Variable Annuity Fees & Expenses

About Fees and Expenses

In return for the benefits and protection that annuities provide, they also carry fees and expenses. The following are expenses or fees that may apply to your variable annuity contract.

Annual Charges

This fee covers administrative costs and is waived for contract values of $50,000 or more.

Mortality and Expense Fee (M&E)

Generally all variable annuities carry and M&E fee. M&E covers the cost of distribution, administration and the insurance benefits associated with a variable annuity.

Subaccount Management Fees

These fees cover the cost of managing your annuity's investment accounts. Fees are assessed by the individual subaccount managers and may vary by fund and fund company.

Surrender Charges

Variable annuities have early withdrawal charges referred to as "surrender charges," which are charged if you withdraw funds before a certain period of time has elapsed. These fees typically decrease each year, ending after a specific time period. RiverSource annuities offer surrender charge schedules of zero, three, seven and 10 years, depending upon the contract you choose. However if you need immediate access to a portion of your money, each year you can access your earnings or up to 10% of your contract anniversary value, which ever is greater, free of surrender charges.

RiverSource Distributors, Inc. (Distributor), Member FINRA. Insurance and annuity products are issued by RiverSource Life Insurance Company and in New York, by RiverSource Life Insurance Co. of New York, Albany, New York. Only RiverSource Life Insurance Co. of New York is authorized to sell insurance and annuities in New York.