Annuity guide
Best Annuities for Guaranteed Income
Top 5-year MYGA
6.30%
B++ or better, yield to surrender
- FIA S&P cap
- 17.00%
- As of
- Oct 26
Top annuity companies compared
Ranked by the guaranteed lifetime income each carrier's top income product pays on our benchmark: $250,000, single life, issue age 62. Only carriers with a live quote are listed.
- 1
Jackson National
A.M. Best AIncome Assurance 10Monthly Income*
$5,064/mo
starting at age 75
- 2
Nationwide
A.M. Best A+New Heights Select 8Monthly Income*
$4,700/mo
starting at age 75
- 3
Athene Annuity
A.M. Best A+Ascent Pro 10 Bonus (State Variations)Monthly Income*
$4,542/mo
starting at age 75
- 4
North American
A.M. Best A+Income Pay Pro 10Monthly Income*
$2,480/mo
starting at age 67
- 5
Protective Life
A.M. Best A+Protective Income BuilderMonthly Income*
$2,458/mo
starting at age 67
- 6
Prudential
A.M. Best A+Elevate IncomeMonthly Income*
$1,576/mo
starting at age 62
- 7
SymetraA.M. Best ASymetra Income Edge Plus 7Monthly Income*
$1,542/mo
starting at age 62
*Guaranteed lifetime income on a $250,000 premium, single life, starting at each carrier's own quoted age (shown above). Illustrative, not a quote.
Income projections by investment amount
Estimated guaranteed lifetime income from top-rated annuities. Each carrier's real income-start age is noted next to its name below.
income starts at 75income starts at 75income starts at 67income starts at 67income starts at 62income starts at 75income starts at 62Income figures are estimates based on current rates, each starting at the carrier's own real quoted age (shown per row above) with lifetime guarantee. Actual payouts may vary. Only carriers with a live income quote are listed.
Calculate your annuity income
Enter your age, investment amount, and timeline to see personalized income projections from top-rated companies.
How annuity income works
Annuity income is generated through a process called annuitization or via income riders. With an income rider, your "income base" grows at a guaranteed rollup rate (typically 6% to 8% annually) during the deferral period. When you activate income, you receive a percentage of the income base each year, guaranteed for life, regardless of market conditions or how long you live.
What is a Lifetime Income Rider?
A lifetime income rider is an optional benefit added to a deferred annuity that guarantees a stream of income for life. The rider grows an 'income base' at a guaranteed rollup rate during deferral, then pays a percentage of that base annually once activated. Typical rider fees range from 0.75% to 1.25% per year.
Benchmark annuity income by company
Live benchmark income for a $500,000 investment, from our current ARW rate feed:
| Company | Benchmark Product | Income Rider | $500K Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson National income starts at 75 | Income Assurance 10 | Income Assurance GMWB 10 year | $121,539/yr |
| Nationwide income starts at 75 | New Heights Select 8 | NHS 8 High Point 365 Lifetime Income Benefit Rider w Bonus | $112,811/yr |
| Athene Annuity income starts at 75 | Ascent Pro 10 Bonus (State Variations) | Ascent Pro 10 Bonus Income Rider Level Income | $109,013/yr |
| North American income starts at 67 | Income Pay Pro 10 | Income Pay Pro 10 Level Guarantee Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit | $59,508/yr |
| Protective Life income starts at 67 | Protective Income Builder | Income Builder Benefit - Level | $58,988/yr |
| Prudential income starts at 62 | Elevate Income | Elevate Income Benefit | $37,813/yr |
| Symetra income starts at 62 | Symetra Income Edge Plus 7 | Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit Level Income | $37,000/yr |
Jackson Nationalincome starts at 75Nationwideincome starts at 75Athene Annuityincome starts at 75North Americanincome starts at 67Protective Lifeincome starts at 67Symetraincome starts at 62Key takeaway
The highest-paying annuity we track for guaranteed income is Jackson National's Income Assurance 10, generating approximately $10,128/month ($121,539/year) from a $500,000 investment starting at age 75. For income maximization, compare the live benchmark table above rather than a carrier's headline rate alone.
Strategies to maximize annuity income
- Defer as long as possible: Each year of deferral increases your income base by the rollup rate. A 5-year deferral at 8% can increase your income by 40% to 47%.
- Compare payout rates, not just rollup rates: A high rollup rate means nothing if the payout percentage is low. Look at the actual dollar income at your target age.
- Consider joint-life payouts: If you have a spouse, joint-life income ensures payments continue for both lifetimes, though the monthly amount will be slightly lower.
- Time your purchase with rate cycles: Annuity rates tend to follow interest rate trends. In a rising-rate environment, shorter deferral periods or laddering can capture improving rates.
Income annuity vs. systematic withdrawals
A common question is whether to use an annuity for income or simply withdraw from a portfolio. The key advantage of an annuity is longevity protection. You cannot outlive the payments. With systematic withdrawals at the traditional 4% rate, a $500,000 portfolio generates $20,000/year with the risk of depletion. The same amount in a top annuity generates $121,539/year, guaranteed for life.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about the best annuities for guaranteed income.
What is a lifetime income rider?
A lifetime income rider is an optional benefit you can add to a deferred annuity that guarantees you a stream of income for life, even if your account value runs out, subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. The rider typically has a rollup rate that grows your income base during the deferral period, and a payout rate based on your age when you begin taking income. Rider fees vary by product and are usually charged each year as a percentage of the income base.
How do annuity rates compare to CDs?
Annuity rates, particularly MYGAs, often exceed bank CD rates. As of October 2026, top MYGA rates range from 6.08% to 6.45% for 3-5 year terms: see our rates page for today's full table. The key difference is that annuity earnings grow tax-deferred, while CD interest is taxed annually. However, annuities have surrender periods while CDs may offer more liquidity.
What are surrender charges?
Surrender charges are fees imposed by the insurance company if you withdraw more than the allowed free amount during the surrender period (typically 5-10 years). These charges usually start at 7-10% in the first year and decline annually until they reach 0%. Most annuities allow you to withdraw up to 10% of your account value each year without surrender charges. Understanding the surrender schedule is crucial before purchasing an annuity.
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