Why it earned this rating
Our assessment
The MYG MAX 5 earns its place for savers who are certain about a 5-year commitment and want to extract maximum guaranteed return. The rate premium over the standard MYG 5 can be meaningful, especially at higher premium levels. The rating reflects the product's value for the right buyer, offset by the meaningful liquidity restriction.
The short version
The MYG MAX structure is a rational trade for savers who can genuinely commit. Over a 5-year term, the rate premium over the standard Palladium MYG 5 can add meaningfully to total accumulation, especially at larger deposit levels. Just be honest about whether you truly won't need any of the money before year five.
Key facts
American National Insurance Company, founded 1905, A (Excellent) A.M. Best. The Palladium MYG MAX 5 is the most commonly chosen MAX duration, offering a rate premium in exchange for reduced liquidity during the guarantee period.
The full review
Is American National Palladium MYG MAX 5 a Good Annuity?
Yes, for the right buyer. The rate may be the best available at this duration from American National, and the product is cleanly structured. The question is entirely about whether you can manage without free withdrawal access for five years.
Why Someone Would Buy This Annuity
A conservative investor rolling a brokerage CD or bond position into a tax-deferred vehicle and planning to reinvest the entire amount in five years. Or a pre-retiree parking savings that are specifically earmarked for use at retirement, five years away.
Who This Annuity Is Best For
Savers ages 50–75 who have other liquid assets covering their ongoing expenses and can genuinely set aside the deposited amount for five years. Pure accumulation buyers who don't plan to use the annuity for income during the term.
What You're Really Buying Here
Maximum guaranteed rate for 5 years, with principal protection, tax deferral, and a clean 30-day exit window at maturity. No annual income access in exchange for the rate premium.
How the Core Feature Works
Fixed rate at issue, held for five years. No free withdrawal during the guarantee period. At the end of year five, a 30-day window allows full or partial surrender without charges. The underlying 10-year surrender schedule continues if you don't act during that window. Emergency waivers can unlock access in qualifying situations during the 5-year term.
Why the Secondary Feature Matters
$100,000+ rate enhancement. Over five years with no withdrawals, the compounding effect of even a small rate premium is maximized — making the MYG MAX particularly attractive for larger, fully committed deposits.
Liquidity and Surrender Schedule
No free withdrawal during the 5-year guarantee period. 30-day access window at end of year 5. Underlying schedule: 8,8,7.4,6.5,5.6,4.7,3.7,2.8,1.9,0.9,0 (10 years). Emergency waivers: confinement, disability, terminal illness (CA: disability only).
Fees and Tradeoffs
No explicit fees. Rate is net. Not available in New York.
Product snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA) — MAX Series |
| Surrender Period | 5-Year Guarantee Period (underlying 10-yr schedule) |
| Issue Ages | 0–90 |
| Minimum Premium | $5,000 |
| Interest Rate | Rate-optimized; guaranteed for 5-year term; higher for $100k+ |
| Free Withdrawal | None during term; 30-day access window at end of guarantee period |
| Market Value Adjustment | Yes, on excess withdrawals |
| 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 5 is a strong choice for savers who are committed to five years and want the highest guaranteed rate at this duration. If your plan allows for total illiquidity during the term and you have other liquid assets, the rate premium can make a meaningful difference in total accumulation.