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).

What is a Social Security bridge strategy?

A Social Security bridge strategy means using savings, pension income, or a fixed annuity to cover living expenses from retirement until you claim Social Security — allowing you to delay claiming and lock in a permanently higher monthly benefit. Every year you delay past Full Retirement Age adds approximately 8% to your benefit.

At what age should I claim Social Security?

The best claiming age depends on your health, other income sources, and savings. Delaying to age 70 produces the highest monthly benefit (up to 32% more than at Full Retirement Age). The typical break-even for delaying from 62 to 70 is around age 80–82. Use Annuital's free SS Bridge Calculator to compare strategies based on your specific situation.

How much more do I get by delaying Social Security to 70?

Delaying Social Security from your Full Retirement Age (FRA, typically 66–67) to age 70 increases your monthly benefit by 8% per year, or about 24–32% total. Delaying from 62 to 70 can increase your monthly benefit by up to 76%. The exact increase depends on your birth year and FRA.

What is the Social Security break-even age?

The Social Security break-even age is when the cumulative lifetime benefits from delaying equal the cumulative benefits from claiming early. For most people delaying from 62 to 70, the break-even is around age 80–82. If you live past the break-even age, delaying will have paid off in total lifetime benefits.

Free Calculator

Social Security Bridge Calculator

Should you claim Social Security early — or use savings or a fixed annuity as a bridge while you wait for a permanently higher benefit?

Option A — Claim Early

Take SS now at a lower rate, supplement with savings

Option B — Bridge & Delay

Use savings/annuity as bridge, claim SS later at a higher rate

Your Profile

Current Age

Monthly Living Expenses

Total household spending/month

Other Monthly Income

Pension, part-time work, rental income, etc.

Net monthly gap to fill: $5,000

Social Security Estimates

Use your SSA.gov My Account or the SS Calculator above

Benefit if claimed NOW (age 62)

Benefit if you wait until...

Bridge period: 8 years

Delaying increases your monthly benefit by $1,000/month (56% more)

Bridge Strategy

How will you cover living expenses during the delay period?

Current Savings / Investment Balance

IRA, 401k, brokerage, or cash reserves

Expected Annual Return on Savings (%)

Conservative: 4–6% for a diversified portfolio

Analysis

Claim Early

Break-even is at age 84. Claiming early may preserve more savings for your situation.

SS at Age 62

$1,800

if claimed now

SS at Age 70

$2,800

after bridge

Monthly Gain

$1,000

by delaying

Break-Even Age

Age 84

cumulative SS equal

Bridge Cost Summary

Bridge period8 years

Full monthly gap$5,000

Monthly savings draw$5,000

Total bridge cost$480,000

SS gain to age 85 (vs early)$7,200

Savings Balance Over Time

Option A (claim early, SS = $1,800/mo) vs. Option B (bridge & delay, SS = $2,800/mo at 70)

Option A — Claim Early
Option B — Bridge & Delay

What is a SS bridge strategy?

A Social Security bridge means using savings, a pension, or an annuity to cover living expenses from retirement until you claim SS — letting you delay and lock in a permanently higher monthly benefit.

Why use a fixed annuity as a bridge?

A MYGA or immediate annuity provides guaranteed income during the bridge years, reducing the drawdown on your investment portfolio. Your savings stay invested while the annuity covers your income gap.

When does delaying NOT make sense?

If you have poor health or need income urgently, claiming early may be better. The typical break-even for delaying from 62 to 70 is around age 80–82. If you don't expect to live past that, claiming early can preserve more wealth.

Important Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. Actual results depend on investment returns, inflation, taxes, longevity, and your complete Social Security earnings record. For your official SS benefit estimate, visit SSA.gov. Consult a licensed financial advisor before making claiming or investment decisions.