Why it earned this rating
Our assessment
The MYG MAX 10 should offer the highest guaranteed rate in the entire Palladium lineup. The logic is simple: maximum commitment earns maximum rate. But ten years without any free withdrawal access is a meaningful restriction. For most buyers, the standard Palladium MYG 10 is a better fit.
The short version
I think very few people should actually buy the MYG MAX 10. Ten years is a long time, and giving up all free withdrawal access for that period is a serious limitation. If you genuinely have $100,000+ that you want to maximize over ten years with no need for access, the rate premium could be meaningful. But most savers, even committed long-term ones, benefit from having the 10% annual safety valve.
Key facts
American National Insurance Company, founded 1905, A (Excellent) A.M. Best. The MYG MAX 10 is the most extreme product in the Palladium lineup — maximum duration combined with maximum rate, in exchange for maximum illiquidity.
The full review
Is American National Palladium MYG MAX 10 a Good Annuity?
For the right buyer, yes. That buyer has a genuine 10-year commitment, other liquid assets covering all needs, and a clear plan to access the money only at the 30-day window at year ten.
Why Someone Would Buy This Annuity
A 50-year-old with a pension, Social Security income projected at 60, and substantial liquid assets who wants to grow a lump sum at the best possible guaranteed rate for ten years without touching it. Or an estate planning tool where the money is genuinely intended to sit for a decade.
Who This Annuity Is Best For
Savers with a genuine 10-year no-access need, other income covering all living expenses, and a preference for rate maximization over flexibility. Not appropriate for anyone who might realistically need the money during the decade — even in a reduced capacity, because there is no free withdrawal provision.
What You're Really Buying Here
The highest guaranteed 10-year rate from American National, with 100% principal protection and tax deferral. No income access during the term. Single planned exit at the 30-day window after year ten.
How the Core Feature Works
Fixed rate declared at issue, held for ten years. No free withdrawal. 30-day access window at the end of the 10-year guarantee period. The underlying surrender schedule is 10 years (8,8,7.4,6.5,5.6,4.7,3.7,2.8,1.9,0.9,0) — at year ten, both the guarantee period and the surrender schedule expire simultaneously for the 10-year version, meaning the 30-day window at year ten also corresponds with the end of surrender charges.
Why the Secondary Feature Matters
$100,000+ premium enhancement. Over ten years with zero withdrawals, the compounding of an enhanced rate on a large deposit produces significantly better accumulation than any other product in the series. The math can be compelling — but only if the commitment is real.
Liquidity and Surrender Schedule
No free withdrawal during 10-year guarantee period. 30-day access window at end of year 10. The underlying 10-year surrender schedule ends at year ten. Emergency waivers: confinement, disability, terminal illness (CA: disability only).
Fees and Tradeoffs
No explicit fees. Not available in New York.
Product snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA) — MAX Series |
| Surrender Period | 10 Years (guarantee period matches surrender schedule) |
| Issue Ages | 0–90 |
| Minimum Premium | $5,000 |
| Interest Rate | Highest in Palladium lineup; guaranteed 10 years; enhanced for $100k+ |
| Free Withdrawal | None during term; 30-day access window at end of year 10 |
| Market Value Adjustment | Yes, on excess withdrawals during surrender period |
| MGSV | Greater of full AV or CSV |
| Waivers | Confinement, Disability, Terminal Illness (CA: Disability only) |
| Death Benefit | Greater of full AV or CSV, no surrender charges |
| State Availability | Not available in New York |
Carrier snapshot
American National Insurance Company, founded 1905, Galveston, Texas. Part of Brookfield Reinsurance since 2022. A.M. Best: A (Excellent).
Final take
The MYG MAX 10 is the most powerful accumulation tool in American National's MYGA lineup — and the most restrictive. If you can genuinely commit to ten years without access and have other assets covering all needs, the rate premium over the standard Palladium MYG 10 may be worth it. For most savers, I think the standard Palladium MYG 10 with its 10% annual free withdrawal is the more sensible choice.