CD vs. Annuity Calculator
Compare Growth Side by Side · St. Petersburg, FL
Should you put your retirement savings in a CD or a fixed annuity? Use our calculator to compare after-tax growth side by side and see how tax-deferred compounding can put more money in your pocket.
CD vs. Annuity — 2026 Snapshot
- Top 5-yr MYGA rate, Apr 2026
-
5.85%
Top 5-yr MYGA rate, Apr 2026
- Avg 5-yr CD rate, Apr 2026
-
4.10%
Avg 5-yr CD rate, Apr 2026
- MYGA growth treatment
-
Tax-Deferred
MYGA growth treatment
- FDIC limit per CD account
-
$250k
FDIC limit per CD account
Sources: LIMRA Q1 2026, AnnuityAdvantage rate survey, ACM internal data.
CD vs. Annuity Calculator
Compare tax-deferred annuity growth against a taxable CD
1–30 years
CD vs. Annuity: At a Glance
Certificate of Deposit (CD)
- FDIC insured up to $250,000
- Simple, familiar product
- Easy access at maturity
- Interest taxed every year
- Typically lower rates than annuities
- No lifetime income option
Fixed Annuity (MYGA)
- Tax-deferred compounding
- Generally higher guaranteed rates
- Optional lifetime income riders
- Principal guaranteed by carrier
- Surrender charges if withdrawn early
- 10% IRS penalty before 59½
Why Pinellas County Retirees Are Choosing Annuities Over CDs
A lot of our clients in St. Pete come in with their savings parked in CDs at the local bank. They're safe — but they're leaving money on the table. The combination of higher rates and tax-deferred growth means a fixed annuity can put significantly more in your pocket over 5-10 years.
Plus, if you want the option to convert your savings into a guaranteed monthly paycheck down the road, annuities give you that flexibility. CDs don't. We've helped hundreds of Pinellas County residents make the switch — and every one of them wishes they'd done it sooner.
When to Choose Which
Choose a CD When…
- • You need the money within 1-2 years
- • FDIC insurance is a must-have
- • You're under 59½ and may need access
- • You want maximum simplicity
Choose an Annuity When…
- • You won't need the money for 3+ years
- • You want tax-deferred growth
- • You're planning for retirement income
- • You want higher guaranteed rates
Frequently Asked Questions: CDs vs. Annuities
Is an annuity better than a CD?
Are annuity rates higher than CD rates?
What's the tax advantage of an annuity over a CD?
Can I lose money in a fixed annuity?
What about early withdrawal penalties?
Is my money safe in an annuity vs a CD?
Related Calculators & Services
Ready to Compare Real Rates?
We can show you actual guaranteed rates from top-rated carriers and help you decide whether a CD or annuity makes more sense for your situation. Book a free 20-minute call.