Can I buy a fixed annuity online without a broker?

Yes. Annuital lets you compare and apply for fixed annuities directly online — no sales pressure. You can browse today's rates from Nassau, Oceanview, and F&G, get a free quote, and submit your application in minutes. Our licensed agents are available to answer questions if needed, but you are never required to speak with anyone to apply.

What are today's best fixed annuity rates?

Today's best fixed annuity (MYGA) rates reach up to 5.55% APY from A-rated carriers — more than 1% higher than the best 5-year CD rates currently available at banks. Rates vary by term (3, 5, or 7 years), premium amount, and state. Compare current live rates at Annuital.com.

How does a fixed annuity compare to a CD in 2026?

Fixed annuities (MYGAs) typically pay 1–1.5% more APY than the best CD rates in 2026 — up to 5.55% APY vs. ~4.20% for a 5-year CD. Unlike CDs, annuity interest grows tax-deferred, meaning you don't pay taxes until withdrawal. Both are principal-protected, but MYGAs offer compounding tax-deferred growth that CDs cannot match for retirement savings.

What is a multi-year guaranteed annuity (MYGA)?

A MYGA (multi-year guaranteed annuity) is a fixed annuity that locks in a guaranteed interest rate for a set term — typically 3, 5, or 7 years. Your principal is 100% protected, the rate never changes during your term, and all growth is tax-deferred. It works like a CD but with higher rates and better tax treatment for retirement savings.

How long does it take to buy a fixed annuity from Annuital?

Most applicants can complete the online application in under 10 minutes. You'll need your Social Security number and bank or rollover account information. Funding via electronic bank transfer is typically the fastest option. Once approved, your annuity contract is issued and your guaranteed rate is locked.

Are there fees when buying through Annuital?

The rate you see is the rate you earn. Surrender charges may apply if you withdraw more than the allowed penalty-free amount during the surrender period.

How safe are fixed annuities?

Fixed annuities are backed by the financial strength of AM Best-rated insurance carriers and state guaranty associations (typically up to $250,000 per carrier per state). Your principal is 100% guaranteed and protected from market losses. All carriers on Annuital are rated B++ or better by AM Best.

Can I withdraw money from a fixed annuity?

Most fixed annuities allow penalty-free withdrawals of up to 10% of your account value per year. Withdrawals above that during the surrender period incur surrender charges. After the surrender period ends, you can access your full balance penalty-free. Withdrawals before age 59½ may be subject to a 10% IRS penalty on gains.

What is the minimum investment for a fixed annuity?

The minimum investment on Annuital starts at $10,000 for Nassau's MYAnnuity products and $20,000 for Oceanview and F&G products. There is no maximum investment limit. You can fund with a lump sum bank transfer, IRA rollover, or 401(k) transfer.

What states does Annuital serve?

Annuital is licensed to sell fixed annuities in Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Services are not available to residents of California or New York.

What is defined outcome investing?

Defined outcome investing means you know your worst-case and best-case returns before you invest. Instead of exposing your savings to unknown market swings, a defined outcome product sets clear boundaries on your risk — your guaranteed rate, your floor, or your monthly income is established on day one. Fixed annuities (MYGAs), fixed indexed annuities (FIAs), and immediate annuities are all defined outcome products.

How does defined outcome investing work?

A defined outcome product defines your return range upfront. A multi-year guaranteed annuity (MYGA) locks in a guaranteed interest rate for a set term. A fixed indexed annuity (FIA) credits a portion of an index's gains with a 0% floor, so your balance never falls below your principal. An immediate annuity converts a lump sum into guaranteed lifetime income. In every case, the outcome is known before you commit.

Is defined outcome investing safe?

Defined outcome products issued by insurance carriers are 100% principal protected and backed by the financial strength of AM Best B++ or better rated insurers, with additional protection from state guaranty associations. They are not FDIC insured and are subject to surrender charges for early withdrawals, but your principal is protected from market losses.

What is the difference between defined outcome investing and a regular investment?

A regular stock or mutual fund investment has an unknown outcome — your return depends entirely on market performance and can be negative. A defined outcome product sets boundaries: your worst case (the floor) and best case (the cap or guaranteed rate) are defined before you invest, removing the guesswork and market anxiety from retirement savings.

Who is defined outcome investing for?

Defined outcome investing is ideal for retirees and pre-retirees in drawdown who can't afford a market crash, savers who want a higher guaranteed rate than a bank CD, and anyone who needs income that lasts as long as they do. Annuital offers three defined outcome strategies: LockIn (guaranteed rate MYGA), IndexedUp (fixed indexed annuity with a floor), and Paycheck (lifetime income annuity).

Annuity Education

What Is a Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA)?

Market-linked upside with a guaranteed floor. Your principal is 100% protected — you participate in gains, never in losses.

What Is a Fixed Indexed Annuity?

A Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) is a fixed annuity that credits interest based on the performance of a market index — most commonly the S&P 500. Unlike a direct stock investment, your principal is 100% protected: if the index goes down, you earn 0% for that period but never lose a penny of principal. If the index goes up, you earn a portion of the gain, subject to a cap, participation rate, or spread.

FIAs are designed for savers who want some exposure to market upside without taking on market risk. They're popular with pre-retirees and retirees who have a 7–10 year horizon and want growth potential paired with a guaranteed floor.

0% Floor

Your principal is fully protected. In a down market, you earn 0% — never a loss.

Market-Linked Upside

Earn a portion of index gains in up years, capped by the contract terms.

Tax-Deferred Growth

Interest compounds tax-free until withdrawal. No annual 1099.

How an FIA Credits Interest

An FIA uses three main mechanisms to determine how much of the index gain you receive:

Participation Rate

The percentage of the index gain you receive. A 60% rate on a 12% index gain = 7.2% credited to you.

Cap Rate

The maximum interest you can earn in a period. A 7% cap on a 15% index gain = 7% credited to you.

Spread / Margin

A flat percentage subtracted from the index gain. A 3% spread on a 12% gain = 9% credited to you.

Optional Growth Riders — More Upside, With a Trade-Off

Some FIAs offer an optional growth rider (sometimes called an "enhanced" or "boost" rider) that increases your participation rate or cap — letting you capture more of the index's gains. In exchange, the rider carries an annual fee (typically 0.40%–1.00%) that is deducted from your account value each year.

The Upside

A higher participation rate or cap means you capture more of the index's gains. In strong market years, the rider can pay for itself many times over — and your principal is still protected from market losses.

The Trade-Off

The annual fee is charged even in years the index is flat or down. Over time, those fees can reduce your account value below what you paid in — meaning you can technically lose money with a rider, even though you're still protected from market downturns.

Example: A $200,000 FIA with a 0.75% growth rider pays $1,500/year in fees. If the index is flat for several years, those fees reduce your balance — but if the index gains 15%, your enhanced participation rate may credit you 9%+ instead of 6%, far outweighing the fee.

Pros of an FIA

Zero downside risk — principal fully protected
Potential to out-earn a MYGA in strong market years
Tax-deferred growth
Optional lifetime income riders available
Gains locked in annually — can't be lost to future drops

Things to Consider

–More complex than a MYGA — caps and participation rates limit upside
–Caps/rates can change at renewal
–Income riders carry an annual fee (0.95%–1.50%)
–Harder to compare apples-to-apples across carriers
–Surrender periods of 7–10+ years

Example

You buy a $200,000 FIA linked to the S&P 500 with a 60% participation rate. If the S&P gains 12%, you earn 7.2% ($14,400). If the S&P drops 20%, you earn 0% — keeping your full $200,000.

FIA vs MYGA: Which Is Right for You?

Feature	FIA	MYGA
Rate Type	Index-linked (0% floor)	Fixed guaranteed
Upside Potential	Capped participation in gains	No upside beyond fixed rate
Downside Risk	None — 0% floor	None — fixed rate
Complexity	Medium–High	Low
Typical Term	7–10+ years	3–7 years
Best For	Growth with protection	Predictable guaranteed returns

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to learn if an FIA is right for you?

Ask Anna — our AI annuity advisor — or compare current fixed annuity rates from A-rated carriers.

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Educational Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. All guarantees are backed by the issuing carrier. Not FDIC insured. Not available in CA or NY.