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 an Income Annuity?

Turn a lump sum into guaranteed income you cannot outlive. Here's how immediate and deferred income annuities work.

What Is an Income Annuity?

An income annuity is a contract where you pay a lump-sum premium to an insurance carrier, and in return they pay you a guaranteed stream of income — monthly, quarterly, or annually — for a set period or for the rest of your life. Unlike accumulation annuities (MYGAs and FIAs) which grow your balance, an income annuity's primary purpose is to convert savings into predictable, lifelong cash flow.

Income annuities eliminate two of the biggest risks in retirement: longevity risk (outliving your money) and sequence-of-returns risk (market downturns early in retirement). They function like a personal pension — you know exactly how much income you'll receive, regardless of what markets do or how long you live.

Guaranteed Income

Fixed monthly payments for life or a set period — like a personal pension.

No Market Risk

Payments are guaranteed by the carrier, unaffected by market performance.

Cannot Outlive It

Lifetime income option pays as long as you live — eliminating longevity risk.

Two Types of Income Annuities

SPIA

Single Premium Immediate Annuity

Payments begin within 12 months of purchase. Ideal if you're already retired and need income now.

Income starts immediately
Highest payout per dollar
Simple and predictable
Best for current retirees

DIA

Deferred Income Annuity

Payments start at a future date you choose. Ideal for locking in future income while still working.

Higher payout due to deferral
Locks in future income floor
Funds future retirement gap
Best for pre-retirees

Pros of an Income Annuity

Guaranteed income you cannot outlive
Highest monthly payout per dollar of any product
Eliminates longevity and sequence risk
Simplifies retirement planning — pension-like
Partial tax-free return of premium (exclusion ratio)

Things to Consider

–Premium is irrevocable — you give up access to the lump sum
–No inflation adjustment unless a COLA rider is added
–Payments may stop at death without a period certain
–Best for average or above-average health

Example

A 70-year-old deposits $200,000 into a SPIA. Depending on the carrier and current rates, they may receive approximately $1,300–$1,500/month for life — guaranteed, regardless of how long they live or what markets do.

Payout Options at a Glance

Option	How It Works	Payout
Life Only	Pays for your lifetime only	Highest
Life with Period Certain	Pays for life, guaranteed 10–20 yrs	Medium-High
Joint & Survivor	Pays for you, then your spouse	Medium
Period Certain Only	Pays for a set period only	Fixed

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to see your income estimate?

Use our free Income Planner to model guaranteed lifetime income based on your age and premium.

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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.