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FSCS guide to pension protection

Ask these key questions to make sure your pension is protected

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Choosing or moving your pension is a big decision, so it's natural to feel confused and overwhelmed. 

At FSCS want you to feel confident and in control of your finances. That's why we've created a set of key questions to ask your pension provider when you're considering where to put your money. It's really important you know how much of your money FSCS can protect before you sign up to anything, just in case something goes wrong. 

You might also be interested in our Bank and Savings checker, as well as our Investment protection guide.

See also our pension protection limits.

Ask your pension provider or independent financial adviser these questions

If you're getting a pension, or thinking of changing it, ask

  1. Does FSCS protect my pension?
  2. How much of my pension pot is protected?
  3. Other than FSCS, are there any other protections available for this pension?
  4. Am I still protected if I buy an annuity?
  5. What if I buy other products with my pension pot?
  6. What would happen to my pension if something happened to your business?
  7. If I transfer money across from an existing pension, will that also be protected?

If you're talking to your financial adviser, ask

  1. Are you an FCA authorised financial adviser?
  2. Does FSCS protect the advice you give about my pension
    if it turns out to be bad advice?
  3. How much of my pension pot is protected if I lose money
    because of the advice you give?
  4. What would happen if something happened to your business,
    and I lose money because of the advice you gave me?

Thinking about getting or changing your pension?

Step 1 - Check

If you're considering switching your pension or taking out a new one, search the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) register to check that it authorises your new pension provider.
Use the questions above or download the key questions (pdf 215KB) to ask any pension provider about your FSCS protection.

Further reading

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Learn more about pensions

Visit the MoneyHelper website for a welath of retirement and pension information.
Visit the MoneyHelper site
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Protect yourself from scams

Protect your hard-earned money by being able to spot the signs of a scam.
Visit the FCA's site
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Learn more about financial advisers

Learn more about financial advisors. Find out what a financial adviser does, and how to choose one.
Visit the MoneyHelper site
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