---
title: "What Is MVA (Market Value Adjustment)? Definition | Epic Life Glossary"
description: "A market value adjustment (MVA) is a change to the value of an annuity withdrawal, based on interest rate changes since purchase. It can raise or lower..."
url: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/market-value-adjustment
publisher: Epic Life Group
apply: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply
quote: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote
---

Annuity terms

# Market Value Adjustment (MVA)

A market value adjustment (MVA) is a change to the value of an annuity withdrawal, based on interest rate changes since purchase. It can raise or lower the amount received when money leaves the contract early.

## Why it matters

An MVA applies when the owner withdraws more than the free amount, or surrenders the contract, during the guarantee period. If rates have risen, the adjustment usually reduces the payout. If rates have fallen, it may increase it. The formula varies by carrier, and some states do not allow MVAs. Buyers should ask for examples of how the adjustment works and how it interacts with surrender charges.

Source: [investor.gov](https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/investing-basics/glossary/market-value-adjustment)

[Read next, for familiesAnnuities explained: fixed, fixed-index, MYGA, income riders and surrender charges](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/annuities)

## Where we use this term

-   [Fixed vs fixed index annuity: how do they work and who do they fit?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/fixed-vs-fixed-index-annuity)

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