Annuity Education

What Is a MYGA? Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity Explained

A MYGA is the simplest fixed annuity — a lump-sum deposit, a locked-in guaranteed rate, and tax-deferred growth. Here's everything you need to know.

What Is a Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA)?

A Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA) is a type of fixed annuity that guarantees a specific interest rate for a set period — usually 3, 5, or 7 years. You make a single lump-sum deposit (the premium), and the insurance company promises to grow your money at that locked-in rate for the entire term. Your principal is 100% protected, your earnings grow tax-deferred, and there are no market risks or annual fees.

Think of a MYGA as a CD alternative built for retirement savings. The key difference: MYGAs typically pay 0.5% to 1.5% more APY than bank CDs of the same term, and your interest compounds tax-deferred — meaning you don't pay taxes on earnings until you withdraw. That tax advantage can add thousands of dollars over a multi-year term.

Principal Protected

Your deposit is 100% guaranteed by the issuing carrier. Zero market risk.

Guaranteed Rate

Lock in up to 5.50% APY for 3, 5, or 7 years — higher than any CD.

Tax-Deferred Growth

No annual taxes on earnings. Your full balance compounds each year.

How a MYGA Works

  1. 1

    You deposit a lump sum (minimum typically $10,000–$25,000) into the annuity contract.

  2. 2

    The insurance carrier locks in a guaranteed interest rate for your chosen term (3, 5, or 7 years).

  3. 3

    Your balance grows at that rate every year — tax-deferred, with no annual 1099.

  4. 4

    You can withdraw up to 10% of your account value each year penalty-free.

  5. 5

    At maturity, you withdraw, renew, or execute a 1035 exchange to a new annuity.

Pros of a MYGA

  • Highest guaranteed rates among fixed annuities (up to 5.50%+ APY)
  • Simple and transparent — no moving parts
  • Tax-deferred growth accelerates compounding
  • 100% principal protection
  • No annual fees or management charges

Things to Consider

  • –Surrender charges on withdrawals above 10% before term ends
  • –Fixed rate doesn't capture market upside
  • –10% IRS penalty on gains withdrawn before age 59½
  • –Funds locked for the term (3–7 years)

Example

You deposit $100,000 in a 5-year MYGA at 5.30% APY. Your guaranteed balance grows to $129,424 by year 5 — entirely tax-deferred. That's $4,000–$8,000 more than an equivalent CD after accounting for annual tax drag.

MYGA vs CD: Which Pays More?

FeatureMYGABank CD
Typical Rate (5-yr)Up to 5.50% APY~4.20% APY
Tax TreatmentTax-deferredTaxed annually
Principal Protection100% (carrier-backed)FDIC insured
Early Withdrawal10%/yr free, then surrender charge3–12 months interest penalty
Best ForRetirement savingsShort-term cash

See the full breakdown in our Annuity vs CD comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to compare MYGA rates?

Browse today's best guaranteed rates from A-rated carriers and apply online in minutes.

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.

Get today's best defined outcome rates in your inbox.