Nationwide Annuity Review (2026)

Published November 12, 2025 · Updated March 3, 2026

Nationwide Annuity and Life Insurance Company is one of the most recognized financial brands in the United States, with an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best and over $300 billion in total assets. Known for its competitive fixed index annuities and a growing MYGA presence, Nationwide serves clients across all 50 states.

This review covers Nationwide’s financial strength, annuity product lineup, and contact information.

Nationwide at a Glance

Detail Information
Full Legal Name Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company
Parent Company Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
Headquarters Columbus, Ohio
Founded 1926
Company Structure Mutual company (owned by policyholders)
AM Best Rating A+ (Superior)
S&P Rating A+ (Strong)
Moody’s Rating A1
Comdex Score 93 out of 100
Total Assets $300+ billion
Products Offered MYGAs, Fixed Index Annuities, Variable Annuities, SPIAs
States Available All 50 states + D.C.
Minimum Premium $10,000 (varies by product)

Nationwide’s Financial Strength

Nationwide holds an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best — the second-highest possible — along with matching strong ratings from S&P and Moody’s. As a mutual company, Nationwide is not publicly traded, which means management decisions focus on long-term policyholder security rather than quarterly earnings.

The company’s scale — $300+ billion in assets, nearly 100 years in operation — provides substantial backing for its annuity commitments. Nationwide consistently ranks among the top 10 annuity sellers in the United States.

What Types of Annuities Does Nationwide Offer?

  • Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) — The Nationwide Secure Growth fixed annuity offers competitive guaranteed rates for clients seeking simple, tax-deferred accumulation.
  • Fixed Index Annuities (FIAs) — Nationwide’s Peak series and New Heights products are among the most widely sold FIAs in the market, featuring index strategies tied to the S&P 500 with optional income riders.
  • Single Premium Immediate Annuities (SPIAs) — Guaranteed income starting within 30 days. Nationwide offers competitive payout rates for both single-life and joint-life income options.

Nationwide MYGA and Fixed Annuity Products

Nationwide Secure Growth

A multi-year guaranteed annuity available in various terms. Provides a fixed credited rate with tax-deferred growth. Free withdrawal provisions allow access to a portion of funds annually without surrender charges. Download the Secure Growth product brochure (PDF)

Nationwide’s MYGA products are sold through independent agents and may not appear in all public rate databases. For a current rate comparison, request a free quote from My Annuity Store.

Nationwide Fixed Index Annuity Products

Nationwide Peak 10

A 10-year FIA with multiple index crediting strategies, including the S&P 500 point-to-point with a cap, as well as a fixed account option. The Peak 10 is one of Nationwide’s most popular products for income-focused clients. Read our full Nationwide Peak 10 review or download the brochure (PDF).

Nationwide Platinum Edge

A flexible FIA with enhanced crediting strategies and an optional guaranteed income rider. Designed for clients seeking a balance of growth potential and income protection in retirement. Download the Platinum Edge brochure (PDF).

Who Is Nationwide Best For?

  • FIA buyers who want a top-brand carrier with a widely respected, competitive product lineup. The Peak series consistently ranks among the most sold FIAs nationally.
  • Income-focused retirees who want a lifetime withdrawal benefit paired with an A+ rated carrier and strong brand recognition.
  • Conservative accumulators looking for a guaranteed fixed rate from a mutual company with 100 years of history.
  • Clients in all 50 states — Nationwide’s broad distribution and state approvals make it one of the most universally accessible carriers.

Contact Nationwide Annuity

Contact Method Details
Website www.nationwide.com
Customer Service 1-800-321-6064
Mailing Address Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
Hours Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET

Compare Nationwide Against Other Carriers: My Annuity Store compares Nationwide side-by-side with Athene, MassMutual, and 20+ other top carriers. Get a free no-obligation quote or call 855-583-1104.

Further Reading: Annuity Comparisons

Compare Nationwide against the broader annuity landscape:

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Editorial Disclosure: Our editorial team independently reviews and rates annuity products. We may earn commissions when you request a quote through our partner links. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Learn more.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Annuity products vary by state and carrier. Always consult a licensed financial professional before making any financial decisions. My Annuity Store is an independent marketplace and does not provide investment advice.

Pros and Cons of Fixed Annuities

Before you commit to a fixed annuity, weigh the advantages and drawbacks for your retirement situation.

✓  Pros

  • Guaranteed rate locked in for the full term — no surprises
  • Principal is 100% protected from market losses
  • Often pays significantly more than CDs or savings accounts
  • Tax-deferred growth — no annual tax bill until withdrawal
  • Up to 10% annual free withdrawal without surrender charge
  • State guaranty association coverage (typically up to $250,000)
  • Simple to understand — no moving parts or index tracking

✗  Cons

  • Surrender charges apply if you withdraw more than 10% early
  • Not FDIC insured — backed by the insurance company, not the government
  • Earnings taxed as ordinary income (not capital gains rates)
  • 10% IRS early-withdrawal penalty before age 59½
  • Rate is fixed — you won't benefit if market rates rise
  • Less liquidity than a savings account or money market

Learn more: Are annuities safe?

Compare Top MYGA Rates by Term

See today's highest guaranteed rate from an A-rated carrier for each term length.

See all rates →

Rates sourced from AnnuityRateWatch. A-rated carriers (AM Best) only. Not a solicitation. Rates vary by state. Verify before purchasing.

Types of Annuities

Insurance companies offer several types of annuities to fit different financial goals. Here's how they compare.

A MYGA (Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity) is the simplest fixed annuity. Your rate is guaranteed for the entire term — 3, 5, or 7 years. No market exposure, no index tracking. What you see is what you earn.

Best for: Savers who want a predictable, guaranteed return and are comfortable locking funds for a set term. Often compared to CDs but frequently pays more.

Learn more about MYGAs →

A Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) links your interest credits to a market index (like the S&P 500) with a floor of 0% — so you can never lose principal. Upside is capped via participation rates or caps.

Best for: Investors who want some market participation with a safety net. More complex than MYGAs but potentially higher returns in strong market years.

Learn more about FIAs →

A SPIA (Single Premium Immediate Annuity) converts a lump sum into a guaranteed income stream — monthly checks that start within 30 days and continue for life or a set period.

Best for: Retirees who need guaranteed income immediately and want to eliminate the risk of outliving their money. The "pension replacement" product.

Learn more about SPIAs →

A Variable Annuity invests your premium in sub-accounts (similar to mutual funds). Returns fluctuate with the market — you can earn more but can also lose principal.

Best for: Long-term investors who want market exposure inside a tax-deferred wrapper and are comfortable with investment risk. Higher fees than fixed products.

Learn more about variable annuities →

A RILA (Registered Index-Linked Annuity) offers partial market participation with a defined buffer against losses (e.g., 10% or 20%). Unlike FIAs, RILAs can lose money — but losses are limited.

Best for: Investors willing to accept limited downside in exchange for higher upside potential than a traditional FIA. A middle ground between fixed and variable.

Learn more about RILAs →

Rate Methodology

My Annuity Store monitors MYGA rates from over 50 A-rated insurance carriers via AnnuityRateWatch. Our rate data refreshes every 6 hours.

To make our list, a carrier must be rated A− or better by AM Best — a financial strength rating that indicates the insurer's ability to meet obligations. Carriers with ratings of B++ or lower are excluded regardless of how attractive their rate appears.

Rates are sorted by highest guaranteed APY within each term group. Products using simple interest (SI) are labeled — the effective compound yield is lower than the stated rate. Minimum premiums shown are for non-qualified (after-tax) purchases.

Athene Annuity & Life
MassMutual
Corebridge Financial
Global Atlantic
North American Company
Midland National
American Equity
New York Life
Gainbridge Life
American National
Nassau Life
Sentinel Security Life
Protective Life
Pacific Life
Nationwide
Equitrust Life
F&G Annuities & Life
Oceanview Life
Oxford Life
Puritan Life
American General (Corebridge)
Delaware Life
Guggenheim Life
Integrity Life
Kansas City Life
Lafayette Life
Ibexis Life
American Fidelity
Security Benefit
Standard Insurance Company
📊 Data: AnnuityRateWatch · A-rated carriers only · Updated daily

Frequently Asked Questions

The best MYGA rate available today is shown in the rate table above. Rates change daily — the table reflects current data updated every 6 hours from AnnuityRateWatch.
Yes. The interest rate shown at the time of purchase is contractually locked in for the entire term — whether 3, 5, or 7 years. Unlike CDs at banks, MYGA rates cannot be changed by the insurance company during the guaranteed period, regardless of what happens to market interest rates.
Fixed annuities are not FDIC insured, but they are protected by your state's guaranty association — typically up to $250,000 per insurance company. Beyond that, the financial strength of the carrier matters. We only list carriers rated A− or better by AM Best, which indicates strong ability to meet policyholder obligations.
Most MYGAs allow a free annual withdrawal of 10% of your account value without a surrender charge. Withdrawals beyond 10% trigger surrender charges, which typically start around 7% and decline by one percentage point per year until they reach zero. At maturity, you can withdraw your full balance with no penalty.
Growth inside a non-qualified (after-tax funded) annuity is tax-deferred — you owe no taxes until you withdraw. When you do withdraw, earnings are taxed as ordinary income, not at the lower capital gains rate. Withdrawals before age 59½ also incur a 10% IRS early-withdrawal penalty on the earnings portion.
At maturity, most carriers give you a free-look window (typically 30 days) during which you can withdraw your full balance, roll it into a new annuity (tax-free via a 1035 exchange), or annuitize for lifetime income. If you do nothing, the contract typically renews at a new rate — which may be lower than your original rate.
For most people with a 3–7 year time horizon, MYGAs currently pay significantly more than CDs. Top 5-year MYGAs are paying competitively above 5%, while the best 5-year CDs are around 4.50%. The tradeoff: MYGAs have larger surrender charges for early withdrawal than CDs typically impose.

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