Funding Your Annuity
Funding your annuity is a crucial step in the process of securing your retirement income. There are several options available to you, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
You can use one or multiple funding sources (for example, part check and part IRA rollover). Keep in mind that using multiple sources may extend processing time, since each institution must release its portion of the funds separately.
Below, you'll find a breakdown of each funding option, estimated timelines, and what to expect after you've sent your funds.
Funding Options
1. Check
(Requires Shipping)
If you choose to fund your policy by check, you will need to send it to the insurance carrier via FedEx.
How it works
- You can print your prepaid FedEx label (from Blueprint Income) and bring it, along with your check, to any FedEx location. They’ll provide an envelope and mail it for you.
- You can also schedule a FedEx pick-up. If you would like FedEx to provide the envelope, request this when scheduling the pick-up.
- The insurance carrier receives and deposits the check before issuing your policy.
Processing time: 2-10 business days
💡 Tip: Mail your check as soon as possible to ensure your funds arrive within your rate lock period.
2. ACH Transfer / EFT (Checking or Savings)
With ACH, funds are automatically pulled from your checking or savings account once your signed application is in good order.
How it works
- You'll enter your bank account details securely as part of your online application.
- The carrier withdraws the amount directly from the account you provided.
Processing time: Within 1-5 business days of your application being finalized
📝 Note: You'll see the debit appear under the carrier's name, not Blueprint Income.
3. Wire Transfer
A wire transfer allows you to send funds directly from your financial institution to the insurance carrier.
How it works
- During the signing stage, we'll provide the wire instructions.
- You'll need to contact your bank to initiate the transfer.
Processing time: Usually arrives within the same business day
📝 Note: Some banks charge a small fee for outgoing wires. Check with your institution before initiating.
4. Annuity Exchange (1035)
An annuity exchange or 1035 exchange moves funds from an existing annuity or life insurance policy into your new annuity.
How it works
- You'll sign a transfer form and a replacement form during the application process. There is a transfer form for each account you're exchanging.
- The new carrier coordinates directly with your current carrier to move the funds.
Processing time: 4-5 weeks, depending on the sending company
📝 Note: If you would like to follow up on the status of your transfer, you will need to reach out to your current carrier directly.
5. Transfer of Qualified (IRA, 401(k), etc.) and Non-Qualified Funds (Brokerage)
If you're transferring funds from a qualified or non-qualified account, such as a Roth IRA, Roth IRA Exchange, Traditional IRA, Traditional IRA Exchange, 401(a), 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), or a brokerage account, your current institution will work with the insurance carrier to complete the transfer.
How it works
- You'll complete transfer paperwork as part of your application.
- The insurance carrier coordinates directly with your current institution.
Processing time: 4-5 weeks, depending on the sending company
📝 Note: Transfers can vary based on how quickly your current institution processes requests.
Note: Processing times are estimates and can vary by carrier and funding institution.
Things to Know
Rate Lock Period
For MYGAs and FIAs, your interest rate is locked once your final application is signed and submitted to the insurance carrier. The exact rate lock period varies by funding type, and the funding must be received by the carrier before the lock expires. For cash applications (check, wire, ACH) the rate lock period is typically 7-10 days. For all other funding types, the rate lock period is typically 45–60 days.
For income annuities, quotes are locked for 7-14 days.
Status Updates
You'll receive email updates as your application moves through each step—submitted, signed, funded, and issued.
Tracking Your Progress
You can check your application status anytime in your Blueprint Income online account on the Applications page.
Compare Your Options
SOURCE
HOW IT WORKS
PROCESSING TIME
TIPS
CHECK
Bring your check and prepaid FedEx label to any FedEx location or schedule a FedEx pick-up.
2–10 business days
Mail early to ensure funds arrive within your rate lock period.
ACH TRANSFER / EFT (CHECKING OR SAVINGS)
Funds are electronically withdrawn directly from the account you provided once your application is signed and in good order.
1-5 business days
Some banks have daily or per-transaction limits on ACH transfers.
WIRE TRANSFER
Your bank initiates the wire after you receive instructions from Blueprint Income.
Usually same business day
Fastest funding option, but note that your bank may charge a fee.
ANNUITY EXCHANGE (1035)
The existing insurer sends funds directly to the new insurer after verifying paperwork.
4-5 weeks
To prevent rejection, make sure both policy numbers, as well as your name, are accurate. Include a middle initial if needed.
TRANSFER OF QUALIFIED (IRA, 401(K), ETC.) AND NON-QUALIFIED FUNDS (BROKERAGE)
Blueprint Income provides transfer forms; your current institution will work with the insurance carrier to complete the transfer.
4-5 weeks
For qualified transfers, check if your employer requires plan approval or additional documentation.
CHECK
HOW IT WORKS
Bring your check and prepaid FedEx label to any FedEx location or schedule a FedEx pick-up.
PROCESSING TIME
2–10 business days
TIPS
Mail early to ensure funds arrive within your rate lock period.
ACH TRANSFER / EFT (CHECKING OR SAVINGS)
HOW IT WORKS
Funds are electronically withdrawn directly from the account you provided once your application is signed and in good order.
PROCESSING TIME
1-5 business days
TIPS
Some banks have daily or per-transaction limits on ACH transfers.
WIRE TRANSFER
HOW IT WORKS
Your bank initiates the wire after you receive instructions from Blueprint Income.
PROCESSING TIME
Usually same business day
TIPS
Fastest funding option, but note that your bank may charge a fee.
ANNUITY EXCHANGE (1035)
HOW IT WORKS
The existing insurer sends funds directly to the new insurer after verifying paperwork.
PROCESSING TIME
4-5 weeks
TIPS
To prevent rejection, make sure both policy numbers, as well as your name, are accurate. Include a middle initial if needed.
TRANSFER OF QUALIFIED (IRA, 401(K), ETC.) AND NON-QUALIFIED FUNDS (BROKERAGE)
HOW IT WORKS
Blueprint Income provides transfer forms; your current institution will work with the insurance carrier to complete the transfer.
PROCESSING TIME
4-5 weeks
TIPS
For qualified transfers, check if your employer requires plan approval or additional documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need help?
Schedule a call with one of our annuity specialists to learn about your options and determine which annuity may be right for you. Also see our full list of FAQs.
For assistance with your online experience, please call (888) 867-7620.