What A 3-Year Annuity Really Means
A 3-year annuity is an insurance contract with a three-year surrender period . During those three years, your money is either growing, paying income, or setting up future income—depending on the annuity type.
Most “fixed” annuity shopping comes down to three options:
- MYGA for a guaranteed rate over the full term
- Fixed indexed annuity (FIA) for index-linked growth potential with no market-loss risk
- Period certain annuity for a guaranteed income stream that lasts exactly three years, then stops
Why do people choose three years?
- A short commitment with more rate competitiveness than ultra-short options
- Good fit for ladders and near-term planning
- Let’s you re-shop on a predictable timeline without locking up for too long
Compare The Highest 3-Year MYGA Annuity Rates
Explore 3-year MYGA rates with The Annuity Expert, where interest grows tax-deferred, and the rate is contractually guaranteed for the full term. Most MYGAs are built for people who want a predictable return and the option to take a lump sum at the end of the term (your premium plus earned interest).
While 3-year MYGAs offer excellent mid-term stability, we recommend comparing them against the best fixed annuity rates for all terms to see if a slightly longer or shorter commitment yields a better return for September 2026.
| Insurance Company | Product Name | Guaranteed APY | A.M Best Rating | Annual Liquidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sentinel Security | Personal Choice 3 | 6.00% | B | 0% |
| Wichita National | Security 3 | 5.85% | B+ | 0% |
3-Year Period Certain Annuity Rates
How it works: In most cases, there are no true 3-year period certain annuities offered in the market. Period certain contracts are typically designed for longer income windows, not ultra-short terms.
What to do instead: If your goal is a 3-year timeline, most people are better served by a 3-year MYGA with penalty-free withdrawals (within the contract’s free withdrawal allowance). This keeps your plan flexible while still giving you a contract term.
Request a custom quote below. Rates change weekly.
3-Year Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) Rates
How it works: A 3-year FIA credits interest based on the performance of a market index (like the S&P 500), with protection when the index is down. You can earn interest when the index is up (subject to caps, participation rates, or spreads), and you don’t take market-loss hits in negative years.
- Midland Summity Focus 3: 12.26%
- Oceanview Harbourview 3: 9.87%
Why Use A Broker To Compare 3-Year Rates?
Comparing rates ensures you secure the highest payouts and best interest rates available, ultimately maximizing your investment’s growth. Different annuity providers offer varied rates, so finding the right plan with affordable coverage that’s worth it is essential.
As an annuity broker, The Annuity Expert shops over 100+ insurers to find the best 3-year annuity rates for your specific needs. We don’t work for the insurance companies—we work for you.
Here’s what we provide at no cost:
- Side-by-side rate shopping across carriers
- Help choosing based on goals (lump sum vs. income vs. growth potential)
- A plain-language walkthrough of surrender charges, liquidity, and fine print
- Guidance on IRA/401(k) rollovers vs. non-qualified funding
Who Should Use a 3-Year Annuity?
Good fit for:
- People who want safety and a short timeline
- Savers who want to build a short-term ladder and reassess rates later
- Anyone comparing options against CDs or money markets, especially when tax-deferral helps
- People with near-term retirement decisions who want a defined contract window
Not a good fit for:
- Anyone who needs full access immediately
- Investors who want uncapped market upside
- People who need a longer runway for index-crediting strategies
What Types of Funds Can Be Used?
We help you fund your 3-year annuity using:
- ✔ Traditional IRAs
- ✔ Roth IRAs
- ✔ 401(k), 403(b), TSP, or other employer retirement plan rollovers
- ✔ 1035 exchange from an existing annuity
- ✔ Non-qualified (after-tax) savings or investment cash
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Research and comparison: Review 3-year rate options and contract features
- Select your plan: Choose the MYGA, FIA, or period certain structure that matches your goal
- Submit application: Apply online or by phone with help from our team
- Transfer/rollover funds: Move money from a bank or roll over retirement assets (when applicable)
- Review and finalize: Confirm your term, rate/crediting, and beneficiary details
Book a Call Today
Let our broker find the best 3-year rates for your plan. Shop, compare, and lock in a strategy that matches your timeline and liquidity needs.
If you want help right away, call 770-755-1565 to request quotes and side-by-side comparisons.
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