
When it comes to annuities, the strength of the insurer matters just as much as the product itself. An annuity is only as reliable as the company standing behind its guarantees.
Selecting the right annuity provider that is financially strong will give you peace of mind knowing that your promised payments will be there for you when you retire.
This guide will explore the top five annuity companies for 2025 so that you can choose a reliable provider that delivers lasting retirement security.
Got limited time? Have a look at the best annuity carriers in 2025 below:
After extensive research, our Annuity Association experts have noted 5 top-rated annuity companies:
New York Life

⭐ Ratings:
AM Best
Fitch Ratings
Moody’s Investors Service
Standard & Poor’s
Pros
Exceptional financial strength (A++ AM Best, AAA Fitch, Aa1 Moody’s, AA+ S&P)
Long-standing reputation and trust
Broad product line: fixed, variable, income, and hybrid annuities
Flexible options: riders, lifetime income, limited-fee withdrawals
Cons
Complex fees in variable annuities
Limited online transparency; often requires agents
Conservative product designs can limit upside
Early withdrawal penalties and surrender charges
New York Life Insurance Company, founded in 1845, is the largest mutual life insurance company in the United States and ranks among the largest globally.
The company offers several types of annuities, including income annuities, fixed deferred annuities, and variable annuities, designed to meet diverse client needs.
With over 175 years in the industry, New York Life has built a reputation for reliability and stability. As a mutual insurer, it operates for the benefit of its policyholders rather than external shareholders.
Allianz

⭐ Ratings:
AM Best
Fitch Ratings
Moody’s Investors Service
Standard & Poor’s
Annuity Association’s Star Rating
Pros
Strong in fixed indexed and registered index-linked annuities
Innovative features: index locks, income multipliers, bonuses
Solid financial rating (A+ AM Best
Built-in liquidity options on some products
Cons
Complex FIA features (caps, spreads, adjustments)
Performance-based income may underperform if markets lag
Allianz is a prominent global insurance and financial services provider, founded in 1890 in Berlin, Germany.
Initially established as a transport and accident insurer by Carl Thieme and Wilhelm Finck, Allianz has since evolved into one of the largest and most diversified financial services companies in the world.
Allianz's FIAs are linked to stock market indices, which means they can offer higher growth potential compared to traditional fixed annuities.
Clients can enjoy the upside of market gains without the risk of losing their principal, making them an attractive option for conservative investors seeking growth.
Several of their investment products come with no annual fees, and some include numerous features and benefits.
Allianz has a strong reputation for customer service and offers extensive resources, including educational materials about annuities.
Midland National

⭐ Ratings:
AM Best
Fitch Ratings
Moody’s Investors Service
-
Standard & Poor’s
Annuity Association’s Star Rating
Pros
Focused product lineup: fixed, fixed indexed, income annuities
Competitive MYGA rates
Efficient service and underwriting
Strong financial ratings (A+ AM Best)
Cons
Higher minimums may limit accessibility
Midland National Life Insurance Company, founded in 1906, has established itself as a significant player in the U.S. insurance market. It is particularly known for its annuity products and life insurance solutions.
The company is one of the best MYGA companies, offering competitive rates and straightforward contracts that appeal to individuals seeking stability and predictable returns.
Midland National maintains consistently strong financial ratings, reflecting its long-standing commitment to policyholder security and prudent management.
Beyond MYGAs, it also offers fixed index annuities, universal life, and term life insurance, ensuring a diverse product lineup for different financial planning needs.
With its history of customer-focused service and emphasis on financial strength, Midland National continues to be a popular choice for those looking to secure a guaranteed income.
MassMutual

⭐ Ratings:
AM Best
Fitch Ratings
Moody’s Investors Service
Pros
Mutual structure aligns policyholder interests
Excellent financial strength (A++ AM Best)
Broad product offerings, including fixed, indexed, immediate, variable, and hybrid annuities
Strong reputation and support tools
Cons
Some limits on death benefits or income riders
Certain indexed/variable products can be complex or have higher fees
MassMutual, officially known as the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, is a prominent financial services firm based in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Founded in 1851 by George W. Rice, the company has evolved from a mutual life insurance provider into a diversified financial institution offering a wide range of products, including annuities, life insurance, and investment services.
MassMutual is one of the largest providers in the annuity market, particularly after acquiring Great American Life Insurance Company and rebranding it as MassMutual Ascend in 2022.
The company maintains a positive relationship with clients, which is reflected in a low number of complaints.
Nationwide

⭐ Ratings:
AM Best
Fitch Ratings
Moody’s Investors Service
Standard & Poor’s
Annuity Association’s Star Rating
Pros
Wide variety of annuity types for flexibility
Transparent fees and product terms online
Strong advisor network and support infrastructure
Mutual structure and long-standing reputation
Cons
Contract complexity: riders and options may be confusing
Long surrender/waiting periods limit early liquidity
Some features only available through agents
Nationwide, officially known as Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, is the last entry on our list of the best-rated annuity companies to consider in 2025.
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, and established in 1926, Nationwide has grown significantly over the decades.
Following four consecutive record years of sales, Nationwide moved up three spots to #72 on the 2025 Fortune 500 list and ranks among the top 10 largest insurance companies.
Nationwide stands out for its solid variable annuity lineup and competitive fees.
The company offers a wide range of variable annuity products, backed by high financial strength ratings from AM Best and Standard & Poor’s.
Nationwide combines reliable investment options with responsive customer service, and its product range includes genuinely distinct features that allow investors to tailor solutions to their specific retirement goals.
While our main list highlights some of the industry's strongest names, several other insurers deserve recognition for their stability and product innovation.
These annuity insurance companies may not always make the top of every ranking, but they consistently deliver competitive annuity offerings and solid customer service.
Security Benefit has a strong reputation in the fixed indexed annuity space. The company is known for innovative crediting strategies, giving policyholders options to balance growth potential with downside protection.
It has also partnered with well-known asset managers, which adds an extra layer of credibility to its investment design.
Security Benefit’s annuities that are worth considering:
Formerly part of AIG, Corebridge Financial brings a strong legacy of retirement products under its own brand.
The company offers a wide mix of fixed, variable, and indexed annuities, with income riders that support long-term retirement planning.
Corebridge’s size and established risk-management practices give consumers confidence in its guarantees.
Corebridge Financial’s annuities that are worth considering:
F&G is a growing player in the annuity marketplace, particularly in fixed indexed annuities (FIAs).
Its competitive rates and flexible product features have attracted both independent advisors and direct buyers.
F&G has also modernized its processes, offering a more streamlined digital experience for customers and advisors alike.
Fidelity & Guaranty Life’s annuities that are worth considering:
Founded in 1907, Protective Life offers a solid range of fixed and fixed-indexed annuities.
Its affiliation with Dai-ichi Life and strategic acquisitions give it added scale and stability, making it a reliable choice for retirement-income planning.
While it may not always top every leaderboard, Protective Life’s combination of stability, track record, and product innovation makes it a reliable choice for retirement-income planning.
Protective Life’s annuities that are worth considering:
When researching annuity providers, we follow a strict methodology that is built on transparency and objectivity.
To recognize a provider as a top annuity company, we evaluate it based on several key factors:
Financial Strength: We look closely at ratings from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and the Comdex score. Strong ratings reflect an insurer’s ability to meet long-term obligations.
Product Range: Companies with diverse offerings, such as MYGAs (Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities), FIAs (Fixed Indexed Annuities), and SPIAs (Single Premium Immediate Annuities), score higher for flexibility.
Rate Competitiveness: We monitor annuity rates regularly to see which carriers are delivering the best balance of guarantees and growth potential.
Customer Service: An insurer’s ability to process claims, provide clear communication, and support policyholders throughout the contract is an important measure of reliability.
If you’re after the best annuity carriers, you should know how to identify them. If there is a provider you’re interested in but we don’t have it on our list - don’t worry!
Here is a checklist to guide your decision:

Rates and product features change frequently. The best way to know which carrier and contract fits your needs is to compare personalized quotes.
Give us a call at (855)-866-3659 or fill out a contact form.
Our licensed advisor will provide a side-by-side comparison of the most suitable annuities based on your age, investment amount, and retirement goals.
NEED HELP? WE GOT YOU COVERED!
What does an AM Best A++ rating mean?
It’s the highest financial strength rating from AM Best, indicating that the company has a superior ability to meet its obligations to policyholders.
Generally, once you’ve purchased an annuity contract, it is locked in with that insurer. However, in some cases, you may be able to use a 1035 exchange to transfer funds to another annuity without triggering taxes, though fees or surrender charges may apply.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but companies with strong ratings, a long history, and a diversified product line typically provide the most security.
Annuity Expert
Jeremiah Konger
PS - Here's 3 ways we can help you learn more about annuities.
1. Watch Videos on How to Identify The Highest Paying Protected Income & Growth Annuities.
2. Watch Videos That Reveal What to Look For When Buying A Protected Growth Annuity.
3. Click Here To Access Our Annuity Review Vault To Compare The Pro's and Con's of Dozens of Annuities.
Annuity Association is the leader in providing Independent Annuity recommendations for protected income, safe growth and other benefits in retirement.
Serving All 50 States
Annuity Association
759 SW Federal Hwy Ste 200H
Stuart, FL 34994


© Copyrights 2025 by Annuity Association. All Rights Reseved.