At Annuity.org, our star ratings are designed to help you quickly understand which annuity providers offer strong financial security, consumer-friendly service, and reliable product options — all from a retirement-focused lens.
We know choosing the right provider can feel overwhelming. That’s why we created a data-backed, expert-informed rating system that cuts through the noise and highlights what really matters.
Our Methodology at a Glance
Each annuity provider was scored out of 100 points based on required evaluation factors. Companies could earn up to 10 additional bonus points for standout features. These scores were then converted to a 5-star rating scale.
- 100 points possible from required criteria
- +10 bonus points available
- Final scores are scaled to a 5-star system
We independently evaluated each provider based on third-party data, regulatory benchmarks, and industry-reported performance metrics. Our editorial team did not accept compensation for higher placement.
How We Created Our Methodology
Our methodology is grounded in the following core components, each chosen for its impact on consumer confidence and retirement readiness.
AM Best Rating (25 points): Reflects the financial strength and stability of the insurance company.
Years in Business (15 points): Rewards long-standing carriers with a history of reliable service.
Direct Premiums Sold (20 points): Indicates market presence and consumer confidence.
Availability Across States (10 points): Recognizes broad consumer accessibility.
NAIC Complaint Index (20 points): Measures consumer satisfaction and complaint frequency relative to industry norms.
Online Portal Access (10 points): Assesses how easy it is for consumers to manage their annuity accounts online.
In addition to core scoring, providers had an opportunity to earn up to 10 additional bonus points for excelling in areas valued by both experts and consumers.
J.D. Power Ranking: Up to 3 bonus points based on customer satisfaction in annuity-specific surveys.
Types of Annuities Offered: Carriers offering two or more annuity types can earn up to 2 bonus points for product diversity.
Sales Volume Ranking: Based on industry-recognized sales leaderboards (e.g., Limra); up to 3 points available.
Third-Party Recognition: Carriers that appear in top-tier rankings like DALBAR can earn up to 2 bonus points.
This structure allows top-performing companies to earn a score up to 110, ensuring standout providers are rewarded while maintaining consistency and transparency across all ratings.
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How We Selected Our Top Annuity Companies
To further guide users, we awarded select superlatives to 5-star carriers that stood out in specific areas.
We recognize that the best annuity providers are those that perform the highest in our independent rating system. These companies consistently deliver in the areas that matter most to retirement-focused consumers, including financial strength, low complaint history, wide product availability and digital account access.
To determine these designations, we:
- Prioritized 5-star rated carriers from our proprietary rating system.
- Incorporated results from a consumer survey conducted among near-retirees to identify which features and values matter most when choosing a financial service provider.
- Consulted with licensed annuity agents and financial professionals who provided first-hand insights into what differentiates standout providers in real-world decision-making.
These designations are not influenced by compensation or partnerships. They are designed to help users quickly find providers aligned with their retirement goals and values.
Compare Annuity Provider Star Ratings
Annuity.org’s Full List of Annuity Company Rankings
| Allianz Life | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.00 stars |
| Lincoln Financial Group | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.00 stars |
| New York Life | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.00 stars |
| Nationwide | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.00 stars |
| MassMutual | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.00 stars |
| Prudential | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.99 stars |
| Western Southern | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.86 stars |
| Midland National | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.82 stars |
| North American | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.80 stars |
| Reliance Standard | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.79 stars |
| Jackson National | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.76 stars |
| Pacific Life | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.74 stars |
| Guardian Life | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.68 stars |
| Athene | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.66 stars |
| Fidelity and Guaranty | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.66 stars |
| Augustar Financial | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.62 stars |
| Symetra | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.57 stars |
| Riversource | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.53 stars |
| Global Atlantic | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.49 stars |
| American National | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.48 stars |
| American General Life | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.43 stars |
| Equitrust | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.37 stars |
| National Life Group | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.28 stars |
| Corebridge Financial | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.27 stars |
| Delaware Life | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.22 stars |
| United Life | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.14 stars |
| Eagle Life | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.11 stars |
| Sentinel Security Life | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.11 stars |
| GBU Life | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.02 stars |
| Aspida | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ 3.95 stars |
| Clear Spring | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ 3.88 stars |
| Canvas Annuity | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ 3.88 stars |
| Oceanview Life and Annuity | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ 3.83 stars |
| Reliastar Life Insurance | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ 3.76 stars |
| GCU USA | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ 3.69 stars |
| Transamerica | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ 3.47 stars |
| Talcott Resolution Life | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ 2.98 stars |
| Mountain Life | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ 2.92 stars |
| SBLI USA | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ 2.72 stars |
| Venerable | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ 2.45 stars |
Our Contributors
Our annuity provider rating methodology was developed in collaboration with licensed professionals who bring decades of experience in the financial and insurance industries.
Senior Annuity Director
Scott played a key role in aligning industry best practices, provider reliability, consumer satisfaction and market accountability.
Series 65 Registered Investment Advisor Representative
Chad advised on scoring fairness and alignment with consumer values in the financial service space.
