Who are the Best Fixed Index Annuity Companies?
Fixed Index Annuities have increased in popularity over the last five years resulting in many more top-rated annuity companies entering the market. In this article, we’ll list the top ten best fixed index annuity companies based on total sales in 2019.
So without further ado let’s get started.
The 10 Best Fixed Index Annuity Companies
In This Guide
Best Fixed Indexed Annuity Companies by the Numbers
Each year the Secure Retirement Institute publishes total U.S. Individual Fixed Annuity Sales and breaks out the results for the top 20 Annuity Companies.
In addition to overall annuity sales, they also break out the results by types of annuities including best fixed index annuity companies, fixed annuity companies, and top variable annuity companies as well.
In 2019 total U.S. Individual Fixed Index Annuity Sales were $73,500,000,000 and the top 20 annuity companies accounted for $64,555,688,000 of it, or 88%.
One interesting note is that all of the top 10 best fixed index annuity companies in 2019 are top-rated annuity companies with an AM Best Rating of A or better, except for American Equity which is rated A-.
On the contrary, the majority of the Best Fixed Annuity Companies in 2019 were lesser-rated insurance companies.
2019 U.S. Individual Fixed Index Annuity Sales
The table below lists the top 10 best fixed index annuity companies in order by the dollar amount of individual U.S. fixed index annuity sales in thousands. So for instance, Allianz Life’s total fixed index annuity sales were $8.36 Billion in 2019.
Source: Secure Retirement Institute* U.S. Individual Annuities Sales Survey
| Rank | Company name | Indexed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Allianz Life | $8,358,718 |
| 2 | Athene | $6,122,393 |
| 3 | AIG Companies | $6,026,956 |
| 4 | Nationwide | $5,455,800 |
| 5 | American Equity | $4,705,319 |
| 6 | Lincoln Financial | $4,122,282 |
| 7 | Jackson | $3,738,838 |
| 8 | Global Atlantic | $3,607,134 |
| 9 | Pacific Life | $3,321,109 |
| 10 | Great American | $3,142,476 |
10 Best Fixed Index Annuity Companies
#1. Allianz Life
| Allianz Life | Rating |
|---|---|
| 5701 Golden Hills Dr., Minneapolis, MN 55416 | |
| A.M. Best Rating | A+ |
| Moody's (21 rankings) | A1 (5) |
| Comdex (percentile of all rated companies) | 94 |
| Standard & Poor's (20 Possible Ratings) | AA (3) |
#2. Athene
| Athene Financial Ratings | Rating |
|---|---|
| 7700 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266 | |
| A.M. Best Rating (15 possible ratings) | A (3) |
| Fitch Ratings (21 possible) | A (6) |
| Comdex (percentile of all rating companies) | 78 |
| Standard & Poor's (20 possible ratings) | A (6) |
#3. AIG Companies
| American General Life Insurance Company | Rating |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best Company (Best's Ratings, 15 Ratings) | A (3) |
| Moody's (Financial Strength, 21 Ratings) | A2 (6) |
| Standard & Poor's (Financial Strength, 20 Ratings) | A+ (5) |
| Fitch Ratings (Financial Strength, 21 Ratings) | A+ (5) |
| Weiss (Safety Rating, 16 Ratings) | B (5) |
| Comdex Ranking (Percentile in Rated Companies) | 82 |
#4. Nationwide
| Nationwide Life & Annuity Company | Rating |
|---|---|
| One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH 43215 | |
| A.M. Best Rating (15 possible ratings) | A+ (2) |
| Moody's (21 possible ratings) | A1 (5) |
| Standard & Poor's (Financial Strength, 20 Ratings) | A+ (5) |
| Comdex (percentile of all rating companies) | 90 |
#5. American Equity
| American Equity | Rating |
|---|---|
| 6000 Westown Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266 | |
| A.M. Best Rating (15 possible ratings) | A- (4) |
| Fitch (21 possible ratings) | A- (7) |
| Standard & Poor's (Financial Strength, 20 Ratings) | A- (7) |
| Comdex (percentile of all rating companies) | 60 |
#6. Lincoln Financial Group
| Lincoln Financial Group | Rating |
|---|---|
| 1300 South Clinton St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802 | |
| A.M. Best Rating (15 possible ratings) | A+ (2) |
| Moody's (21 possible ratings) | A1 (5) |
| Fitch (21 possible ratings) | A+ (5) |
| Standard & Poor's (Financial Strength, 20 Ratings) | AA- (4) |
| Comdex (percentile of all rating companies) | 90 |
#7. Jackson National
| Jackson National Life Insurance Company | Rating |
|---|---|
| 1 Corporate Way, Lansing, MI 48951 | |
| A.M. Best Rating (15 possible ratings) | A (3) |
| Moody's (21 possible ratings) | A1 (5) |
| Fitch (21 possible ratings) | A+ (5) |
| Standard & Poor's (Financial Strength, 20 Ratings) | A+ (5) |
| Comdex (percentile of all rating companies) | 84 |
#1 Annuity: Jackson National MarketProtector Annuity
#8. Global Atlantic Financial Group
| Global Atlantic Financial Group | Rating |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best Rating (15 possible ratings) | A (3) |
| Moody's (21 possible ratings) | A3 (7) |
| Fitch (21 possible ratings) | A (6) |
| Standard & Poor's (Financial Strength, 20 Ratings) | A- (7) |
| Comdex (percentile of all rating companies) | 75 |
#1 Annuity: Global Atlantic 150+SE
#9. Pacific Life
| Pacific Life Insurance Company | Rating |
|---|---|
| 700 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660 | |
| A.M. Best Rating (15 possible ratings) | A+ (2) |
| Moody's (21 possible ratings) | A1 (5) |
| Fitch (21 possible ratings) | AA- (4) |
| Standard & Poor's (Financial Strength, 20 Ratings) | AA- (4) |
| Comdex (percentile of all rating companies) | 93 |
#1 Annuity: Pacific Index Edge
#10. Great American (GALIC)
| Great American Life Insurance Company | Rating |
|---|---|
| 301 E Fourth St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 | |
| A.M. Best Rating (15 possible ratings) | A+ (2) |
| Moody's (21 possible ratings) | A2 (6) |
| Standard & Poor's (20 possible ratings) | A+ (5) |
| Comdex (percentile of all rated companies) | 82 |
#1 Annuity: Great American Legend 7
Get a Fixed Index Annuity Quote
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Best Fixed Index Annuity Companies
Allianz Life, Athene, and AIG are the best-fixed index annuity companies. What I think is quite telling is each of these three has been in the top five each of the last five years, as you see in the table below.
| Annuity Company | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allianz | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Athene | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| AIG | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| American Equity | 9 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 2 |
While I realize making a blanket statement that the annuity companies with the most fixed index annuity sales are the best annuity companies; in this case, it is my belief the numbers don’t lie. At least for the top four out of five spots.
The best annuity for you will be determined by your individual goals and objectives, but generally speaking, Allianz, Athene and AIG are the best fixed index annuity companies.
Best Annuity Companies
The table below lists the best annuity companies based on total U.S. Individual Annuity Sales as reported in the Secure Retirement Institutes 2020 Annuity Sales survey.
Annuity Sales are listed in Billions so, for example, Jackson National sold $17.92 Billion of Annuities in 2020.
Total sales numbers include the annuity company’s fixed annuity, fixed index annuity, income annuities, variable annuity, and registered index-linked annuity sales. Structured settlements and group annuity sales are not included.
| Annuity Company | 2020 Annuity Sales |
|---|---|
| Jackson National Life | $17,923,072 |
| AIG Companies | $14,516,417 |
| New York Life | $13,735,311 |
| Lincoln Financial Group | $11,565,013 |
| Equitable Financial | $10,502,550 |
| Allianz Life of North America | $9,867,018 |
| TIAA | $8,619,000 |
| Brighthouse Financial | $8,357,188 |
| Sammons Financial Companies | $8,351,043 |
| Athene Annuity & Life | $7,838,129 |
| Nationwide | $7,561,500 |
| Prudential Annuities | $7,088,001 |
| Pacific Life | $6,944,644 |
| Massachusetts Mutual Life | $6,882,729 |
| Global Atlantic Financial Group | $6,700,026 |
Best Indexed Annuity Companies 2020
UPDATED 3/22/21: Athene Life and Annuity was the number one fixed index annuity company in 2020 surpassing Allianz Life; according to the Secure Retirement Institute’s 2020 U.S. Individual Fixed Index Annuity Sales Survey released March 9, 2021.
The 3 top index annuity companies remained the same as in 2019; Allianz, Athene, and AIG. However, the order did change as Athene leap-frogged Allianz for the number one spot.
Allianz Life saw their index annuity sales decrease 40% from their 2019 numbers but still managed to hang on to the number two spot. AIG remained the 3rd best-fixed index annuity company in 2020.
The table below lists the top 20 fixed indexed annuity companies of 2020 based on U.S. Individual Fixed Index Annuity Sales according to the Secure Retirement Institute 2020 Annuity sales survey; in order (sales results are in Billions).
| Annuity Company | Indexed |
|---|---|
| Athene Annuity & Life Co. | $5,846,106 |
| Allianz Life of North America | $5,016,919 |
| AIG Companies | $4,542,675 |
| Sammons Financial Companies | $3,743,678 |
| Fidelity & Guaranty Life | $3,458,101 |
| Global Atlantic Financial Group | $3,071,197 |
| Nationwide | $2,935,700 |
| Security Benefit Life | $2,882,395 |
| Great American | $2,348,040 |
| American Equity Investment Life | $2,338,390 |
| EquiTrust Life | $1,624,196 |
| Delaware Life | $1,601,571 |
| Lincoln Financial Group | $1,449,640 |
| National Life Group | $1,309,393 |
| Protective Life | $1,279,550 |
| Bankers Life & Casualty | $1,109,115 |
| Symetra Financial | $1,091,988 |
| Pacific Life | $1,012,959 |
| Jackson National Life | $1,000,778 |
| Prudential Annuities | $837,668 |
Best Fixed Index Annuity Rates 2021
This list of best fixed index annuity rates is based on the highest S&P 500 annual point-to-point with a cap crediting strategy.
There are many other indexes and crediting options available; too many to list them here in a single table.
Visit our index annuity online store to view more best fixed index annuity rates for 2021.
| Annuity Company | Fixed Index Annuity | Rating | Cap | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SILAC | Denali 14 | B+ | 6.75 | 14 yrs |
| Sentinel Security Life | Accumulation Protector Plus | B++ | 6.00 | 10 yrs |
| SILAC | Denali 10 | B+ | 5.50 | 10 yrs |
| Great American Life (GALIC) | American Legend 7 High Band | A+ | 5.25 | 7 yrs |
| SILAC | Denali 7 | B+ | 5.00 | 7 yrs |
| Guaranty Income Life | WealthChoice 7 | B++ | 5.00 | 7 yrs |
| Great American Life (GALIC) | American Legend 7 High Band | A+ | 5.00 | 7 yrs |
| Fidelity & Guaranty Life | Prosperity Elite 10 Protection | A- | 5.00 | 10 yrs |
| Fidelity & Guaranty Life | Prosperity Elite 7 Enhancement | A- | 5.00 | 7 yrs |
| American National (ANICO) | Strategy Index Annuity PLUS 10 | A | 5.00 | 10 yrs |
| Sentinel Security Life | Accumulation Protector Plus | B++ | 4.80 | 10 yrs |
| SILAC | Teton 10 | B+ | 4.75 | 10 yrs |
| Guaranty Income Life | WealthChoice 5 | B++ | 4.50 | 5 yrs |
| American Equity | IncomeShield 7 | A- | 4.50 | 7 yrs |
| Oxford Life Insurance | Select 10 | A- | 4.50 | 10 yrs |
| Nassau Life and Annuity | Nassau Growth Annuity 10 Group B | B+ | 4.50 | 10 yrs |
| American General (AIG) | Power 10 Protector High Band | A | 4.50 | 10 yrs |
| American General (AIG) | Power 7 Protector | A | 4.40 | 7 yrs |
| Great American Life (GALIC) | American Landmark 5 High Band | A+ | 4.30 | 5 yrs |
| American General (AIG) | Power 5 Protector High Band | A | 4.30 | 5 yrs |
| Guggenheim Life and Annuity | Highlander 7 | B++ | 4.25 | 7 yrs |
| Guggenheim Life and Annuity | ViStar | B++ | 4.25 | 10 yrs |
| EquiTrust | Market Value Index | B++ | 4.25 | 10 yrs |
What is a Fixed Index Annuity?
A fixed index annuity is a type of fixed annuity that credits interest based on the performance of an external market index rather than a guaranteed annuity rate.
An indexed annuity offers an opportunity to earn more interest when the markets perform and provide downside protection from a potential market downturn.
NOTE: You may also hear fixed index annuities referred to as:
- FIA
- Equity Indexed Annuity
- EIA
- Hybrid Annuity
- Indexed Annuity
The below infographic illustrates where a fixed index annuity falls between a fixed annuity and variable annuity as well as other investment vehicles on the investment continuum.
Indexed annuities have increased in popularity largely because they offer the most growth potential of any investment that provides principal protection; especially where today’s CD rates are at.
How Do Fixed Index Annuities Work?
The amount of interest you will earn in an fixed index annuity is based on the performance of an external stock market index.
You are not directly investing in the stock market and you can not lose money in a fixed index annuity due to stock market declines.
Crediting Methods and factors are then applied to the index performance to determine your interest rate.
Annual Point to Point Crediting Method
Annual point to point uses the index value from only two points in time making it simple and straightforward to calculate.
Calculating index performance using the annual point-to-point method:
- Subtract the index at the end of the term from the value at the beginning of the term.
- If you have a positive number then the index performed and you divide it by the starting value to get the percent increase.
Step #1: 107,000(end) – 100,000(initial) = 7,000 positive change in index value.
Step #2 : 7,000 (end) / 100,000(initial) = 7% index performance.
Applying the Crediting Factors
There are three fixed index annuity crediting methods available in index annuities:
- Spread (Assume 2%)- index’s increase (7%) – spread (2%) = 5% interest earned.
- Cap – (Assume 5%) 100% of the index’s increase (7%) up to the cap(5%) = 5% interest earned.
- Participation Rate – (Assume 50%) The index’s increase 7% X (50%) = 3.50% (the participation rate) = interest earned.
Recommended Reading
Fixed Index Annuity vs. Variable Annuity
The line chart below compares the sales of variable annuities (VA) and fixed index annuities (FIA) in the United States from 2006 to 2020.
Variable annuities are represented by the blue line while the red line represents fixed indexed annuity sales.
As you can see, variable annuities have decreased in popularity significantly while fixed index annuities are becoming increasingly popular.
VA sales decreased from approximately $185 Billion in 2006 to ~$100 Billion in 2020 while FIA sales increased from ~$75 Billion to ~$120 Billion during the same timeframe.
This is due in large part to the high cost and fees associate with variable annuities.
Typical Variable Annuity Fees
- M&E (mortality and expense) – average around .50%
- Sub-Account Fees – average 1.00%
- Optional Rider Fees (income rider or death benefit rider) – Average 1.00% each
Fixed Index Annuity Fees
- No Sub-Account Fees
- No M&E Fees
- Death Benefit is Full Account Value – No Fee
- Optional Income Riders – Typically .95% to 1.25% annually
Best Uncapped Fixed Index Annuities
Allianz, AIG, and Athene have all been innovators in the indexed annuity space and I would attribute much of their success to that fact.
Specifically, they all have uncapped crediting strategies and offer proprietary volatility-managed indexes.
For more comprehensive information read our best stock market index options available in an index annuity guide which ranks the top indexes and crediting strategies based on historical hypothetical returns.
Best Indexes Available in an Index Annuity
Based on historical back-testing I’ve compiled a list of what I believe to be the best stock market indices available in a fixed index annuity with uncapped crediting options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often can you reallocate index strategies?
You may reallocate available funds at the end of each crediting period on your contract anniversary. You have 30 days to submit a re-allocation form and if you do nothing your allocations will remain the same as the previous year.
Are fixed index annuities a good investment?
It is important to note that a fixed index annuity is an insurance contract issued by an insurance company and is not a security. As such, they will not generate equity-like returns. They are a good retirement savings vehicle that provides a safe and steady way to grow your retirement savings.
Can You Loose Money in a Fixed Index Annuity?
You can not lose money in a fixed index annuity due to a potential stock market crash. A fixed index annuity can only decrease in value due to withdrawals or fees for optional riders.
Does a Fixed Index Annuity have any fees?
Fixed Index Annuities do not have any fees in general; however, there are optional income riders, long term care riders, and death benefit riders that can be added to an index annuity for a fee.
What are the disadvantages of a fixed index annuity?
- Gains are limited by a crediting method or “limiting factor”
- Fixed index annuity contracts can be complex and difficult to compare
- Indexed annuity contracts vary greatly from insurance company to company
- They are highly customizable and typically require an experts assistance
- Surrender penalties for withdrawals above the annual free withdrawal provision
- Potential 10% IRS tax penalty for withdrawals prior to age 59 ½
- Interest crediting factors (cap, participation rate and spreads) can change on the contract anniversary date.
What is an Uncapped Index Annuity?
An Uncapped Fixed Index Annuity refers to an indexed annuity with a crediting method that does not cap the interest your account can be credited in any given year. Instead of a cap, uncapped options use a spread or participation rate crediting method.
