Savers shift cash from pensions to bank accounts despite tax hit

clock

Royal London is to heighten warnings it gives to pensions freedom retirees looking to encash their pots as hundreds of savers withdraw cash with the intention of keeping it in bank accounts.

The provider said it feared many people who are taking advantage of pensions freedom were unaware of the consequences of leaving the pension tax wrapper. A survey of 800 Royal London customers who had made the decision to utilise pensions freedom found nearly 70% wanted to encash their pots in full. A quarter of pension payouts will be tax-free with the rest, 75%, taxed at the person's marginal rate. Royal London said 16% of those polled wanted to use their money to clear their mortgage or other debts. However, 32% said they were withdrawing their pension cash to put it into anot...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Income

Targeted support: FCA rules out specific annuity suggestions

Targeted support: FCA rules out specific annuity suggestions

Firms must signpost consumers to MoneyHelper’s annuities comparison tool

Jenna Brown
clock 30 June 2025 • 3 min read
How annuity underwriting needs to change to meet Consumer Duty

How annuity underwriting needs to change to meet Consumer Duty

'This is an industry systematically delivering poor outcomes'

Andrew Gething
clock 24 June 2025 • 4 min read
Annuities in a post-freedoms world: The need for rebranding and repositioning

Annuities in a post-freedoms world: The need for rebranding and repositioning

‘The challenges facing today’s retirees are intensifying’

Steve Butler
clock 22 May 2025 • 4 min read