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.
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MassMutual Annuity Review
A mutual company with 170+ years of history, A++ rated, and best in class for SPIA payouts and policyholder dividends.
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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.
Read New York Life review →
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.
Read Allianz Life review →
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.
Read Corebridge review →
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.
Editorial Disclosure: AnnuityJournal.org is an independent financial media publication. We do not sell annuities or receive payment to feature specific…
Elizabeth Prescott
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AM Best RatingA+ Founded2009 HeadquartersWest Des Moines, IA Total Assets$331B+ 2025 Sales Rank#1 U.S. ProductsMYGA, FIA, SPIA TL;DR Athene is…
Elizabeth Prescott
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