Best Annuity Companies

Use our guide to research the best annuity company for you. When you buy an annuity, you pay a company a set amount of money and are guaranteed to get regular payments for a specified period or the rest of your life. We explain what to look for in different types of annuities and what to consider when choosing an annuity.
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Compare Top Annuity Companies | ||||||
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Genworth started as a business in 1871 and has more than $100 billion in assets. It works with customers in over 25 countries and is ranked in both Standard & Poor's 500 Index of Leading U.S. Companies and the Fortune 500. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Fidelity has been in business for nearly 70 years providing investment management and administration expertise to more than 23 million customers. It also helps over 20,000 employers with their employee benefit programs. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Pacific Life has been in business for over 145 years. It offers a number of options to help customers grow and protect their retirement savings and services to help them better understand retirement-oriented financial solutions. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Prudential is a top provider of financial services. It offers the highest daily lifetime income variable annuities, defined income variable annuities and premier investment variable annuities. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||||
Insurance company focused on retirement annuities. Most plans come with yearly, no-penalty withdrawals. Its lifetime income benefit add-on guarantees you won’t outlive your income. Offers fixed and fixed-index annuities. | ![]() | Get Pricing | ||||
AIG has been offering asset protection and helping to guarantee income for Americans for over 160 years. The company currently provides over 1.5 million individuals with products and services related to retirement preparation. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Provides fixed deferred annuities, income annuities and variable annuities, IRAs and life insurance with long-term care benefits. Brokerage products and financial wellness planning services are also available. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Allianz is a leading provider of retirement solutions, offering fixed and variable annuities as well as life insurance for individuals. The company has been in business for over 115 years and has high financial ratings. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Offers death benefit protection with four types of annuity products and two types of life insurance. Hybrid policy option available. Prices vary based on factors like age, health and selected coverage. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Browse this annuity reviews database to compare providers, including AARP, AIG, American Equity and Northwestern Mutual. Offers an online quiz to help find the right types of annuities for you. Free consultations. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Farm Bureau Annuities started in Des Moines, IA, in 1939. The company provides liability insurance, auto insurance, home and property insurance and life insurance. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent |
Types of annuities
Fixed annuity
A fixed annuity sets a guaranteed payout for the rest of the beneficiary's life. Fixed annuities can provide predictability and a steady income during retirement.
Variable annuity
A variable annuity's payout stream is determined by the performance of an underlying investment. Variable annuities provide growth potential.
Indexed annuity
A combination of a fixed and a variable annuity is known as an indexed annuity. The annuitant receives a guaranteed minimum payout while the rest of the payment varies along with the underlying investment's performance.
There is a hidden cost of not participating in all of the upside gains with indexed annuities. They have a cap on the up-side gain that can be earned on the account, which squelches gains when the underlying index has experienced significant gains above the cap. This is mitigated by eliminating losses when the underlying index has experienced losses.
Immediate annuity
Immediate annuities begin to pay a short period after the investment is made. These can be fixed or variable.
Deferred annuity
Any money earned by investing in a deferred annuity will be accumulated until the payout is set to begin. Deferred annuities can be fixed or variable and can be converted to immediate annuities once payout is desired.
How to choose an annuity
Expenses
Annuities have a reputation for becoming accompanied by hefty fees. While certain costs are to be expected, consumers should clearly understand them before purchase.
- Surrender fees: Be sure to understand the surrender fee that will be paid if the money is taken out of the annuity before the contract time period is up.
- Commissions: Similar to investment products, annuities are bought and sold on the market, and an advisor or agent makes a commission from the sale. This charge is paid by the consumer.
- Monthly fees: Annuity monies are invested, often in mutual funds. These funds usually incur fund management fees, and the costs are passed on to the consumer.
Funding options
The initial funds used to purchase an annuity can come from many sources. There are also ways to add to an annuity once it has been created.
- Single payment: The simplest option for consumers who have a lump sum of money and want to put it into an annuity is to write a check or wire the money to the company.
- Series of payments: Some annuities allow consumers to initially fund the account with a small amount of money and then add to the principle periodically. This is a form of saving while growing money for retirement.
- Social Security: Consumers can choose to reduce their Social Security benefits in the near term and use the savings for an annuity for the long term. Consumers should carefully consult a financial advisor regarding this option.
Investment options
Annuity funds are invested in various markets. Depending on the type of annuity, consumers can have more or less control over the underlying investment options.
- Immediate annuities: An immediate annuity offers, as the name implies, immediate results. You make a lump sum payment and immediately (or almost immediately) begin to get a guaranteed monthly payment. Immediate annuities generally are paid out for the rest of your life, but they can also be paid out over another set period of time that you specify.
- Fixed annuities: When you buy a fixed annuity, your rate is locked in for a guaranteed amount of time ranging from one to ten years. Your rate might still fluctuate, but it will never go below the amount you set with your fixed annuity. This type of annuity is good for people who want a low-risk insurance plan and aren’t concerned about growing their annuity.
- Variable annuities: A variable annuity is spread out over several investment accounts, making it similar to a mutual fund. Generally, variable annuities are not advised since The return on the account is based on the performance of these funds and not on a fixed amount. However, it does make sense in certain situations, especially if you are open to risky investments for the potential of a high return and you already have a vibrant investment portfolio.
- Equity-indexed annuity: An equity-indexed annuity combines the best of fixed and variable annuities by offering a fixed rate and payments while tying your money to an index to allow for a higher growth potential than a regular fixed annuity.
Payout options
When purchasing an annuity, the consumer can choose how the future payments will be made.
- Guaranteed period: This option provides a guaranteed number of payments. Upon death, the payments continue to a beneficiary for a set period of time.
- Lifetime payments: The guaranteed payment in this case is for the lifetime of the annuity holder only. This option provides no survivor benefits. Lifetime payments may be appropriate for those with no beneficiaries.
- Survivor payments: Popular with married couples, this type of payment will continue for the life of the holder and, upon death, will then continue for the life of the beneficiary as well.
Withdrawal options
There are several ways to withdraw money from an annuity. However, there are also many fees and penalties associated if the money is withdrawn before the age of 59 1/2. Consumers should be sure they clearly understand all the tax and other financial implications of withdrawals.
- Annuitization: This option converts the current value of the annuity into a stream of payments. It provides a guarantee of steady income for the life of the annuitant or can provide steady income to beneficiaries after death of the annuitant, based on a chosen time period. Payments can be made using a fixed amount or a variable amount.
- Systematic withdrawal: With this option, the consumer chooses how much and when payments will be made. This can include withdrawing only the earnings or withdrawing the principal and the earnings. However, there is no guarantee of payments for life when making withdrawals.
- Lump sum: It's possible to take the entire lump sum of an annuity's value; however, the investment gain will be taxed as ordinary income. If withdrawal is made before age 59 1/2, penalties will also be due.
Company stability
The FDIC does not back annuities, so if the insurance company goes out of business, there won't be any payouts. There are some state guarantees, but consumers should be sure they work with a strong and reputable financial company to protect their investments.
- Credit quality: Most companies with high ratings from the major financial rating services will readily present this information. If it's not obvious, consumers should research the company using the major rating agencies.
- Financial strength: In addition to ratings, the number of assets under management and the cash reserves available can make a statement about the strength of a company and its annuity payment ability.
- Company history: A company's history is a good place to start when researching its stability. Consumers should find out details such as how long the company has been in business and how may annuities it has underwritten.
Who should invest in annuities?
Savers
Annuities are an option for consumers who want to let their money grow and at the same time avert taxes on income. These consumers are usually confident that they will not need to access their money for a long period of time and reasonably expect to outlive their savings.
Savers plus income generators
This group of consumers wants both the ability to grow income and still have access to assets. They often include people nearing retirement age.
Retirees
For those who are now living from their savings, an annuity can create a predictable and guaranteed stream of income for life. People often use this income to cover essential retirement living expenses.
Social Security recipients
Individuals who have a Social Security or pension plan income may want to use an annuity to supplement these sources.
Annuity FAQ
How much does a $100,000 annuity pay per month?
The monthly payment of a $100,000 immediate annuity depends on multiple factors, including the length of the annuity and the annual growth rate. For example, an annuity with a starting principal of $100,000 that pays out over 20 years and has an annual growth rate of 5% would have a monthly payment of approximately $660.
Can you lose your money in an annuity?
Yes, it’s possible to lose money if you have a variable annuity, which has a value based on investments that can rise and fall in price. A fixed annuity, however, guarantees a rate of return and a predictable payout. You could also lose money if you buy an annuity and the insurance company goes under, though states have guarantee funds to protect policyholders up to certain limits.
What is the average rate of return on an annuity?
It depends on economic conditions, annuity fees and the type of annuity.
- Fixed annuities return lower rates but guaranteed returns.
- Variable annuities have returns tied to an underlying portfolio of investments, so they come with the highest amount of risk.
- Indexed annuities pay yields according to the performance of a market index and have protection against declines in the market.
Is variable or fixed annuity better?
It depends on how much risk you want to take. Fixed annuities have a guaranteed rate of return. Variable annuities have the chance to earn a higher rate of return, but you have no protection against market losses.
Is an annuity a good investment?
It is worth considering an annuity as part of your financial plan if you want to receive regular, steady payments during your retirement years. Before purchasing one of these insurance contracts, discuss your circumstances and investment goals with a financial advisor. A qualified advisor can go over your options and the pros and cons of different strategies.
Are immediate annuities a good investment?
Immediate annuities can be useful for retirees who want to have a guaranteed income for the rest of their lives. You can buy an immediate annuity, start receiving regular payments shortly after and not have to worry about you or your spouse outliving your savings. Overall, most immediate annuities are considered to be low-risk investments with safe, but modest, returns.
What percentage do annuities pay?
Annuity rates differ based on the insurance company, current economic conditions and the type of annuity you buy — fixed, variable or indexed. If you are purchasing a fixed annuity, which guarantees a specific rate of return, shop around to find the best rate from a financially stable insurer. The rates of return on variable and indexed rates fluctuate according to the value of the underlying investments tied to the annuity.
How does an annuity work?
In an annuity contract, you invest a series of payments or a lump sum with an insurer and start receiving regular payments either immediately or after a specified amount of time. You can choose to get payments over a duration of time or for the rest of your life. There are a few different types of annuities, including fixed, variable and indexed; each has its own level of risk and payout potential. You can be penalized for withdrawing money from an annuity early, and the payments you receive may be taxed as ordinary income.
What is the difference between pension and annuity?
A pension is a type of retirement plan you receive through an employer, while an annuity is a financial product you buy from an insurance company. The purpose of both is to provide reliable income during your retirement years. Each has its advantages:
- With a pension, you don’t have to worry about choosing a plan or making contributions from your income — the employer handles all the details. Once you retire, you can get regular payments or a lump sum. Pensions are federally insured.
- An annuity gives you more control over how much money you invest and how it’s invested. If you use after-tax dollars to fund an annuity, you won’t pay income tax when you receive payment later.
What is the best age to buy an annuity?
There is no single best age to buy an annuity. When deciding the right time to purchase one, consider your current investments, your health, your appetite for risk and how much income you expect to need during retirement. The median age of first-time annuity purchasers is around 52, and about half of first-time annuity buyers are between 50 and 64, according to the Committee of Annuity Insurers.
Are annuities insured?
Yes, annuities are insured according to each state’s guarantee association. Each state has different protection limits, so before purchasing an annuity, research how much coverage you have in a worst-case scenario where the insurance company that sells you the annuity fails financially. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) does not insure money invested in annuities.
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Annuity company reviews

American Equity is an annuity provider that sells multiple types of annuities in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. They are a publically-traded company that is American-owned and operated.
- Product options: American Equity offers a variety of products so that it can meet the all customers’ needs. Their products include traditional fixed annuities, fixed index annuities, flexible premium annuities, single premium annuities and immediate annuities.
- Financial strength: Both A.M. Best Company and Standards and Poor have given American Equity an A- rating. The company manages more than $40 billion in assets.
- Educational resources: Interested consumers can visit the American Equity website to access several resources. The website offers calculators to help consumers understand the benefits of different types of annuities and a list of helpful links so that consumers can learn more before investing with any company.
- Responsive service: American Equity customers can expect a prompt response to their phone calls and contracts are usually issued less than three days.
- Consumer guidance: American Equity can offer assistance at any stage of consumers’ annuity purchase, from understanding what an annuity is to receiving the payouts from their annuity.

Annuity Gator connects its customers to a wide range of annuity providers. Consultations with the company are free. Annuity Gator customer service is available 24/7, and a matching quiz connects people to an annuity provider.

AIG is one of the largest insurers in the world and has more than 88 million customers in 130 countries worldwide. Founded in 1919, AIG now has more than 63,000 employees.

Farm Bureau was founded in 1939 in Des Moines, Iowa. Today the company has 1,400 employees, as well as 4,000 field associates.

Allianz Life Annuities was founded in 1896 and is backed by the large global corporation, Allianz SE. Allianz was listed as the 31st largest company on the Fortune Global 500 list.

Fidelity is a privately held company with over $4 trillion in customer assets. Fidelity was founded in 1946 and has been an innovator in the consumer financial industry throughout its entire history.

MassMutual has been in business for over 160 years and is a mutual company. Members and policy owners have voting rights, and participating policy owners may share in dividends.
Prudential, also known as "The Rock," has been in business for nearly 140 years. Today, Prudential is one of the most recognized and one of the world's largest financial services institutions. Prudential was also one of the few companies that declined to participate in the TARP program in 2009.

Genworth is a Fortune 500 company with a presence in over 25 countries. The company has evolved from a small insurance company in Virginia to a company with over $100 billion in assets.

Pacific Life is a Fortune 500 company and the 10th largest seller of variable annuities. The company's 145-year history began in California in 1868. The first policy was issued to the founder of Stanford University.
Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.
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