# What is flexi-access drawdown?

> Quick answer · Last updated 4 July 2026

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## In short

A way to keep pension savings invested while taking flexible taxable income — unlike an annuity, income is not guaranteed and the pot can run out if withdrawals or investment returns are too high.

You crystallise part of the pot, take up to 25% tax-free, and leave the rest invested.

Flexible taxable withdrawals trigger the £10,000 Money Purchase Annual Allowance.

See flexi-access drawdown basics and drawdown income guide.

## Related

- [Flexi-access drawdown basics](https://moneyguide.org.uk/pensions/flexi-access-drawdown-basics/)
- [Drawdown income guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk/pensions/pension-drawdown-income-guide/)
- [Drawdown vs annuity](https://moneyguide.org.uk/pensions/drawdown-vs-annuity/)

## Primary source

gov.uk/tax-on-your-private-pension/what-you-can-do-with-your-private-pension-pot

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.