John Hancock Annuities in 2026: No New Sales, and What Existing Owners Should Check
Written & reviewed by Hans Goldstein, EA, independent licensed insurance producer · CA license 4273294 · NPN 20602398Admitted to practice before the IRS
Status checked on johnhancock.com · Updated
John Hancock does not sell new individual annuities in the U.S. It withdrew its annuity lineup from new sales in the early 2010s and now services existing contracts through its individual annuities help center. If you own one, get the surrender value, any guaranteed minimum rate and rider values in writing before comparing it with a new MYGA (about 5.50% to 6.05% for A-rated 5-year contracts on October 14, 2026).
CD vs MYGA, after tax
What $100,000 earns in 5 years: CD vs MYGA, after tax
Rates used: CD 5.00%, the top nationally available 5-year CD (Bankrate, October 14, 2026); change it to the rate you are offered. MYGA 5.95%, the best A-rated rate we track as of October 13, 2026: Delaware Life Pinnacle Plus 5-year (AM Best A-, negative outlook, 7/31/2026), $100,000 and up, effective October 6, 2026 (Delaware Life rate sheet).
| CD, interest taxed every year | $121,081 |
|---|---|
| MYGA, tax-deferred, before tax | $133,507 |
| MYGA after paying tax on all the interest at withdrawal | $126,136 |
| Tax deferral alone adds about | $674 |
| MYGA ahead of the CD, after tax | $5,055 |
Assumes 22% federal and 0% state income tax, no withdrawals, rates held for the whole term. MYGA interest is taxed as ordinary income when you withdraw it, not as capital gains. Gains taken before age 59 1/2 can owe a 10% IRS penalty, and cashing out early can cost a surrender charge.
In an IRA both grow tax-deferred, so the edge there is the rate alone. Bank and credit union deposits are FDIC or NCUA insured up to the limits; a MYGA is backed by the issuing insurer's claims-paying ability and your state's guaranty association up to its limits, not the FDIC. General education, not tax, legal or financial advice.
Where John Hancock annuities stand
John Hancock (a Manulife company) no longer sells new individual annuities in the U.S. It pulled its fixed, variable and immediate annuity products from new sales in the early 2010s, including market-value-adjusted fixed annuities, as reported by InvestmentNews and ThinkAdvisor at the time. Existing contracts are serviced through the John Hancock individual annuities help center: forms, tax documents, withdrawals and claims.
Correction: an earlier version of this page was titled as a review of a John Hancock "FIA + LTC legacy" product and implied limited new sales. There is no current John Hancock individual annuity to buy; this page is now a guide for existing owners.
Is the annuity you're looking at actually the best one available?
Send your email and I'll send what it really guarantees, what the surrender schedule costs you, and the two or three carriers paying more for the same guarantee. If it's already a good fit, I'll tell you that.
We’ll email it to you. Hans reads every one himself and replies within one business day. Hans Goldstein · NPN 20602398.
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If you own one: what to check
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Contract value and surrender value | Most legacy contracts are past their surrender period, but confirm in writing |
| Guaranteed minimum interest rate | Some older fixed contracts guarantee a floor that may matter if rates fall |
| Living benefit or death benefit riders | A guaranteed withdrawal or enhanced death benefit can be worth more than a new rate; get the rider values |
| Current credited rate | Compare it with what a new fixed contract pays today |
| Cost basis | Needed for tax on withdrawals; a 1035 exchange carries it over |
What the money could earn elsewhere
For comparison, A-rated-or-better insurers were paying about 5.50% to 6.05% on 5-year MYGAs and the best nationally available 5-year CDs about 4.70% to 5.00% APY (MYGAs: public carrier rate sheets, October 14, 2026; CDs: Bankrate and Popular Direct, October 18, 2026). Moving a legacy annuity is usually done by 1035 exchange so the tax deferral continues. It makes sense only after the rider and guarantee check above.
Current MYGA rates · Annuity vs CD · Best 5-year MYGA rates
Frequently asked questions
Does John Hancock still sell annuities?
Not new individual retail annuities in the U.S. John Hancock withdrew its fixed, variable and immediate annuity lineup from new sales in the early 2010s (reported by InvestmentNews and ThinkAdvisor). It continues to service existing contracts through its individual annuities help center.
What should I do with an old John Hancock annuity?
Get the current contract value, surrender value and any rider values in writing, and check whether the contract carries a guaranteed minimum interest rate or a living benefit worth keeping. Only then compare it with a new MYGA or immediate annuity.
Can I move a John Hancock annuity to a MYGA?
Yes, usually through a 1035 exchange, which keeps the tax deferral. Check surrender charges first (most legacy contracts are past them) and whether you would give up a valuable guaranteed rate or rider.
How do I contact John Hancock about my annuity?
Through johnhancock.com's individual annuities help center, which covers forms, tax documents, withdrawals and claims. John Hancock annuities are issued by John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), and in New York by John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York.
Hans Goldstein is an independent licensed insurance producer (CA license 4273294, NPN 20602398). Not affiliated with John Hancock or Manulife. Rates are copied from the carrier documents named, with their effective dates; they change often and vary by state and premium. Confirm current rates and read the contract and disclosure before buying. Examples labelled hypothetical are illustrations, not quotes.
Own a John Hancock annuity? Get it reviewed
Talk to Hans Goldstein, a licensed independent insurance producer.
Send your latest statement. Within one business day I'll send back a written side-by-side sized to your dollar amount: what the contract is worth today, what its guarantees are worth, and what the same money earns in a new contract. A free 15-minute call if you want one.
Rather talk it through? Or book 15 minutes on Hans’s calendar, or call 213-414-2808.
- Hans Goldstein, Enrolled Agent, admitted to practice before the IRS
- California insurance license #4273294 (look it up at the California Department of Insurance) · NPN 20602398
- Independent, not a captive agent: appointed with multiple A-rated carriers
- 5.0 on Google from 7 reviews (Goldstein & Co. LLC listing, checked October 18, 2026)
Hans Goldstein · 213-414-2808 · NPN 20602398, independent licensed insurance producer appointed with multiple A-rated carriers
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Disclosure
This review is based on the carrier's public product materials and rates as of the date shown above. Annuity rates, caps, participation rates, payout factors, crediting methods, and long-term care benefit structures change often, sometimes monthly. Confirm current figures in the latest carrier disclosure and the contract before you buy. This is general education, not a personal recommendation or an offer of any product. Hans Goldstein is an independent licensed insurance producer (CA license 4273294, NPN 20602398) appointed with several A-rated carriers. His appointment with the carrier reviewed here may vary, and this review is not an endorsement. No carrier paid for this review. Always read the actual contract and consult a licensed advisor before purchasing any annuity or long-term care insurance product. Past index performance does not predict future credited interest. Annuities and hybrid life+LTC policies are long-term contracts with surrender charges; they are not suitable for funds you may need before the end of the surrender period. AM Best ratings and tax treatment are subject to change. Tax discussion of IRC §7702B, §1035, and the Pension Protection Act of 2006 reflects law as of 2026 and is subject to change.