MassMutual Annuities Reviews

4,888,580reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified
  • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
  • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
  • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
+1 more
Author picture
Edited by: Ashley Eneriz

About MassMutual Annuities

Founded in 1851, MassMutual sells many types of annuities in addition to other types of retirement investments and life insurance. Annuities range from fixed to variable, and MassMutual also offers fixed index annuities and income annuities. Many of its annuities allow your savings to grow tax-deferred and offer peace of mind to those who don’t want to outlive their retirement funds.

Pros
  • Wide range of annuity options
  • Free initial consultation
  • Guidance from a financial professional
Cons
  • Lack of online application for annuities
  • Pricing is unavailable online

MassMutual Annuities Reviews

Filter by Rating

  • (8)
  • (10)
  • (6)
  • (1)
  • (50)

Popular Mentions

    How do I know I can trust these reviews about MassMutual Annuities?
    • 4,888,580 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
    • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
    • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
    • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
    Recent
    • Recent
    • Oldest
    • Most helpful

    A link has directed you to this review. Its location on this page may change next time you visit.

    How do I know I can trust these reviews about MassMutual Annuities?
    • 4,888,580 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
    • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
    • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
    • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
    Page 2 Reviews 10 - 40
    Customer ServiceOnline & AppRefunds & PayoutsTransparency

    Reviewed Jan. 2, 2024

    I did not receive my Pension Check 1/1/2024. I tried contacting MassMutual but all phone numbers are busy or not connected therefore I have no way of contacting them. Email won't work because they want a account number which I don't have. Their website says they paid January but my bank said there was no notice of deposit from them. There is no way of contacting them. I'm stuck without a pension check, can't get an explanation as to why. Not even a main corporate phone number that I can find. I live from paycheck to paycheck and this is going to affect me seriously. Not happy.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Rates

    Reviewed Aug. 28, 2023

    MassMutual is one of the least technically savvy companies I have ever dealt with and they do not live up to their fiduciary responsibilities. I purchased an annuity through this company. When the annuity matured and I wanted to cash out it took three weeks for them to send me a check! By USPS mail! Meanwhile they continued to earn interest on my money. Do yourself a favor and invest with companies that do money transfers electronically. Don't be fooled by the fake 5 star reviews posted six or seven years ago. The company had a incentive program for customers to post glowing reviews.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Customer ServiceTechPunctuality & SpeedRates

    Reviewed June 27, 2023

    My family aided our 90 year old uncle with his annuities. His TIAA Creff annuities were coming due to annuitize. He wanted to roll them over. Mass Mutual had a product for a 90 year old at 4.25%. He signed the contract. A month later he got a confirmation for the contract but it was at 3.6%. He noticed it and called immediately. Meanwhile I noticed that the original contract failed to mention any % rate anywhere in the contract. Customer service agreed that they saw no % in contract. We may have to litigate to clear this up. Their"BEST" ratings are for having plenty of money. I now question how they obtain such impressive assets.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedOnline & AppStaff

    Reviewed March 3, 2023

    I received a response to a letter that I sent to MassMutual Ascend on 31 January 2023. However, the response was dated 13 September 2022, and was a copy of a letter I received from their previous company, Great American Life. I tried to call the customer service number 800-854-3649, but after working through multiple prompts, was told that I would receive a callback. Three hours later, I tried again and was told by an automated response that I would have a five minute wait. Thirty-five minutes later, I gave up. I then attempted to go to their website for help, but to establish an account required two factor authentication, which can only be done thru the same customer service phone number that I cannot get a response! I believe my only recourse is snail mail.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Customer Service

    Reviewed Jan. 31, 2023

    I bought a 3 year annuity through my fidelity account. I requested a free withdrawal. There was a problem. They withdrew the money from my account. The check may be lost and 12 k $ is missing. Calling them has been an exercise in aggravation and futility. Meanwhile, they have the money with no statement or transaction showing it has not been paid and they have retained the money.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Profile pic of the author.
    Customer ServicePriceStaffBillingRatesHonesty & Transparency

    Reviewed Jan. 27, 2023

    We have a MassMutual annuity with a withdrawal feature. The ability to periodically withdraw funds was the primary reason for our purchase. Unfortunately, like some other reviewers, we found that when we attempted to withdraw funds, MassMutual would do everything in their power to delay payment. We recently experienced a situation whereby MassMutual debited the annuity account and then failed to deliver the funds for over five (5) weeks. This unethical and unscrupulous business practice no doubt allows MassMutual to retain millions in interest each year. MassMutual’s Customer Service representatives were rude, unhelpful and unprofessional. Instead of rectifying their mishandling of funds, they suggested that the payment delays were due to a failure on our part to provide the appropriate documentation, a suggestion that was (and is) patently false, as proven by our own records.

    With about a quarter trillion in invested assets, MassMutual couldn’t care less about individual customers, even those with substantial investments with their company. Six or seven figure account holders are treated like bothersome annoyances. In our experience, MassMutual’s products are good to excellent. Their service and their business practices, however, are not worth enduring. There are numerous other financial services companies who are financially strong and service-oriented and will treat customers respectfully and honestly, unlike MassMutual.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Sales & MarketingPunctuality & SpeedStaffRates

    Reviewed Jan. 13, 2023

    MassMutual bought my annuity from Great American. They lowered interest rates to 2%. When my financial advisor suggested moving the funds to a different company, I agreed. Mass Mutual then dragged their feet. Now 1 month later, Mass Mutual is still 'processing.' This is an obvious scam to hold onto money after the owner wants it transferred. Remember: we live in a world where millions and billions are instantly zipped around the world.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Customer ServiceCoveragePricePunctuality & SpeedHonesty & Transparency

    Reviewed Nov. 4, 2022

    What Mass Mutual promised us, we would come to find out was a series of lies that would leave us owing them hundreds of thousands of dollars, instead of them owing us that. I cannot stress how important it is that when you are looking for life insurance, you RUN away from Mass Mutual as fast as you can. My husband and I set up life insurance plans over two decades ago.

    During our initial conversations, they showed us what our projected income would be at retirement. In addition, they showed us what our guaranteed cash surrender value would be and that we would not have to pay premium, because our dividends would cover it (which we have on recording). Now, I’m 70 and ready to retire and cash out on our policy, but Mass Mutual is coming back to us saying that we owe THEM close to half a million dollars, because we didn’t pay our premium, even though we have it on record that this was them who told us to do it. Moreover, the guaranteed cash surrender value was ¼ of what was promised at the time of sign up. So, now not only have LOST what we thought we had to retire with, but they are saying we need to pay them.

    If you are looking for a life insurance plan, look elsewhere. You won’t find out how crooked they are until it’s too late. If you are currently using Mass Mutual, look at your plan NOW, do not wait. Do not let them screw you over the same way that they did us. They are doing nothing to work with us or try to rectify their mistakes. They would not return my calls. It’s absolutely crushing for myself, my husband and for my family. WE are currently reporting them to all state and Federal agencies.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Customer ServiceTechPunctuality & SpeedCommunication

    Reviewed June 16, 2022

    I was trying to get an allowable withdrawal from an annuity electronically transferred to my bank. For over 3 weeks, 5 calls the company would say that everything was fine and the money would be in my account. I am building a house and needed to pay contractors. The money was taken from the annuity but not showing up in my account. I called again 45 business days later and they told me the scan was blurry and they had sent it by mail. No communication, they actually had a voided check that was not blurry. I had specifically asked them not to send it because I live in a very rural area and mail service is poor. Don’t give these people your business.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Punctuality & SpeedRefunds & Payouts

    Reviewed June 10, 2022

    In 2017 I informed the firm handling my mother's investments of her near death episode. After 3 months of rehab I voiced my concern of her declining heath issues and dementia, as well as potential abuse by a caregiver. They used that information to quickly annuitize her account within 6 months, guaranteeing a monthly income to a frail 79 year old, destroying her lump sum pay out option, erasing options for burial expenses and death benefits. The financial group that sold her the annuity in 2007 was a family friend and trustee of her account.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Punctuality & SpeedRefunds & Payouts

    Reviewed May 1, 2022

    When someone quits or retires it takes a month the get them to close out account or to pay out. As that money still sits you lose money. Not right at all. After one week the customer should be getting the money, not having to wait and lose what they put in there.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Profile pic of the author.
    CoveragePriceBillingHonesty & Transparency

    Reviewed Oct. 8, 2021

    We bought life insurance from Mass Mutual when we were young. We made payments for years so we would have money when we retire. They gave completely false projections of what we would have when we retire! We have less than 5% of what they claimed. Their guaranteed cash surrender value was 1/2 of what it said as our GUARANTEED amount. If we put our premiums in a bank account we would have a lot more. RUN FROM THEM! They charged us twice one month and would not even credit us. Just dishonest company. It was so hard to find a company to give them a review. They must block sites.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Contract & TermsTechPricePunctuality & Speed

    Reviewed March 4, 2021

    MassMutual Annuities is legitimately one of the worst companies I have ever worked with. I rolled over a 401K from a previous employer and was never informed of a multi-year contract that kept me from enrolling and combining with my current employers 403B retirement account without paying a large separation fee just to get away from their management of my account. Oh and don't forget about their exorbitant fees and deceptive financial products.

    The financial consultants are constantly pushing services that are mostly not needed and when used, charge such high premiums that most financial gains from the services are wiped out. So when I finally reached the end of my contract they deliberately slowed the process of allowing me to withdraw my funds and roll my annuity over to my employer at one point even trying to have me notarize part of insanely complicated separation paperwork to release me from their financial services agreement. This company in my view is unreasonable, unethical, and would advise anyone to avoid using their financial services.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Profile pic of the author.
    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Jan. 2, 2021

    MassMutual does NOT verify that an individual's SSN matches up with the correct name and DOB. They've allowed a stranger to go on using MY personal SSN, which means I can't access my own account online. They just trust that employers have properly vetted all of their employees and take no responsibility for fraud. What would stop someone from opening a 401k in their cat’s name with whatever random SSN they punch in? Nothing. Because MassMutual doesn’t think it’s their responsibility to prevent FRAUD. Their customer service sucks... They keep you on hold forever just to say whatever they *think* you want to hear, but don't actually do anything to help. These people are CROOKS!

    Thanks for your vote!
    Customer ServicePriceRates

    Reviewed April 17, 2020

    Employer-sponsored 401(k). First of all, the management fees they charge are so high they would have completely cancelled out my employer match, so I went with a fixed-interest fund. When I needed to roll over after leaving the employer, they will NOT roll over into a traditional IRA - you are REQUIRED to open a rollover. Not that THEY will deposit it themselves -- in fact, they charge you $50 to mail you your own money! I asked if I could have the check mailed to a different address (since I am quarantined elsewhere) and they said the only way to do that would be to have the check overnighted for an additional $40! Also, there is absolutely NO online customer service, phone only, and you MUST sit through a +2-minute menu to even be put on hold to speak to someone. All in all, I will be avoiding Mass Mutual like the plague in the foreseeable future.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Jan. 31, 2020

    Customer service agents are not trained properly. I was given inaccurate information, called to check because information online did not reflect information I was provided! The agent was very unprofessional, kept me on hold for 20 minutes to only come back to the line and tell me his supervisor was not available. He was not empathetic at all! Chris (the agent) would not provide me the name of the individual over his Director. I called back and got Genasis, she was just as rude, talking over me, speaking without taking a breath and very much unhelpful. If an agent of mine treated someone this way it would ultimately lead to termination.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Price

    Reviewed Jan. 8, 2020

    They were very difficult and unpleasant to work with. They took 6 months to set up a 401k with my company. The service was terrible following and it took me 8 months to get rid of them and set up the 401k with a better company who was very easy and a pleasure to work with. I recommend John Hancock over MassMutual any day. They also charged me $500 to separate from them. Unethical company.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Customer ServiceCoveragePunctuality & Speed

    Reviewed June 18, 2019

    I requested a Hardship Request for an unforeseen medical emergency that was not covered and cost over 2500 out of pocket. I sent all pertinent information as requested. They would wait 5 days and then email me to tell me the documents were no longer valid after 5 days. Went back and forth with them for a month, even got a letter from the Dentist himself and they waited... per usual and emailed and said it was not valid, even though on letterhead and dated in the body of the letter but it was not accepted because he didn't put a date at the top of the letter. I was in real financial duress by the next month and the dentist office had stopped returning my calls because they had exhausted all sources of verification that could be sent on my behalf. At that point I was out of 800.00 down for the dentist and behind on my rent.

    An eviction notice did ensue so I resubmitted my paperwork for a hardship to avoid eviction. I called and asked what was needed. Was told the eviction notice, dated and from the property manager would suffice. I ended up with a 3 Day notice to vacate. They of course waited 5 days later and then told me it was expired. Had I not done personal and payday loans I would be homeless. I managed to scrape by that month but was still in financial woe and in further debt. I called and asked why the eviction paperwork was not enough as stated on their guidelines and was told I needed a letter stating if I had a due date for the due date I will get an eviction notice in advance, so I sent them the lease.

    They came up with every excuse under where the devil sunbathes and still are denying it two months and another eviction notice later. For all of the documentation I have send and am near homeless still. These people refuse to grant me 1,000 to get back on track. Never have I ever experienced anything like this. I have called in tears pleading with them and praying over this but they keep coming up with unwritten "new" guidelines.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Staff

    Reviewed June 14, 2019

    The company I used to work for used MassMutual for their retirement plans. After I left the company I decided to cash out my plan, I was partially vested in my employer contributions. Somehow when I took my disbursement my vesting became zero percent for that portion of my account. After getting the run around several times by several different people at MassMutual it had now been about a month and I'm still short about $5000 from my account with no explanation from anyone.

    Thanks for your vote!

    Reviewed June 3, 2019

    MassMutual is apparently the custodial company of my former employers 401k benefit. I received a letter from MassMutual a year after I had left said company regarding my 401k plan. The letter stated I had a small amount in a 401k that I needed to either cash out or transfer over to a traditional IRA account. I called to make sure I knew what all was needed then obtained the check payable instructions from my financial advisor. I mailed in all the necessary paperwork and assumed MassMutual also did their part in having the funds transferred.

    Several months later I received another letter stating they still had my funds and it had never been transferred. I called and spoke with a Supervisor who informed me that the paperwork had Indeed been sitting there and that I was supposed to also go into my former employers office to gain their signature of release. I had never been informed of this additional step or I would have completed it months ago. She also (rudely) informed me that she would now be charging me a $200.00 fee in order to handle my account! Which of course is ridiculous because it negates the entire account itself. MassMutual was unethical in not giving me the correct information and allowing my money to be squandered. There should be laws in place to prevent shady companies such as this from stealing people’s money. Shame on them.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Customer ServiceStaffReliability

    Reviewed April 24, 2019

    They misspelled my name, put in the wrong address several times, had wrong info given by several customer service reps, website was glitchy and wouldn't let me login or link account. Had to speak with a supervisor to get what should have been minor issues resolved. Very disorganized and poorly run company.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed April 19, 2019

    I have paid $40 for an expedited service to remove my funds from this company, as they are ill-managed. I have been waiting now over 5 days, and still do not have my funds. I call, and customer service has no idea. They also tell me I don't have the expedited service. I cancelled my first request after learning it would take over 10 days to process. I was advised to resubmit it with the expedited service so the funds would go direct deposit. I did exactly that, and am 100% certain I selected the expedited service. That was the entire reason for me cancelling and resubmitting the request. I see my account has been charged the fee, but the customer service rep says I didn't apply for that. It does seem like they are trying to weasel an extra $40 out of me without providing the service.

    Now, after reading other people's reviews, I see there is a common mistrust of this company, and a feeling they are stealing funds. What a terrible feeling to have about a company one has literally entrusted their life savings to. I can't run away fast enough. I am still waiting for them to return all my money I am attempting to withdraw. I was told it was sent to the bank 2 days ago. My bank says no deposits have been sent. I have dealt with other retirement services in the past and never had this kind of experience or poor service. I am shocked this company is still in business.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Customer Service

    Reviewed April 7, 2019

    I have called MassMutual lots of time regarding my annuity, (which I did not even know that I had) until I started getting a small check each month. Upon calling them, I asked to surrender it or cash it in. They absolutely refused to discuss that and said that I could not do that. Now, after 10 years, I have read up on annuities and know that I am allowed to surrender it or move it to another kind of annuity. The customer service there would not give me any information. I am 72 yrs old trying to survive on ss benefits and could use it! After all, it is my money! Not theirs!!! I did not know about having this annuity in the first place, and no one ever explained to me, anything about it. I feel cheated!!!

    Thanks for your vote!
    Customer Service

    Reviewed March 26, 2019

    Called and spoke with different people who answered phones-none could do more than look at policy number and state "it is in process" even though I had a time sensitive issue. They would not say more than "you will have to wait your turn". No response to emails and even though I indicated on form the I would like text updates as to status, I never received one. Would not recommend this company at all.

    Thanks for your vote!

    Reviewed March 23, 2019

    My father died in August of 2015 and it took a year to get a check from MassMutual. At this time we changed the beneficiaries of my mother's policy. My mother died in December of 2018. The agent told us the paperwork was processed on February 28 and the checks would be mailed after 10 days. It's been 22 days and still no checks.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Punctuality & Speed

    Reviewed March 12, 2019

    This past Feb 25th my case was referred to the tax and legal departments. I was promised they would get back to me promptly. Yesterday I contacted them, talked with tax department, and nothing had been done. Meantime my tax filing situation awaits their poor and uncaring action. They filed the wrong Tax Form and still have not corrected it. I have been their customer for over 20 yrs but they still don’t care. I even sent a message to their Chairman Roger Crandall, still nothing. HELP.

    Thanks for your vote!

    Reviewed March 4, 2019

    Opened an annuity and indicated date of monthly direct deposit. There is a delay from the time they release the payment to the date the bank posts the transaction to my checking account. The "certified financial planner" that sold me the policy should have warned me about that but he did not so I could make adjustments to the date accordingly. I wanted to change the date of the direct deposit to compensate for the lag time in posting to my account. MassMutual said no. Nowhere on any of the applications or forms I completed did it say the date could not be changed. This is the new face of doing business in the U.S. where once they have your money they make the rules. Buyer beware of unethical practices.

    Thanks for your vote!

    Reviewed Feb. 1, 2019

    After leaving employment I attempted to rollover my balance to my IRA. They quickly informed me that there would be a $200 fee to perform this electronic transfer! WTF? Why? For an account that your employer automatically enrolls you into, that is a ridiculous fee to get your money rolled over! Never use this company! Reading reviews this one sounds very shady.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Customer Service

    Reviewed Dec. 10, 2018

    I have an annuity with MassMutual due to a previous employer ending their pensions and replacing them with annuities. My annuity was supposed to start Nov 1, 2018 and I have not received either the November or December payments. They have stated that they have all my paperwork and are still processing it and will not provide any guarantee of when I will receive my money. Note that I have been very responsive to provide the requested information and I have called many many times.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Customer Service

    Reviewed Sept. 26, 2018

    UNABLE TO GET AN EMAIL ADDRESS: Unable to have funds rolled over as per my direction. Unable to locate plan document. MassMutual brokers unable to provide plan contact. Next step file complaints. Proof the next stock market crash is days away.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Loading more reviews...

    MassMutual Annuities Company Information

    Company Name:
    MassMutual Annuities
    Year Founded:
    1851
    City:
    Springfield
    State/Province:
    MA
    Country:
    United States
    Website:
    www.massmutual.com