rate structures, or allocate funds to a fixed interest strategy that provides guaranteed steady accumulation. Regardless of strategy selection, the contract includes a minimum guaranteed interest rate of 3.00%, establishing a foundational layer of long-term value. For investors exploring how indexed annuities compare to traditional fixed contracts, reviewing how a fixed indexed annuity works can clarify how caps, spreads, and participation rates influence performance while preserving principal through a 0% floor. Unlike variable annuities, indexed annuities do not directly invest in the stock market; instead, they credit interest based on index performance within defined limits, shielding the contract from negative market years.
One of the distinguishing strengths of the Keystone Index 10 is its Guaranteed Minimum Annuity Value (GMAV), which ensures that the contract maintains long-term structural value regardless of index volatility. For retirees concerned about sequence-of-returns risk—particularly in the early years of retirement—this guarantee can provide peace of mind. The annuity also allows penalty-free withdrawals up to 10% annually beginning in year one, offering liquidity without undermining the broader accumulation objective. Health-related waivers for terminal illness and nursing home confinement add further flexibility, ensuring that unforeseen life events do not force difficult financial decisions.
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For clients funding retirement accounts, understanding distribution rules is equally important. The Keystone Index 10 can be structured within qualified accounts such as IRAs, and required minimum distributions can be accommodated under contract provisions. If you are approaching RMD age, reviewing RMD updates under SECURE 2.0 ensures your annuity strategy aligns with evolving federal guidelines. Strategic coordination between accumulation vehicles and distribution requirements helps prevent unnecessary penalties and enhances long-term planning efficiency.
Income flexibility is another consideration for many investors evaluating indexed annuities. While the Keystone Index 10 focuses on protected growth, it can also integrate with income planning strategies depending on long-term objectives. To understand how income riders convert accumulation values into guaranteed lifetime payouts, explore our resource on how annuity income riders work. Combining accumulation and income planning within a broader retirement framework often produces greater stability than relying solely on portfolio withdrawals subject to market conditions.
When comparing annuities across carriers, evaluating surrender schedules, liquidity features, crediting methods, and financial strength ratings is essential. Diversified Insurance Brokers works with more than 75 top-rated carriers to provide side-by-side comparisons tailored to your timeline, tax situation, and income objectives. Some investors prioritize bonus structures—reviewing current bonus annuity rates—while others focus strictly on fixed guarantees through current fixed annuity rates. The key is alignment. The Keystone Index 10 may be ideal for individuals who want measured growth potential with strong contractual backstops rather than purely rate-driven returns.
Because interest crediting in indexed annuities depends on declared caps and participation rates, ongoing monitoring is important. While guarantees provide downside protection, upside potential varies by crediting term and carrier adjustments. Our advisory process includes reviewing allocation options annually to ensure continued alignment with your objectives. This active oversight differentiates strategic annuity planning from one-time product selection.
Tax deferral further enhances the long-term compounding effect. Earnings inside the annuity accumulate without annual taxation, allowing growth to build uninterrupted. For non-qualified funds, taxation occurs only upon withdrawal, typically on a last-in, first-out basis. This structure can be particularly advantageous for investors in higher marginal tax brackets during their working years who anticipate lower brackets during retirement.
Ultimately, the Keystone Index 10 is designed for investors who want structure—not speculation. It offers principal protection, diversified crediting strategies, a guaranteed interest floor, and liquidity access that supports real-life flexibility. In uncertain markets, those characteristics matter.
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Ready to explore this annuity in more detail—or compare it with other carriers to see if even higher rates are available? With guaranteed income, principal protection, and long-term growth potential on the line, making the right choice is essential. The experienced advisors at Diversified Insurance Brokers will guide you through the options and design a strategy tailored to your retirement goals.
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FAQs: The Standard Keystone Index 10
What is The Standard Keystone Index 10?
The Standard Keystone Index 10 is a fixed indexed annuity designed for long-term retirement accumulation. It offers principal protection, index-linked growth potential, and a 10-year surrender charge period.
How does interest grow in the Keystone Index 10?
Interest is credited based on the performance of one or more external market indices, using caps, participation rates, or spreads. When the index performs well, you may receive credited interest; when it performs poorly, your account does not lose value due to market declines.
Does the Keystone Index 10 include a fixed interest option?
Yes. In addition to indexed crediting strategies, the contract includes a fixed interest option that earns a declared rate for a set period, providing a more predictable return within the annuity.
What liquidity options are available?
The Keystone Index 10 generally offers annual penalty-free withdrawals up to a specified percentage of the contract value, typically after the first contract year. Withdrawals above that amount during the surrender period may be subject to charges and potential market value adjustment.
Is my principal guaranteed?
Yes. As long as you follow the contract terms, your principal is protected from market losses. Negative index performance will not reduce your account value due to market declines, although fees and withdrawals can reduce values.
Are income or benefit riders available?
The Keystone Index 10 may offer optional riders, such as guaranteed lifetime income or enhanced benefits, for an additional charge. These riders are designed to provide predictable income or added protection, depending on your goals.
What is the surrender charge period?
The Standard Keystone Index 10 uses a 10-year surrender charge schedule. Surrender charges generally decline over time. Full or excess withdrawals during this period may incur charges and could reduce your benefits.
Who might consider the Keystone Index 10?
This annuity may appeal to conservative or moderate investors who want principal protection, the potential for higher returns than traditional fixed accounts, and are comfortable committing funds for up to 10 years in exchange for those benefits.
About the Author:
Jason Stolz, CLTC, CRPC and Chief Underwriter at Diversified Insurance Brokers (NPN 20471358), is a senior insurance and retirement professional with more than two decades of real-world experience helping individuals, families, and business owners protect their income, assets, and long-term financial stability. As a long-time partner of the nationally licensed independent agency Diversified Insurance Brokers, Jason provides trusted guidance across multiple specialties—including fixed and indexed annuities, long-term care planning, personal and business disability insurance, life insurance solutions, Group Health, and short-term health coverage. Diversified Insurance Brokers maintains active contracts with over 100 highly rated insurance carriers, ensuring clients have access to a broad and competitive marketplace.
His practical, education-first approach has earned recognition in publications such as VoyageATL, highlighting his commitment to financial clarity and client-focused planning. Drawing on deep product knowledge and years of hands-on field experience, Jason helps clients evaluate carriers, compare strategies, and build retirement and protection plans that are both secure and cost-efficient. Visitors who want to explore current annuity rates and compare options across multiple insurers can also use this annuity quote and comparison tool.
