Best available rate
4.2%
6-yr guarantee · 6-yr surrender schedule · $100,000+ premium
Up to 4.2% depending on guarantee term and premium band.
View all rates and terms ↓10%
Free W/D
48
Available jurisdictions
Rates as of August 12, 2026. CANNEX via AdvisorWorld; confirm rates and state availability before purchase.
Product analyzer
Run numbers for SmartStep
guaranteed rates, terms, state availability, surrender details, and contract facts stay scoped to this Western-Southern Life Assurance Company product.
Live product data
Rates as of August 12, 2026, from AdvisorWorld and CANNEX.
6-year guaranteed rate
4.2% guaranteed for 6 years
A six-year Western-Southern MYGA with multi-agency carrier ratings and nursing-home and terminal-illness waivers.
Best fit
Buyers seeking a six-year fixed-rate commitment from a highly rated carrier with defined waiver provisions.
Available guarantee terms
6 years
AM Best
A+ Superior
Surrender period
6 years
Free withdrawal
10%/yr
Availability
48 jurisdictions (restricted footprint)
Minimum premium
$20,000 / $20,000
Product analyst notes
How to think about this contract
Why it can stand out
- The carrier's financial strength is corroborated by multiple rating agencies in the live product data.
- The current live feed aligns the guaranteed term with the six-year surrender schedule, giving buyers one defined commitment window.
- Nursing-home and terminal-illness waivers supplement the applicable annual withdrawal provision.
What to confirm
- The available withdrawal allowance can vary with contract conditions, so buyers should confirm which provision applies to their selection.
- Withdrawals during the surrender period can incur charges when they exceed the applicable allowance.
- The product is intended for fixed-rate accumulation rather than market-linked growth or lifetime-income guarantees.
Not ideal for
Buyers who need unrestricted liquidity, index-linked upside, a premium bonus, or guaranteed lifetime withdrawals.
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Guaranteed Rates by Term
CANNEX identifies each state, MVA, and liquidity-rider version below. Compound-equivalent annual rates are the primary comparison measure; the carrier's quoted simple-interest rate remains visible beneath each value.
| Contract version | Term | Surrender term | Rate effective | $20,000–$99,999Premium · comparable annual rate | $100,000+Premium · comparable annual rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most states · No MVA · No liquidity rider | 6-Year | 6-Year schedule | Aug 1, 2026 | 4%Rate convention not stated | 4.2%Rate convention not stated |
| Most states · No MVA · No liquidity rider | 6-Year | 6-Year schedule | Aug 1, 2026 | 4%Rate convention not stated | 4.2%Rate convention not stated |
Key Features
Free withdrawal
10%/yrAnnual amount that may be available without surrender charges, subject to contract terms.
Surrender waivers
2Nursing home waiver, Terminal illness waiver
Death benefit
Standard Death BenefitBeneficiary value depends on contract terms, withdrawals, and rider elections.
Annuitization options
Single and jointContract conversion options should be confirmed before purchase.
Fund types
Non-qualified, QualifiedAvailability can vary by state and product terms.
Surrender Schedule
6-Year Version
Yr 1
7%
Yr 2
7%
Yr 3
7%
Yr 4
6%
Yr 5
5%
Yr 6
4%
After
0%
6-Year Version
Yr 1
7%
Yr 2
7%
Yr 3
7%
Yr 4
6%
Yr 5
5%
Yr 6
4%
After
0%
Nursing home waiver, Terminal illness waiver, Surrender waivers
Carrier Ratings
Free Comparison Report
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See how SmartStep compares for your age, state, premium, and income goals alongside other Western-Southern Life Assurance Company MYGA options.