Last updated October 26, 2026. Caps are for contracts issued in California and can change at any time — confirm today’s cap before you apply.
These are the current California fixed index annuity rates for the most widely offered crediting strategy: the S&P 500® annual point-to-point cap. The tables cover 161 fixed index annuities (FIAs) from 28 carriers available to California residents. As of this update, the best cap is 16.00% with a 5-year surrender period, 16.00% with a 7-year surrender period and 16.00% with a 10-year surrender period. All three come from Talcott Financial Group’s EverGuard Aspire, which is new to this list; the next-best caps are 11.40% (5 years), 11.65% (7 years) and 12.00% (10 years).
I’m Kevin Edwards, an independent California annuity agent. FIAs offer dozens of crediting strategies, most on proprietary indexes that can’t be compared side by side. The S&P 500 annual cap is the one nearly every carrier offers, so it’s the fairest way to compare products. I update this page every week.
Plug any cap below into our free fixed index annuity calculator to see the range of outcomes between the 0% floor and that cap.
Comparing a fixed index annuity with a buffered or registered index-linked annuity? See RILA vs. fixed index annuity.
Best S&P 500 Cap by Surrender Period
| Surrender period | Best S&P 500 cap | Carrier | Product | Guaranteed minimum cap | Products available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years | 9.70% | Oxford Life Insurance Company | Select 3 | 1.00% | 2 |
| 5 years | 16.00% | Talcott Financial Group | EverGuard Aspire 5 | 1.00% | 27 |
| 7 years | 16.00% | Talcott Financial Group | EverGuard Aspire 7 | 1.00% | 41 |
| 8 years | 8.90% | North American Company | Performance Choice 8 | 0.50% | 1 |
| 9 years | 9.50% | American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company | AssetShield 9 CA | 1.00% | 4 |
| 10 years | 16.00% | Talcott Financial Group | EverGuard Aspire 10 | 1.00% | 85 |
| 14 years | 6.50% | North American Company | Charter Plus 14 CA FEE | 0.50% | 1 |
All California Fixed Index Annuity Rates by Surrender Period
Each table lists every FIA in California that offers an S&P 500 annual point-to-point cap strategy with a 0% floor, no strategy fee and a stated guaranteed minimum cap, sorted by cap. Where a product’s cap depends on deposit size, I show its highest cap. The guaranteed minimum cap is the lowest the carrier can set the cap at renewal.
3-Year Surrender Period: S&P 500 Caps in California (2 products)
| Carrier | Product | S&P 500 cap | Guaranteed min. cap | AM Best | Riders | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford Life Insurance Company | Select 3 | 9.70% | 1.00% | A | 1 optional | MVA |
| MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company | American Landmark 3 | 8.00% | 2.40% | A++ | None | MVA |
5-Year Surrender Period: S&P 500 Caps in California (27 products)
| Carrier | Product | S&P 500 cap | Guaranteed min. cap | AM Best | Riders | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talcott Financial Group | EverGuard Aspire 5 | 16.00% | 1.00% | A- | None | — |
| Sagicor Life Insurance Company | Sage Accumulator 5 CA | 11.40% | 1.00% | A | None | MVA |
| American General Life Insurance Company | Power 5 Protector | 11.00% | 2.00% | A | None | MVA |
| Global Atlantic Financial Group | ForeAccumulation II 5 | 11.00% | 1.00% | A | 2 optional | — |
| Delaware Life | Retirement Stages Select 5 | 10.90% | 0.25% | A- | None | MVA |
| National Life Group | Zenith Growth 5 | 10.80% | 0.25% | A+ | None | MVA; Loan provision |
| Axonic Insurance | Trailhead 5 | 10.75% | 1.00% | A- | None | MVA |
| Reliance Standard Life | Reliance Accumulator 5 | 10.75% | 1.00% | A++ | None | — |
| Oxford Life Insurance Company | Select 5 | 10.70% | 1.00% | A | 1 optional | MVA |
| Aspida | Synergy Choice Max 5 | 10.60% | 1.00% | A- | None | MVA |
| Lincoln Financial | Lincoln OptiBlend 5 CA | 10.50% | 1.00% | A | None | — |
| Reliance Standard Life | Keystone 5 Index Annuity | 10.25% | 1.00% | A++ | None | — |
| Prosperity S.USA Life | Prosperity PathPro 5 | 10.00% | 0.25% | A- | None | MVA |
| MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company | American Landmark 5 | 9.50% | 2.40% | A++ | 1 optional | — |
| EquiTrust Life Insurance Company | MarketFive Index | 9.50% | 1.00% | B++ | None | — |
| Integrity Life Insurance Company | Integrity Indextra 5 | 9.50% | 1.00% | A+ | 1 optional | — |
| The Standard | Enhanced Choice Index Plus 5 | 9.25% | 1.00% | A | None | — |
| Guaranty Income Life | WealthChoice 5 | 8.75% | 1.00% | A- | None | MVA |
| American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company | AssetShield 5 | 8.50% | 1.00% | A | None | MVA |
| National Life Group | Flex Secure Growth 5 | 7.00% | 0.10% | A+ | None | MVA; Loan provision |
| Aspida | Synergy Choice Bonus 5 CA | 6.25% | 1.00% | A- | None | MVA |
| American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company | AssetShield 5 Bonus (Option 1) | 6.00% | 1.00% | A | None | MVA |
| Prosperity S.USA Life | Prosperity PathPro Max 5 | 6.00% | 0.25% | A- | None | MVA |
| American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company | AssetShield 5 Bonus (Option 2) | 5.25% | 1.00% | A | None | MVA |
| Global Atlantic Financial Group | ForeIncome II 5 With Income Multiplier Benefit | 5.00% | 1.00% | A | Rider required | — |
| American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company | AssetShield 5 Bonus (Option 3) | 4.75% | 1.00% | A | None | MVA |
| Global Atlantic Financial Group | ForeIncome II 5 With Guaranteed Income Builder | 4.50% | 1.00% | A | Rider required | — |
7-Year Surrender Period: S&P 500 Caps in California (41 products)
| Carrier | Product | S&P 500 cap | Guaranteed min. cap | AM Best | Riders | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talcott Financial Group | EverGuard Aspire 7 | 16.00% | 1.00% | A- | None | — |
| Delaware Life | Retirement Stages Select 7 | 11.65% | 0.25% | A- | None | MVA |
| Sagicor Life Insurance Company | Sage Accumulator 7 CA | 11.40% | 1.00% | A | None | MVA |
| Global Atlantic Financial Group | ForeAccumulation II 7 | 11.25% | 1.00% | A | 2 optional | — |
| National Life Group | Zenith Growth 7 | 11.20% | 0.25% | A+ | None | MVA; Loan provision |
| American General Life Insurance Company | Power 7 Protector | 11.00% | 2.00% | A | None | MVA |
| Reliance Standard Life | Reliance Accumulator 7 | 11.00% | 1.00% | A++ | None | — |
| Oxford Life Insurance Company | Select 7 | 10.90% | 1.00% | A | 1 optional | MVA |
| Axonic Insurance | Trailhead 7 | 10.75% | 1.00% | A- | None | MVA |
| Lincoln Financial | Lincoln OptiBlend 7 CA | 10.60% | 1.00% | A | None | — |
| MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company | American Legend 7 LOAN | 10.50% | 2.40% | A++ | 2 optional | Loan provision |
| Reliance Standard Life | Keystone 7 Index Annuity | 10.50% | 1.00% | A++ | None | — |
| Fidelity & Guaranty Life | FG AccumulatorPlus 7 | 10.25% | 1.00% | A | None | MVA |
| EquiTrust Life Insurance Company | MarketSeven Index | 10.00% | 1.00% | B++ | None | — |
| Prosperity S.USA Life | Prosperity PathPro 7 | 10.00% | 0.25% | A- | None | MVA |
| Clear Spring Life | Highlander 7 | 9.75% | 1.00% | A- | None | — |
| Athene IA | Athene Performance Elite® 7 CA | 9.75% | 0.50% | A+ | None | MVA |
| Athene IA | Athene Performance Elite® 7 Plus CA, FEE | 9.75% | 0.50% | A+ | None | MVA |
| Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America | Allianz Accumulation Advantage 7 | 9.75% | 0.25% | A+ | None | MVA |
| Integrity Life Insurance Company | Integrity IndextraTM 7 | 9.50% | 1.00% | A+ | 1 optional | — |
| Nassau Life and Annuity Company | Nassau Growth Annuity 7 Group C | 9.25% | 0.75% | B++ | None | MVA |
| American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company | AssetShield 7 | 9.25% | 0.50% | A | None | MVA |
| Americo (Legacy) | LibertyMark Freedom 7 LOAN | 8.95% | 1.00% | A | 2 optional | Loan provision |
| Guaranty Income Life | WealthChoice 7 | 8.75% | 1.00% | A- | 2 optional | MVA |
| MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company | Premier Income Bonus Non LOAN | 8.65% | 2.40% | A++ | Rider required | MVA; Loan provision |
| National Life Group | Zenith Income 7 – Max Bonus | 7.75% | 0.25% | A+ | Rider required | MVA |
| National Life Group | Zenith Income 7 – Split Bonus | 7.75% | 0.25% | A+ | Rider required | MVA |
| Fidelity & Guaranty Life | Prosperity Elite 7 Enhancement | 7.50% | 1.00% | A | Rider required | MVA |
| Fidelity & Guaranty Life | Prosperity Elite 7 Protection | 7.50% | 1.00% | A | Must elect 1 of 3 | MVA |
| National Life Group | Flex Secure Growth 7 | 7.50% | 0.10% | A+ | None | MVA |
| Pacific Life Insurance Company | Pacific Index Dimensions 7 Year | 7.45% | 2.95% | A+ | None | — |
| Prosperity S.USA Life | Prosperity PathPro Max 7 | 6.25% | 0.25% | A- | None | MVA |
| National Life Group | Growth Driver 7 | 5.75% | 0.25% | A+ | None | MVA; Loan provision |
| National Life Group | Income Driver 7 | 5.75% | 0.25% | A+ | 4 optional | MVA; Loan provision |
| Global Atlantic Financial Group | ForeIncome II 7 With Income Multiplier Benefit | 5.50% | 1.00% | A | Rider required | — |
| Athene IA | Agility 7 CA | 5.25% | 0.50% | A+ | Rider required | MVA |
| Global Atlantic Financial Group | ForeIncome II 7 With Guaranteed Income Builder | 5.00% | 1.00% | A | Rider required | — |
| Global Atlantic Financial Group | Income 150+ SE 7 | 5.00% | 1.00% | A | 1 optional | — |
| American General Life Insurance Company | Power 7 Protector Plus Income | 4.60% | 2.00% | A | Must elect 1 of 2 | MVA |
| Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America | Allianz Core Income 7 Annuity RL & | 4.00% | 0.25% | A+ | Must elect 1 of 2 | MVA |
| American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company | California IncomeShield 7 | 2.75% | 1.00% | A | Must elect 1 of 5 | MVA |
8-Year Surrender Period: S&P 500 Caps in California (1 product)
| Carrier | Product | S&P 500 cap | Guaranteed min. cap | AM Best | Riders | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North American Company | Performance Choice 8 | 8.90% | 0.50% | A+ | None | MVA |
9-Year Surrender Period: S&P 500 Caps in California (4 products)
| Carrier | Product | S&P 500 cap | Guaranteed min. cap | AM Best | Riders | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company | AssetShield 9 CA | 9.50% | 1.00% | A | None | MVA |
| American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company | AssetShield 9 Bonus CA | 6.00% | 1.00% | A | None | MVA |
| American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company | EstateShield 9 CA | 4.25% | 1.00% | A | Must elect 1 of 2 | MVA |
| American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company | California IncomeShield 9 | 3.25% | 1.00% | A | 4 optional | MVA |
10-Year Surrender Period: S&P 500 Caps in California (85 products)
| Carrier | Product | S&P 500 cap | Guaranteed min. cap | AM Best | Riders | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talcott Financial Group | EverGuard Aspire 10 | 16.00% | 1.00% | A- | None | — |
| Delaware Life | Target Growth 10 | 12.00% | 0.25% | A- | None | — |
| Oxford Life Insurance Company | Select 10 | 11.50% | 1.00% | A | 1 optional | MVA |
| Sagicor Life Insurance Company | Sage Accumulator 10 CA | 11.40% | 1.00% | A | None | MVA |
| National Life Group | Zenith Growth 10 | 11.10% | 0.25% | A+ | None | MVA; Loan provision |
| American General Life Insurance Company | Power 10 Protector | 11.00% | 1.00% | A | None | MVA |
| American General Life Insurance Company | Power Select Builder | 11.00% | 1.00% | A | None | MVA |
| American National Insurance Company | Smart Start Accumulator 10 CA | 11.00% | 1.00% | A | None | — |
| Global Atlantic Financial Group | ForeAccumulation II 10 | 11.00% | 1.00% | A | 2 optional | — |
| Reliance Standard Life | Reliance Accumulator 10 | 11.00% | 1.00% | A++ | None | — |
| Nassau Life and Annuity Company | Nassau Growth Annuity 10 Group C | 11.00% | 0.75% | B++ | None | MVA |
| Nassau Life and Annuity Company | Nassau Growth Annuity 10 Group C with Income | 11.00% | 0.75% | B++ | 4 optional | MVA |
| Axonic Insurance | Trailhead 10 | 10.75% | 1.00% | A- | None | MVA |
| Lincoln Financial | Lincoln OptiBlend 10 CA | 10.75% | 1.00% | A | None | — |
| Reliance Standard Life | Keystone 10 Index Annuity | 10.75% | 1.00% | A++ | None | — |
| Aspida | Synergy Choice Max 10 | 10.60% | 1.00% | A- | None | MVA |
| EquiTrust Life Insurance Company | MarketValue Index | 10.50% | 1.00% | B++ | None | — |
| Fidelity & Guaranty Life | FG AccumulatorPlus 10 | 10.50% | 1.00% | A | None | MVA |
| Prosperity S.USA Life | Prosperity PathPro 10 | 10.25% | 0.25% | A- | None | MVA |
| North American Company | NAC VersaChoice 10 | 10.10% | 0.50% | A+ | None | MVA |
| North American Company | NAC VersaChoice 10 (ELB) | 10.10% | 0.50% | A+ | 1 optional | MVA |
| Fidelity & Guaranty Life | Flex Accumulator | 9.75% | 1.00% | A | 2 optional | MVA |
| Integrity Life Insurance Company | Integrity IndextraTM 10 | 9.50% | 1.00% | A+ | 1 optional | — |
| Oxford Life Insurance Company | Royal Select | 9.50% | 1.00% | A | 1 optional | MVA |
| North American Company | NAC Control. X | 9.50% | 0.25% | A+ | 1 optional | MVA |
| Fidelity & Guaranty Life | FG Accelerator Plus 10 | 9.25% | 1.00% | A | Rider required | MVA |
| Guaranty Income Life | WealthChoice 10 | 9.00% | 2.00% | A- | 2 optional | MVA |
| Americo (Legacy) | LibertyMark Freedom 10 LOAN | 9.00% | 1.00% | A | 1 optional | Loan provision |
| Nassau Life and Annuity Company | Nassau Athos Annuity Non-Bonus Group C | 9.00% | 0.50% | B++ | None | MVA |
| Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America | Allianz Accumulation Advantage | 8.75% | 0.25% | A+ | None | MVA |
| Nassau Life and Annuity Company | Nassau Bonus Annuity 10 Group C | 8.50% | 0.75% | B++ | None | MVA |
| Nassau Life and Annuity Company | Nassau Bonus Annuity 10 Group C With Income | 8.50% | 0.75% | B++ | 2 optional | MVA |
| MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company | Safe Return TSA | 8.00% | 2.40% | A++ | None | Loan provision |
| Talcott Financial Group | EverGuard Aspire 10 Bonus | 8.00% | 1.00% | A- | None | — |
| National Life Group | Zenith Income 10 – Max Bonus | 8.00% | 0.25% | A+ | Rider required | MVA |
| National Life Group | Zenith Income 10 – Split Bonus | 8.00% | 0.25% | A+ | Rider required | MVA |
| Fidelity & Guaranty Life | Prosperity Elite 10 Enhancement | 7.75% | 1.00% | A | Rider required | MVA |
| Fidelity & Guaranty Life | Prosperity Elite 10 Protection | 7.75% | 1.00% | A | Must elect 1 of 3 | MVA |
| National Life Group | Flex Secure Growth 10 | 7.75% | 0.10% | A+ | None | MVA; Loan provision |
| National Life Group | Flex Select Income Max Bonus | 7.50% | 0.10% | A+ | Rider required | MVA |
| National Life Group | Flex Select Income Split Bonus | 7.50% | 0.10% | A+ | Rider required | MVA |
| Clear Spring Life | Highlander | 7.25% | 1.00% | A- | 1 optional | — |
| Delaware Life | PrimeStart Bonus 10 | 7.25% | 0.25% | A- | None | — |
| EquiTrust Life Insurance Company | MarketFuture Bonus Income | 7.00% | 1.00% | B++ | Rider required | — |
| Nassau Life and Annuity Company | Nassau Personal Income Annuity Group D | 7.00% | 0.75% | B++ | Must elect 1 of 2 | MVA |
| EquiTrust Life Insurance Company | MarketTen Bonus Index ROP | 6.50% | 1.00% | B++ | None | — |
| Prosperity S.USA Life | Prosperity PathPro Max 10 | 6.50% | 0.25% | A- | None | MVA |
| National Life Group | Flex Secure Growth 10 Bonus | 6.50% | 0.10% | A+ | None | MVA; Loan provision |
| American National Insurance Company | Smart Start Accumulator Plus 10 Bonus No Fee CA | 6.25% | 1.00% | A | None | — |
| American National Insurance Company | Smart Start Accumulator Plus 10 Bonus with Fee CA FEE | 6.25% | 1.00% | A | None | — |
| Fidelity & Guaranty Life | Performance Pro with GMWB | 6.25% | 1.00% | A | Rider required | MVA |
| Clear Spring Life | ViStar | 6.00% | 1.00% | A- | 1 optional | — |
| EquiTrust Life Insurance Company | MarketEarly Income | 6.00% | 1.00% | B++ | Rider required | — |
| Talcott Financial Group | EverGuard Assurance 10: Early Path | 6.00% | 1.00% | A- | Rider required | — |
| Talcott Financial Group | EverGuard Assurance 10: Future Path | 6.00% | 1.00% | A- | Rider required | — |
| Nassau Life and Annuity Company | Nassau Athos Annuity Bonus Group C | 6.00% | 0.50% | B++ | None | MVA |
| National Life Group | Growth Driver 10 | 6.00% | 0.25% | A+ | None | MVA; Loan provision |
| National Life Group | Income Driver 10 | 6.00% | 0.25% | A+ | 4 optional | MVA |
| Aspida | Synergy Choice Bonus 10 CA | 5.75% | 1.00% | A- | None | MVA |
| Global Atlantic Financial Group | ForeIncome II 10 With Income Multiplier Benefit | 5.75% | 1.00% | A | Rider required | — |
| North American Company | Charter Plus 10 CA FEE | 5.75% | 0.50% | A+ | Rider required | — |
| Guaranty Income Life | WealthChoice 10 with Premium Bonus | 5.50% | 1.00% | A- | None | MVA |
| Nassau Life and Annuity Company | Nassau Personal Protection ChoiceSM Group D | 5.50% | 0.75% | B++ | None | MVA |
| Athene IA | Agility 10 CA | 5.50% | 0.50% | A+ | Rider required | MVA |
| Athene IA | Ascent Pro 10 Bonus | 5.50% | 0.50% | A+ | Must elect 1 of 2 | MVA |
| Athene IA | Athene Performance Elite 10 CA | 5.50% | 0.50% | A+ | None | MVA |
| Athene IA | Athene Performance Elite® 10 Plus CA, FEE | 5.50% | 0.50% | A+ | None | MVA |
| Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America | Allianz 222 | 5.50% | 0.25% | A+ | Rider required | MVA |
| Pruco Life Insurance Company (Prudential) | Elevate Income | 5.00% | 2.00% | A+ | 1 optional | MVA |
| Aspida | Synergy Choice Income | 5.00% | 1.00% | A- | Rider required | MVA |
| Global Atlantic Financial Group | ForeAccumulation II 10 With Premium Enhancement Rider | 5.00% | 1.00% | A | 2 optional | — |
| Global Atlantic Financial Group | ForeIncome II 10 With Guaranteed Income Builder | 5.00% | 1.00% | A | Rider required | — |
| Global Atlantic Financial Group | Income 150+ SE 10 | 5.00% | 1.00% | A | 1 optional | — |
| North American Company | BenefitSolutions 10 | 5.00% | 0.50% | A+ | Rider required | MVA |
| North American Company | Income Pay Pro 10 | 5.00% | 0.50% | A+ | 2 optional | MVA |
| Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America | Allianz 360 Annuity | 5.00% | 0.25% | A+ | 2 optional | MVA |
| Delaware Life | TruePath Income™ | 5.00% | 0.25% | A- | Must elect 1 of 4 | MVA |
| American General Life Insurance Company | Power 10 Protector Plus Income | 4.90% | 1.00% | A | Must elect 1 of 2 | MVA |
| EquiTrust Life Insurance Company | MarketEdge Bonus Index | 4.75% | 1.00% | B++ | None | — |
| Pruco Life Insurance Company (Prudential) | Prudential Surepathsm Income | 4.00% | 2.00% | A+ | Rider required | MVA |
| Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America | Allianz Benefit Control | 4.00% | 0.25% | A+ | 4 optional | MVA |
| American General Life Insurance Company | Power Select Plus Income | 3.50% | 1.00% | A | Rider required | MVA |
| Nassau Life and Annuity Company | Nassau Income Accelerator Group D | 3.00% | 0.75% | B++ | Must elect 1 of 3 | MVA |
| American General Life Insurance Company | Power Select Plus Income with Multiplier® | 2.70% | 2.00% | A | Rider required | MVA |
| Fidelity & Guaranty Life | Safe Income Advantage | 2.25% | 1.00% | A | 3 optional | MVA |
14-Year Surrender Period: S&P 500 Caps in California (1 product)
| Carrier | Product | S&P 500 cap | Guaranteed min. cap | AM Best | Riders | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North American Company | Charter Plus 14 CA FEE | 6.50% | 0.50% | A+ | None | — |
This week’s changes: Since my last update on October 12, 31 products raised their S&P 500 cap and 1 lowered it, 25 products were added and 22 dropped off the list. See index annuity cap changes for October 26, 2026 for the details.
Rate Changes Coming This Week
These carriers have rate changes scheduled. Caps from these carriers may move up or down on the dates shown:
- Oct 27, 2026: Protective Life
- Oct 28, 2026: Oceanview Life and Annuity
- Oct 29, 2026: Ibexis
- Oct 30, 2026: Symetra Life Insurance Company
- Nov 01, 2026: Pruco Life Insurance Company (Prudential)
If one of these products fits your plans, ask me about the carrier’s rate-lock rules before the effective date.
How to Read These Rates
What is a fixed index annuity?
A fixed index annuity credits interest based on the performance of a market index, like the S&P 500, while protecting your principal from market losses. Your money grows tax-deferred, and in a down year you’re credited 0% instead of a loss.
How a cap rate works
The cap is the most interest you can be credited in a contract year. If the S&P 500 rises 14% over the year and your cap is 10%, you’re credited 10%. If the index rises 6%, you’re credited 6%. If it falls, you’re credited 0%. Most FIAs measure the index’s price change only, so dividends aren’t included.
Caps are set each year
The cap you start with is guaranteed only for the first contract year. After that, the carrier can raise or lower it at each anniversary, but never below the guaranteed minimum cap shown in the tables. 52 of the 161 products guarantee a minimum cap of 0.50% or less, so a carrier’s renewal track record matters as much as today’s cap.
Riders
Some FIAs require you to buy an income rider, which usually carries an annual fee that reduces your account value. 30 products on this page require a rider, and the highest cap among them is 9.25%. “Must elect” means you choose one of several riders, which may include a no-cost option. Ask me what each rider costs before you compare.
Surrender periods and MVAs
Longer surrender periods often come with higher caps, but your money is less accessible. Withdrawals above the penalty-free amount during the surrender period can trigger surrender charges, and products marked MVA can also apply a market value adjustment.
Fixed Index Annuity or MYGA?
An FIA trades a guaranteed rate for the chance to earn more when the market rises, with 0% in down years. A MYGA locks in a guaranteed rate for the whole term. To compare, see my weekly list of California fixed annuity rates (MYGAs).
Annuity company reviews: I’ve also reviewed 11 annuity companies, with AM Best ratings and current California rates for each: Athene, Nationwide, Corebridge (American General), Global Atlantic, Delaware Life, American Equity, F&G, American National, Nassau, North American and Oxford Life. See all 11 side by side on the annuity company reviews page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest fixed index annuity cap rate in California right now?
As of October 26, 2026, the highest S&P 500 annual point-to-point cap on an FIA available in California is 16.00% (Talcott Financial Group EverGuard Aspire 5, EverGuard Aspire 7 and EverGuard Aspire 10, with 5, 7 and 10-year surrender periods), with a guaranteed minimum cap of 1.00%. That cap is guaranteed only for the first contract year.
Can you lose money in a fixed index annuity?
Not from market declines. When the index falls, you are credited 0% for that year instead of a loss. You can lose money if you withdraw more than the penalty-free amount during the surrender period, and optional rider fees reduce your account value.
Are FIA cap rates guaranteed?
Only for the first contract year. After that, the carrier can change the cap each year, but never below the guaranteed minimum cap stated in the contract.
What is the difference between an FIA cap and a MYGA rate?
A MYGA rate is a guaranteed interest rate you earn every year. An FIA cap is the maximum you can earn in a year, depending on how the index performs. Your actual credited rate can be anywhere from 0% up to the cap.
How often do fixed index annuity caps change?
Carriers can change caps for new contracts at any time, and several do so every month. For existing contracts, caps are reset on each contract anniversary, subject to the guaranteed minimum. I update this page every week.
Get a Cap Rate Quote for Your Situation
The highest cap isn’t always the best fit. Renewal history, the guaranteed minimum cap, rider costs, surrender charges and the carrier’s financial strength all matter. As an independent agent, I compare these products across carriers for your goals. Request a free annuity quote and I’ll send you a side-by-side comparison.
New to annuities? Start with What Is an Annuity or learn more about the types of annuities.
Source: AnnuityRateWatch.com carrier data via AIP Marketing Alliance, retrieved October 26, 2026. Shows S&P 500 annual point-to-point cap strategies with a 0% floor, no strategy fee and a stated guaranteed minimum cap; products sold only through fee-based advisory accounts are excluded. Caps, availability, and features change without notice and must be verified with the issuing carrier at application.
Kevin Edwards, Integrity Now Insurance Brokers. California Insurance License #0D42517. Fixed index annuities are insurance products, not bank deposits, not FDIC insured, and not a direct investment in the stock market or any index. Index-linked interest is subject to caps the insurer may change annually, subject to the guaranteed minimum. Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Withdrawals before the end of the surrender period may be subject to surrender charges and market value adjustments; withdrawals of taxable amounts may be subject to ordinary income tax and, if taken before age 59½, a 10% federal tax penalty. This page is for educational purposes and is not tax or legal advice. Product availability and features vary by state. S&P 500® is a registered trademark of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC.