Why it earned this rating
Our assessment
The Rate Certainty Annuity 10 earns a Strong Option rating because it solves a genuine problem over a decade-long commitment — eliminating rate cut risk entirely. Over ten years, the probability of a FIA carrier cutting crediting rates at least once is high. This product removes that risk contractually.
The short version
I think the Rate Certainty Annuity 10 is particularly well-suited for buyers who are doing this annuity to avoid thinking about it for the next decade. If you want to set it, know exactly what you'll earn across all scenarios, and not worry about rate renewals for ten years, this product delivers on that promise. The rates will be conservative compared to non-guaranteed alternatives, but you're comparing a known number to a hoped-for number.
Key facts
American National Insurance Company, founded 1905, A (Excellent) A.M. Best. The Rate Certainty Annuity 10 uses the S&P 500 Dynamic Intraday TCA Index with four crediting strategies, all rates guaranteed at issue for ten years. Issue ages 0–85.
The full review
Is American National Rate Certainty Annuity 10 a Good Annuity?
Yes, for the right buyer profile. A decade-long FIA with all rates guaranteed upfront is a rare and valuable product structure. The financial strength of the carrier matters enormously over a 10-year commitment, and American National's A rating and 120-year operating history provide solid backing.
Why Someone Would Buy This Annuity
A 55-year-old pre-retiree who wants to grow safe money for ten years before accessing it at age 65. They've researched FIAs, are attracted to the principal protection and indexed growth potential, but are skeptical about rate sustainability. The Rate Certainty Annuity lets them commit with full knowledge of their rate floor and ceiling.
Who This Annuity Is Best For
Conservative savers ages 50–75 with a genuine 10-year window, other liquid assets covering near-term needs, and a preference for certainty over maximum potential upside. People who are willing to accept conservatively set rates in exchange for the guarantee those rates won't be cut.
What You're Really Buying Here
A 10-year FIA with all crediting rates — declared rate, trigger rates, floor rate, threshold — locked in at issue for ten years. Four crediting strategies give you flexibility to express a market outlook. S&P 500 Dynamic Intraday TCA Index linkage provides partial market participation with volatility management.
How the Core Feature Works
At issue, four crediting strategies with all parameters declared and guaranteed:
1. Declared Rate: Fixed, guaranteed for 10 years
2. Protected Performance Trigger: Positive trigger rate for non-negative index years; positive floor rate for negative years. Both rates guaranteed at issue
3. Performance Trigger: Trigger rate for non-negative index years; 0% for negative years
4. Enhanced Performance Trigger: Trigger rate for index years above a declared threshold; 0% below
Over ten years, you know your exact outcomes under every market scenario. You can reallocate across strategies annually.
Why the Secondary Feature Matters
Over a 10-year FIA commitment, the value of the at-issue guarantee compounds in two ways: first, the obvious mathematical benefit of never having rates cut. Second, the behavioral benefit of not having to re-evaluate and potentially re-shop the product every time rates decline. For many buyers, the peace of mind over a decade has real value.
Liquidity and Surrender Schedule
10-year surrender: 9,8,7,6,5,5,4,3,2,1. After year ten, fully liquid. Free withdrawal: 10% of AV per year (or RMD if greater). MVA on excess withdrawals (not CA). Emergency waivers: confinement, disability, terminal illness. Not available in NY or OR.
Fees and Tradeoffs
No explicit fees on base contract. MGSV: 87.5% of premium less withdrawals at minimum guaranteed rate. Not available in NY or OR.
Product snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Fixed Index Annuity |
| Surrender Period | 10 Years |
| Issue Ages | 0–85 |
| Minimum Premium | $10,000 NQ / $5,000 Q |
| Index | S&P 500 Dynamic Intraday TCA Index |
| Crediting Strategies | Declared Rate; Protected Performance Trigger; Performance Trigger; Enhanced Performance Trigger |
| Rate Guarantee | All rates guaranteed at issue for full 10-year term |
| Free Withdrawal | 10% of AV per year (or RMD if greater) |
| Surrender Schedule | 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 |
| MVA | Yes, on excess withdrawals (not in CA) |
| MGSV | 87.5% of premium less withdrawals at min guaranteed rate |
| Waivers | Confinement, Disability, Terminal Illness |
| Death Benefit | Greater of AV or MGSV |
| State Availability | Not available in New York or Oregon |
Carrier snapshot
American National Insurance Company, founded 1905, Galveston, Texas. A.M. Best: A (Excellent). Part of Brookfield Reinsurance since 2022. Over 120 years of operating history.
Final take
The Rate Certainty Annuity 10 is a strong, honest product for conservative savers committing to a decade. The at-issue rate guarantee is the defining feature — it takes the guesswork out of what you'll earn over ten years. Combined with American National's strong carrier profile and the 10% annual free withdrawal, this is a well-designed long-term accumulation tool. Just understand that guaranteed rates are conservative rates.