What A 4-Year Annuity Really Means
A 4-year annuity is an insurance contract with a four-year surrender period. During those four 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 four years, then stops
Why do people choose four years?:
- Often, a strong middle-ground between short-term flexibility and better-credited terms
- Fits well for rate ladders, near-term goals, or “bridge” money
- Keeps your timeline short enough to re-shop sooner if rates improve
Compare The Highest 4-Year MYGA Annuity Rates
Explore 4-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 4-year terms offer a perfect balance of yield and flexibility, you may find better value by comparing them against the full market. View our complete list of October 2026 fixed annuity rates to see how 3-year and 5-year options currently stack up.
| Insurance Company | Product Name | Guaranteed APY | A.M Best Rating | Annual Liquidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford Life | Multi-Select MYGA | 6.05 | A | 10% |
| Oceanview | Harbourview 4 | 5.70% | A | 10% |
4-Year Period Certain Annuity Rates
How it works: A 4-year period certain annuity pays income for exactly four years. It does not provide a lifetime income. Payments are contractually guaranteed for the fixed period, after which they stop. If the annuitant dies before the term ends, the beneficiaries receive the remaining scheduled payouts.
4-year payout rate: 25.80% (annual payout rate for the four-year term)
Example: A $100,000 period certain annuity would pay roughly $25,800 per year for four years, then stop.
| Premium Deposit | Annual Payout | Monthly Payout | Total 4-Year Payout |
| $100,000 | $25,800 | $2,150.00 | $103,200 |
| $250,000 | $64,500 | $5,375.00 | $258,000 |
| $500,000 | $129,000 | $10,750.00 | $516,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $258,000 | $21,500.00 | $1,032,000 |
Request a custom quote below. Rates change weekly.
4-Year Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) Rates
How it works: A 4-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 rises (subject to caps, participation rates, or spreads), and you don’t take market-loss hits in negative years.
| Insurer And Contract | Hypothetical Annual Rate Of Return |
|---|---|
| GBU Life Asset Guard FIA | 16.98% |
| Mutual of Omaha Ultra Advantage 4 | 10.53% |
The Reality Check: An insurance carrier will never contractually guarantee a fixed 6% to 8% annual return on an FIA. Those numbers look like historical back-tested illustrations or past average caps, not current guaranteed rates. If a consumer reads this thinking they are getting a guaranteed 8.11% return on a 4-year contract, it creates a massive compliance headache.
Why Use A Broker To Compare 4-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 4-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 4-Year Annuity?
Good fit for:
- People who want predictable growth without market-loss risk
- Savers building a short-term “rate ladder” (staggering 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-year terms)
- Retirees who want a safe bucket for near-term spending (instead of riding the market)
- Anyone comparing options against CDs, money markets, or Treasuries—especially if tax-deferral helps
Not a good fit for:
- Anyone who needs full access to the money within the next four years
- Investors who want uncapped market upside
- People who need strong inflation-hedging over longer time horizons (a 4-year window may be too short)
What Types of Funds Can Be Used?
We help you fund your 4-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 4-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 brokers help find the best 4-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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