Today's Best Annuity Rates – May 3, 2026
Weekend rate sheet: 10-year MYGA tops at 6.00%, indexed caps unchanged from Friday.
Key takeaways
- 10-year MYGA leads today's board at 6.00%; the 5-year segment remains the most competitive across multiple carriers.
- Indexed annuity caps held flat over the weekend, with the highest 10-year cap at 10.50%.
- A MYGA locks in a flat rate for the full term — no market exposure, principal contractually guaranteed by the issuing carrier.
- Indexed annuities credit zero in down years instead of going negative, in exchange for capped, participated, or spread-adjusted upside.
- Most contracts allow 10% free withdrawals per year; surrender charges apply above that during the term.
Most carriers carried Friday's rate sheet into the weekend. The 10-year MYGA market remains the headline, with Nassau Life holding the top spot at 6.00%. Here are today's best fixed and indexed offers, along with a quick guide to what each rate means.
Today's best rates at a glance
- 3-Year MYGA — 5.40%
Aspida Life · AM Best A- - 5-Year MYGA — 5.80%
Oceanview Life · AM Best A- - 7-Year MYGA — 5.90%
Athene Annuity · AM Best A+ - 10-Year MYGA — 6.00%
Nassau Life · AM Best B++ - 7-Year Indexed (Cap) — 10.25%
Axonic Insurance · AM Best A- - 10-Year Indexed (Cap) — 10.50%
American Life & Security · AM Best B++
What is an annuity rate?
An annuity rate is the interest your contract earns each year. A fixed annuity (MYGA) locks in a flat rate for the whole term — similar to a CD, but issued by an insurance company. An indexed annuity earns interest based on a market index's performance, subject to limits set by the carrier.
How fixed and indexed annuity rates work
A MYGA pays a flat yield for the term with no market exposure. Indexed annuity rates are quoted via three levers:
- Cap rate — the maximum credited rate per period. A 10.50% cap means you earn the index return up to that ceiling.
- Participation rate — the share of the index gain you receive. 70% participation on a 10% gain credits you 7%.
- Spread — a percentage subtracted from the gain before crediting.
What happens when the market goes down?
When the index falls, an indexed annuity credits zero — never negative. Your principal and prior gains are protected. The trade-off for that floor is a capped or limited share of the upside. A MYGA isn't tied to markets either way — the rate is fixed.
Why annuity rates change
Carriers price contracts off the bond market. Higher Treasury yields generally translate into higher annuity rates over time; lower yields compress them. Carrier-specific factors like capital strength, hedging costs on indexed contracts, and how aggressively a carrier wants to grow new business also drive day-to-day movement.
What moved today
No material movement over the weekend. Watch the 5-year segment tomorrow — two carriers have indicated they may reprice if the 10-year Treasury opens above 4.30%. Indexed caps are unlikely to move until midweek.
How to compare today's offers
- Term — longer terms typically pay more but lock you up longer.
- Carrier strength — the AM Best rating is the standard measure. Below B++ warrants extra scrutiny.
- Surrender schedule — confirm the early-withdrawal percentages before signing.
- Free withdrawal — most contracts allow 10% per year penalty-free.
- Riders — income and death-benefit riders add cost; buy only what you'll use.
Are higher rates always better?
No. A small rate premium isn't worth a weaker carrier or a surrender schedule you can't live with. Treat the rate as one input — carrier quality, contract terms, and fit with your overall plan are the others.
The bottom line
Weekends are usually quiet, and today is no exception. If you've been waiting on a repricing in the 5-year segment, this week is the one to watch — a Treasury move above 4.30% would likely lift the top of the table.
Not all insurers and rates are available in all states. Product features, benefits, and options for liquidity or income can vary widely. Rates shown are accurate as of the date of this post and subject to change without notice.
FAQs
What is a multi-year guaranteed annuity (MYGA)?
- A MYGA is a fixed annuity contract that locks in a guaranteed interest rate for a set number of years, usually between 3 and 10.
- Your principal grows tax-deferred at the agreed rate for the entire term, regardless of what the market does.
How is the rate guaranteed?
- The rate is contractually guaranteed by the issuing insurance carrier for the full term.
- It does not float with market rates, so it won't rise if rates climb or fall if they drop.
What happens at the end of the term?
- You can take the full value as a lump sum, renew at the carrier's then-current rate, or roll into another annuity tax-free via a 1035 exchange.
- Most carriers send a notice 30–60 days before maturity outlining your options.
Can I withdraw money during the term?
- Most contracts allow penalty-free withdrawals of up to 10% of the account value each year.
- Withdrawals above the free amount usually trigger a surrender charge that decreases over the term.
Is my principal safe?
- Yes — your principal and credited interest are guaranteed by the issuing carrier's financial strength.
- State guaranty associations also provide a limited backstop in the unlikely event the carrier becomes insolvent.
Cassie Jensen is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) specializing in retirement taxation and income planning. With deep expertise in the intersection of tax law and investment vehicles, she helps consumers navigate the complexities of decumulation strategies.