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Annuity Comparison Center

Plain-English, side-by-side comparisons of every annuity type against the products you already own, so you can make a confident decision without guesswork.

12Comparison Guides
50+Top-Rated Carriers
UpdatedApril 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Fixed annuities (MYGAs) and fixed index annuities are the safest annuity types. Your principal cannot decline due to market losses. Both are backed by the issuing insurance carrier and protected by your state's guaranty association, typically up to $100,000 to $250,000 depending on your state. Variable annuities and RILAs carry market risk and are less conservative choices.
A fixed annuity (MYGA) credits a guaranteed interest rate every year regardless of market conditions, like a bank CD. A fixed index annuity credits interest based on how a market index performs, subject to a cap or participation rate. In good years an FIA can credit significantly more than a MYGA. In flat or down years an FIA credits 0% while the MYGA still credits its guaranteed rate.
If you are moving non-retirement money (a taxable CD or brokerage account), you will owe taxes on any gains when you liquidate. There is no tax-free transfer mechanism for non-qualified money moving into an annuity. However, once inside an annuity, future growth compounds tax-deferred. If you are moving an existing annuity or life insurance policy, a 1035 exchange lets you transfer the full balance without triggering taxes.
Liquidity. Most annuities have surrender periods of 3 to 10 years, during which withdrawals beyond the free withdrawal amount (typically 10% per year) trigger a surrender charge. Annuities are designed for money you will not need for several years. If you need regular access to principal, a CD, HYSA, or brokerage account is a better fit for that portion of your savings.
The tax deferral benefit of an annuity is redundant inside a traditional IRA or 401(k) since those accounts are already tax-deferred. Annuities inside qualified accounts are sometimes used purely for the lifetime income guarantee (GLWB rider) or principal protection features, not for tax deferral. If you are placing an annuity inside a Roth IRA, that combination can be powerful because distributions are tax-free.

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Annuity products involve risk, including possible loss of principal on variable and RILA contracts. Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance carrier. MyAnnuityStore.com is an independent insurance agency. We are not affiliated with any insurance carrier. State availability and product features vary. This content is educational and does not constitute personalized investment advice.

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