Highest Annuity Rates Today
Jason Stolz CLTC, CRPC
Explore today’s highest annuity rates and see how to lock in top yields for guaranteed, principal-protected growth. This page focuses on fixed-rate deferred annuities and MYGAs (Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities), where the crediting rate is guaranteed for the entire term. Use the table as a benchmark, then confirm live quotes for your state and deposit size, since “highest” rates can shift with market conditions, premium tiers, and carrier availability.
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What “Highest Rates” Really Means (And Why the Headline Number Isn’t the Whole Story)
When you see “highest annuity rates today,” it usually refers to the strongest published yields available on fixed annuities or MYGAs for specific guarantee terms—such as 3, 5, 7, or 10 years. That benchmark matters because it tells you what the market is paying for guaranteed growth right now. But it’s also important to evaluate the contract features that determine how usable that rate is in real life.
Two contracts can show similar rates while behaving very differently if you need access to funds during the term, if the surrender schedule is aggressive early on, or if the annuity includes a Market Value Adjustment (MVA). Rates can also vary by state and premium band, meaning the “highest” rate for one deposit amount might not be the same for another deposit amount with the same carrier. That’s why the safest approach is to treat the table below as your baseline, and then verify your live offers before committing.
How Fixed Annuities Deliver Guaranteed Growth
Fixed annuities and MYGAs are designed for clarity and predictability. You deposit premium, the carrier guarantees a declared interest rate for the stated term, and the contract credits interest according to the insurer’s schedule. You’re not exposed to stock market declines, and you’re not depending on market performance to achieve your result. In return, you agree to a surrender period that typically aligns with the length of the guarantee.
The contract’s “real value” is the combination of (1) the guaranteed rate, (2) the surrender schedule, (3) any free-withdrawal provisions, and (4) the rules at maturity. A strong rate can be an excellent fit when the term and access rules match your timeline. If they don’t, the “highest rate” may not be the best option for your plan, even if it looks perfect in a rate table.
Liquidity, Access Rules, and Why Term Choice Matters
Term length often drives the conversation, but access rules are where most people feel the difference between two similar-looking annuities. Many fixed annuities allow a limited amount of penalty-free withdrawals each year, often expressed as a percentage of the account value, and many offer special provisions that can help with required distributions in qualified accounts. The details vary by carrier, contract, and state, so you should confirm how the free-withdrawal feature works before you decide that a longer term is “worth it” for a slightly higher yield.
It’s also important to understand the role of MVAs. An MVA can adjust your surrender value up or down if you take withdrawals above free-withdrawal limits (or fully surrender) during the term. An MVA does not change the credited rate, but it can affect your cash-out value if you exit early. If you want maximum simplicity, you can compare products with and without MVAs side by side and decide which structure fits your comfort level.
Finally, maturity rules matter. At the end of the term, most contracts provide a window in which you can renew, transfer, or withdraw without surrender charges. Knowing the length of that window and the “default action” if no choice is made helps you stay in control as your annuity matures.
💰 Highest Annuity Rates by Term (1–10 Years) as of Feb 2026
The snapshot below lists popular top-yield options across each common term length. Rates are illustrative and change frequently—use the quote button for live, carrier-verified figures.
| Term | Rate | Provider | Product | AM Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | 4.15% | GCU Life | 1+4 Choice | A- |
| 2 Years | 5.25% | CL Life | CL Sundance | B++ |
| 3 Years | 5.85% | Wichita National | Security 3 | B+ |
| 4 Years | 5.10% | Oceanview | Harbourview | A |
| 5 Years | 6.30% | American Gulf | Anchor MYGA | B++ |
| 6 Years | 6.30% | American Gulf | Anchor MYGA | B++ |
| 7 Years | 6.30% | American Gulf | Anchor MYGA | B++ |
| 8 Years | 5.40% | EquiTrust | Certainty Select | B++ |
| 9 Years | 5.30% | Talcott Financial | EverStead | A- |
| 10 Years | 6.05% | Wichita National | Security MYGA | B+ |
Rates are subject to change and may vary by state, age, and premium band. Larger deposits may qualify for different tiers.
Example: Turning High Rates Into a Flexible Plan
Chasing a single “best” term can feel clean, but many people prefer a ladder because it creates future decision points. For example, you might allocate $300,000 across a 3-, 5-, and 10-year ladder. The shorter maturity can provide a near-term reset opportunity, the middle rung can balance yield and timing, and the longer term can lock a competitive rate for a longer horizon. This structure can help you manage reinvestment risk while keeping part of the portfolio coming due on a schedule you control.
A ladder can also reduce the stress of picking the “perfect” time to lock a rate. Instead of betting everything on one term today, you spread timing risk across multiple maturities. If rates rise later, you have funds coming due sooner that can re-price. If rates fall later, you still have a portion locked at today’s higher yield.
When “Highest Rates” Might Not Be the Best Fit
There are situations where the highest published rate is less important than the contract’s access rules and surrender design. If you anticipate meaningful withdrawals early in the term, it’s often better to prioritize liquidity provisions and a surrender schedule you can live with. If you’re using qualified funds and need predictable distributions, you may want to confirm how the contract treats RMD withdrawals and whether any waivers apply. If you want index-linked upside rather than a fixed declared rate, you may compare against fixed indexed annuity options instead of purely rate-driven MYGAs.
The main point is that “highest rates today” should be the start of a decision—not the whole decision. The best outcome comes from matching term and access rules to your timeline, then selecting the strongest available yield within that structure.
Benchmark Guaranteed Income Options (Tool Below)
Even if your primary goal is accumulation, it can be useful to benchmark how lifetime income illustrations compare at different ages. The tool below helps you explore income rider scenarios and see how a protected income stream might look if you decide to convert a portion of assets into lifetime withdrawals later.
What’s Next?
We’ll verify live rates, eligibility, and liquidity features, then show you a side-by-side comparison tailored to your timeline. If you also want to compare upfront-credit products, we can include current bonus annuity rates so you can evaluate how bonus designs stack up against clean fixed-rate contracts.
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Related Pages to Explore
Use these pages to compare annuity structures, understand trade-offs, and evaluate income-focused options alongside rate-driven MYGAs.
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FAQs: Highest Annuity Rates Today
Why are some annuity rates higher than others?
High rates often come with longer terms, lower-rated carriers, larger minimum deposits, or product features that reduce liquidity. Always balance yield and risk.
How often do annuity rates change?
Carriers update rates based on interest-rate movements, investment yields, and product demand. Some update weekly or even daily.
Can I lock today’s rate if the paperwork isn’t finished immediately?
Many carriers offer a rate-lock window (30-60 days) from application receipt, but terms vary. Confirm the lock policy when you apply.
What happens after the term ends?
At maturity, you’ll typically receive a maturity notice and options: withdraw, renew at a new rate, transfer, or roll into income. Review the carrier’s renewal rules.
Is it smart to chase the highest rate at any cost?
Not always. A slightly lower rate from a stronger insurer may be a better long-term fit—especially if you value carrier strength and liquidity. Prioritize both yield and contract terms.
About the Author:
Jason Stolz, CLTC, CRPC, is a senior insurance and retirement professional with more than two decades of real-world experience helping individuals, families, and business owners protect their income, assets, and long-term financial stability. As a long-time partner of the nationally licensed independent agency Diversified Insurance Brokers, Jason provides trusted guidance across multiple specialties—including fixed and indexed annuities, long-term care planning, personal and business disability insurance, life insurance solutions, and short-term health coverage. Diversified Insurance Brokers maintains active contracts with over 100 highly rated insurance carriers, ensuring clients have access to a broad and competitive marketplace.
His practical, education-first approach has earned recognition in publications such as VoyageATL, highlighting his commitment to financial clarity and client-focused planning. Drawing on deep product knowledge and years of hands-on field experience, Jason helps clients evaluate carriers, compare strategies, and build retirement and protection plans that are both secure and cost-efficient.
