Is the Corebridge Power Select Builder a Good Annuity?
The Corebridge Power Select Builder is a 10-year fixed index annuity issued by American General Life, a Corebridge company, designed for safe accumulation. If you want a shorter 7-year commitment, see our Corebridge Power 7 Protector review. The verdict: a 9% S&P 500 cap and one of the deepest index menus we place, but a 10-year lock-up.
- Best for: savers 50 to 70 who want growth, already have income covered, and can leave the money 10 years.
- Not for: anyone who wants guaranteed lifetime income, or who may need more than 10% a year before year 11.
Corebridge Power Select Builder at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Safe accumulation (no income rider) |
| Carrier | American General Life, a Corebridge Financial company (AM Best A, S&P A+, Fitch A+, Moody’s A2) |
| Surrender schedule | 10 years: 9%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% (varies by state) |
| Market value adjustment | Yes, on excess withdrawals during the surrender period (how an MVA works) |
| Premium | $25,000 minimum, $2,000,000 maximum without approval; added premium only in the first 30 days |
| Issue ages | 18 to 78 |
| Free withdrawal | 10% a year (of premium in year 1, of prior-anniversary value after) |
| Waivers | Nursing home, terminal illness and extended care (state rules apply) |
| Death benefit | Greater of accumulation value or minimum withdrawal value |
| Guaranteed minimum value | 87.5% of premium growing at 2.45% (90% in NJ) |
| Bonus and rider | None; optional 1% or 2% fees buy higher participation on some indexes |
| Illustration basis | May 23, 2026; male 60; New Hampshire; $100,000; 50% Invesco New Economy, 25% Dimensional, 25% S&P 500 cap |
What Does the Corebridge Power Select Builder Pay?
| Strategy | No fee | Tier 1 (1% fee) | Tier 2 (2% fee) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 1-year | 9% cap | – | – |
| S&P 500 2-year | 45% par | – | – |
| S&P 500 1-year trigger | 6.25% | – | – |
| Invesco New Economy 1-year | 55% par | – | – |
| Dimensional US Foundations 1-year / 2-year | 165% / 240% | 205% / 290% | 250% / 340% |
| AB All Market 1-year / 2-year | 165% / 240% | 205% / 290% | 250% / 340% |
| ML Strategic Balanced 1-year / 2-year | 110% / 0.6% spread | – | – |
| PIMCO Global Optima 1-year / 2-year | 70% / 80% | – | – |
| Russell 2000 1-year | 35% par | – | – |
| 1-year fixed account | 3.75% | – | – |
Rates as of May 2026; they can change each contract anniversary.
- Strong S&P 500 option: a 9% cap with no fee, plus 165% no-fee participation on Dimensional US Foundations.
- Pay for more upside: a 1% or 2% yearly fee lifts participation, but the fee comes out even in 0% years.
- Big numbers, smaller indexes: AB All Market at 165% backtested only 4.69% a year.
- Benchmark it: compare these against current fixed index annuity rates from other carriers.
Hypothetical Historical Rate of Return
Our illustration split $100,000 across Invesco New Economy (50%), Dimensional US Foundations (25%) and the S&P 500 cap (25%), all with no fee.
| Scenario | Annual rate | Value after 10 years |
|---|---|---|
| Most recent 10 years, current rates | 10.01% | $265,183 |
| Index pays 0% every year | 0% | $100,000 contract value; $111,462 minimum withdrawal value |
- Backtest caveat: the 10.01% replays a strong decade at today’s rates, and rates can drop at each anniversary.
- Our planning range: plan on 4% to 7% a year. Treat anything higher as upside.
- Index history: Invesco New Economy backtested 12.40% a year, but its 55% participation can be cut.
- MYGA benchmark: At today's top 10-year rate of 6.30% (compound), $100,000 grows to about $184,218 over 10 years, a gain of $84,218. See current MYGA rates.
Hypothetical vs. guaranteed
Use our fixed annuity calculator to compare this hypothetical value to the guaranteed growth you would earn in a fixed annuity.
Get your Power Select Builder illustration for your age and state
Send us your premium amount, your state, and when you need the money. We will come back with current numbers on this contract and comparable ones from the 90+ top annuity companies on our platform, in writing.
Corebridge Power Select Builder Strengths and Red Flags
What it does well
- No rider fee: you don’t pay 1% a year for an income rider you won’t use.
- Deep menu: 20 strategies across 1-year and 2-year terms, plus a 3.75% fixed account.
- Choose your fee: pay 0%, 1% or 2% a year for progressively higher participation.
Red flags
- 10-year lock-up: a 9% charge in years 1 and 2, plus an MVA on excess withdrawals.
- 87.5% floor: an early exit can return less than you put in.
- Fee tiers can backfire: a 2% fee in a flat year means a 2% loss on that allocation.
- Rates aren’t locked: the 9% cap can be lowered at any anniversary.
- Higher minimum: $25,000 to start, and not sold in New York or Idaho.
Final verdict: the Corebridge Power Select Builder is built for safe accumulation over 10 years. It earns our 4.5 rating for savers who want menu depth and no rider fee. For 7 years and a 9.6% cap, see the Corebridge Power 7 Protector before choosing the Corebridge Power Select Builder.
Compare live rates on 137 fixed index annuities or visit our annuity review database.
This review is for educational purposes only and is not a recommendation or an offer to sell any annuity. Product features, index options, and rates can and do vary by state, and this product is not available for sale in every state. Always request a carrier illustration and work with a licensed annuity agent before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Corebridge Power Select Builder have an income rider?
No. It is built for accumulation only, so there is no rider fee. If you want guaranteed lifetime income, compare a dedicated income annuity instead.
What do the Tier 1 and Tier 2 options mean?
They trade a yearly fee for higher participation. Dimensional US Foundations pays 165% with no fee, 205% with a 1% fee, and 250% with a 2% fee.
What is the minimum guaranteed value?
It starts at 87.5% of premium and grows at 2.45% a year. On $100,000 it reaches about $111,462 by year 10 if the indexes never credit.
Can I buy the Power Select Builder in New York?
No. It is also not available in Idaho, Guam, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
