Wait until the surrender period ends
Take penalty-free withdrawals allowed by the contract
Use the free withdrawal provision if your annuity has one
Withdraw only the amount allowed each year without surrender charges
Annuitize the contract and take scheduled payments
Use systematic withdrawals if permitted by the annuity
Take required minimum distributions if the annuity is in a tax-deferred retirement account
Qualify for an IRS exception to the 10% early withdrawal penalty
Withdraw after age 59½ to avoid the federal early withdrawal penalty
Roll the annuity into another tax-deferred account only if the transaction is allowed and properly structured
Check whether the annuity is a qualified or nonqualified contract before withdrawing
Review the contract for hardship, terminal illness, disability, or nursing home exceptions
Ask the insurer for a penalty-free withdrawal option before taking money out