Annuity Carrier Reviews (2026)
We independently review more than 25 of the largest U.S. annuity carriers based on financial strength, product competitiveness, rate history, customer service, and complaint data. Every carrier on this page holds an AM Best rating of A- or better, and most are A+ or A++. Use the directory below to find a full review of the company you are considering, or jump to our best annuity companies of 2026 ranking for our editor’s picks across categories.
Editor’s Picks: Top 5 Carriers for 2026
Athene Annuity Review
The #1 fixed annuity issuer in the U.S. for the last several years. Apollo-backed, A+ rated, and consistently competitive on MYGA and FIA rates.
MassMutual Annuity Review
A mutual company with 170+ years of history, A++ rated, and best in class for SPIA payouts and policyholder dividends.
New York Life Annuity Review
The largest mutual life insurer in the U.S. and one of only two carriers carrying AM Best A++ for both stability and SPIA strength.
Allianz Life Annuity Review
America’s #1 indexed annuity company by sales. Allianz dominates the FIA market and offers some of the strongest income riders in the industry.
Corebridge Financial Annuity Review
Formerly AIG Life & Retirement, Corebridge is one of the largest annuity providers in the country with a deep product lineup across MYGA, FIA, and VA.
Carrier Reviews by AM Best Rating
AM Best A++ (Superior)
- MassMutual Annuity Review — mutual company, 170+ year history
- New York Life Annuity Review — largest U.S. mutual life insurer
AM Best A+ (Superior)
- Athene Annuity Review — #1 U.S. seller, Apollo-backed
- Global Atlantic Annuity Review — KKR-backed, fast-growing MYGA issuer
- Nationwide Annuity Review — full product suite, strong VA lineup
- Pacific Life Annuity Review — conservative balance sheet, top SPIA payouts
- Midland National Annuity Review — Sammons Financial, FIA leader
- North American Annuity Review — Sammons Financial, MYGA specialist
- Protective Life Annuity Review — Dai-ichi Life-backed, broad VA platform
- Lincoln Financial Annuity Review — competitive FIA caps and income riders
- Securian Financial Annuity Review — Minnesota Life parent, mutual structure
- American National (ANICO) Annuity Review — long-running fixed annuity issuer
- Mutual of Omaha Annuity Review — mutual structure, strong SPIA payouts
- Sammons Financial Group Review — parent of Midland and North American
- Equitable Annuity Review — SCS RILA leader, Corebridge merger pending
- Prudential Annuity Review — FlexGuard RILA, deep VA lineup
AM Best A (Excellent)
- Corebridge Financial Annuity Review — formerly AIG Life & Retirement
- Symetra Annuity Review — Sumitomo-backed, FIA and MYGA focus
- Jackson National Annuity Review — Perspective II VA leader
- Transamerica Annuity Review — Aegon-backed, VA and FIA
- Nassau Financial Group Annuity Review — Golden Gate Capital, MYGA and FIA
- F&G Annuity Review — Fidelity National Financial subsidiary
- American Equity Annuity Review — IncomeShield FIA, Brookfield-backed
Direct-to-Consumer Platforms
- Gainbridge Annuity Review — Group 1001 platform, online MYGA application
Featured Annuity Product Reviews
In addition to company-level reviews, we cover individual annuity products. These reviews focus on a single contract’s rates, caps, riders, and surrender schedule rather than the carrier as a whole.
- Allianz 222 FIA Review — bonus annuity with income rider
- Athene Agility 10 FIA Review — lifetime income rider, no fees
- North American BenefitSolutions 10 FIA Review
- Nationwide New Heights 9 FIA Review
- American Equity AssetShield FIA Review
- F&G RetireShield FIA Review
- MassMutual RetireEase SPIA Review
Best-of Lists and Carrier Comparisons
- Best Annuity Companies of 2026: Top Picks by Type
- Best Fixed Annuity Companies of 2026: Top 8 Ranked
- Best Fixed Index Annuity Companies of 2026
- Best QLAC Companies 2026: Top 8 Carriers Compared
- Global Atlantic vs Athene Annuity: Side-by-Side Comparison
- Most Profitable Annuity Carriers in 2024
How We Review Annuity Carriers
Every carrier review on AnnuityJournal follows the same five-part framework: AM Best, S&P, and Moody’s financial strength ratings; current product lineup across fixed, MYGA, FIA, VA, and RILA; published rate history over the last 12 months; surrender schedules and free-withdrawal provisions; and complaint data from the NAIC complaint index. We do not accept payment from any carrier for placement, ranking, or favorable mention. See our editorial policy for full details.
Considering an annuity from a carrier we have not reviewed yet? Read our guide on how to buy an annuity without getting ripped off and our step-by-step guide to comparing annuity contracts. For protection details, see our explainer on the state guaranty association and what coverage limits apply where you live.