Brighthouse Financial Annuity Review (2026)

Written by | Reviewed by My Annuity Store Editorial Team
Published March 2, 2026

Brighthouse Financial is the individual life insurance and annuity business that MetLife separated into a standalone public company in 2017. With an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best and over $200 billion in assets, Brighthouse Financial (NYSE: BHF) is one of the largest annuity companies in the United States. The company is best known for its Shield Level annuity series — a registered index-linked annuity (RILA) product that became one of the top-selling annuities in the U.S. market — alongside fixed and income annuity options.

This review covers Brighthouse Financial’s financial strength, product lineup, and how it relates to MetLife.

Brighthouse Financial at a Glance

Detail Information
Full Legal Name Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
Parent Company Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (NYSE: BHF) — public company
Headquarters Charlotte, North Carolina
Separated from MetLife 2017
AM Best Rating A (Excellent)
S&P Rating BBB+ (Good)
Total Assets $200+ billion
Products Offered RILA (Shield Series), Variable Annuities, Fixed Annuities, SPIAs
States Available All 50 states + D.C.
Minimum Premium $25,000 (varies by product)

Brighthouse Financial vs. MetLife — What Changed in 2017

Prior to 2017, MetLife was one of the dominant names in both life insurance and retail annuities. In 2017, MetLife completed the spinoff of its individual life and annuity segment into a separate publicly traded company: Brighthouse Financial. The separation was designed to allow MetLife to focus on group benefits and institutional markets while Brighthouse focused exclusively on individual products.

If you purchased a MetLife annuity before 2017, that contract is now held by Brighthouse Financial or one of its insurance subsidiaries. All contractual guarantees remain in effect as originally issued. If you are searching for “MetLife annuity” to purchase a new individual annuity, Brighthouse Financial is the entity to evaluate. MetLife itself no longer distributes retail annuities — its annuity activities are now primarily institutional (pension risk transfers, structured settlements).

What Types of Annuities Does Brighthouse Financial Offer?

  • Registered Index-Linked Annuities (RILAs) — Shield Level Series: The Shield Level annuity is Brighthouse’s signature product and one of the most widely sold RILAs in the U.S. market. Shield Level products provide index-linked growth with a defined buffer (typically 10% or 20%) that absorbs a portion of market losses before your account value is affected — unlike traditional FIAs, which have a zero-loss floor. The trade-off is higher upside potential in exchange for accepting a limited downside buffer rather than full principal protection. Download the Shield Level Select 6 brochure.
  • Variable Annuities: Brighthouse continues the MetLife variable annuity tradition, offering market-linked returns within a tax-deferred structure. Available with optional guaranteed living benefit riders for retirement income planning.
  • Fixed Rate Annuities (MYGAs): Brighthouse offers fixed rate annuity products providing guaranteed credited rates for set terms. Download the Fixed Rate Annuity brochure.
  • Single Premium Immediate Annuities (SPIAs): Brighthouse offers immediate income annuities for clients who want guaranteed lifetime payments starting within one year.

Brighthouse MYGA Rates

Current Brighthouse Financial fixed annuity rates from our live rate feed:

Current MYGA Rates

Live rates from AnnuityRateWatch · Rates updated March 23, 2026

Product Term Rate (APY) Min Premium Last Rate Change
Fixed Rate Annuity 3 MVA
AM Best A 		3 Years 4.35% $100,000+ Mar 15, 2026 View Details →
Fixed Rate Annuity 3
AM Best A 		3 Years 4.2% $100,000+ Mar 15, 2026 View Details →
Fixed Rate Annuity 3 MVA
AM Best A 		3 Years 4.1% $25,000+ Mar 15, 2026 View Details →
Fixed Rate Annuity 3 ROP
AM Best A 		3 Years 4.05% $100,000+ Mar 15, 2026 View Details →
Fixed Rate Annuity 3
AM Best A 		3 Years 3.95% $25,000+ Mar 15, 2026 View Details →
Fixed Rate Annuity 3 ROP
AM Best A 		3 Years 3.8% $25,000+ Mar 15, 2026 View Details →
Fixed Rate Annuity 5 MVA
AM Best A 		5 Years 4.75% $100,000+ Mar 15, 2026 View Details →
Fixed Rate Annuity 5
AM Best A 		5 Years 4.6% $100,000+ Mar 15, 2026 View Details →
Fixed Rate Annuity 5 MVA
AM Best A 		5 Years 4.5% $25,000+ Mar 15, 2026 View Details →
Fixed Rate Annuity 5 ROP
AM Best A 		5 Years 4.45% $100,000+ Mar 15, 2026 View Details →
Fixed Rate Annuity 5
AM Best A 		5 Years 4.35% $25,000+ Mar 15, 2026 View Details →
Fixed Rate Annuity 5 ROP
AM Best A 		5 Years 4.2% $25,000+ Mar 15, 2026 View Details →
Fixed Rate Annuity 7 MVA
AM Best A 		7 Years 4.85% $100,000+ Mar 15, 2026 View Details →
Fixed Rate Annuity 7
AM Best A 		7 Years 4.7% $100,000+ Mar 15, 2026 View Details →
Fixed Rate Annuity 7 MVA
AM Best A 		7 Years 4.6% $25,000+ Mar 15, 2026 View Details →
Fixed Rate Annuity 7 ROP
AM Best A 		7 Years 4.55% $100,000+ Mar 15, 2026 View Details →
Fixed Rate Annuity 7
AM Best A 		7 Years 4.45% $25,000+ Mar 15, 2026 View Details →
Fixed Rate Annuity 7 ROP
AM Best A 		7 Years 4.3% $25,000+ Mar 15, 2026 View Details →

Rates apply to standard products. State availability varies. Not an offer or solicitation. Always verify current rates before purchasing.

Who Is Brighthouse Financial Best For?

  • RILA buyers seeking partial downside protection with more upside: The Shield Level annuity is the defining reason most buyers choose Brighthouse. For clients who want more index upside than a traditional FIA offers — and are comfortable with a 10-20% buffer rather than a zero-loss floor — Shield Level is a market-leading product.
  • Former MetLife customers: Buyers with existing MetLife retail annuities or life insurance contracts should know their contracts are now held by Brighthouse. New product purchases from Brighthouse continue the same distribution and product platform.
  • Variable annuity buyers: Brighthouse’s VA lineup carries on the MetLife tradition for clients seeking market-linked growth in a tax-deferred structure with optional income guarantees.
  • Income annuity buyers: With $200+ billion in assets and an A AM Best rating, Brighthouse is a credible choice for SPIA buyers seeking guaranteed lifetime income from a major carrier.

Contact Brighthouse Financial

Contact Method Details
Website www.brighthousefinancial.com
Customer Service 1-800-388-2876
Mailing Address Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
11225 North Community House Road
Charlotte, NC 28277
Hours Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET

Compare Brighthouse Against Other Carriers: My Annuity Store compares Brighthouse alongside Athene, MassMutual, Protective Life, and 20+ other top-rated carriers. Get a free comparison quote or call 855-583-1104.

📊
Get Today's Best MYGA Rates
Compare A-rated carriers. Rates up to 6.50%. No obligation.
Get a Free Quote → 📞 855-583-1104
Editorial Disclosure: Our editorial team independently reviews and rates annuity products. We may earn commissions when you request a quote through our partner links. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Learn more.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Annuity products vary by state and carrier. Always consult a licensed financial professional before making any financial decisions. My Annuity Store is an independent marketplace and does not provide investment advice.

Pros and Cons of Fixed Annuities

Before you commit to a fixed annuity, weigh the advantages and drawbacks for your retirement situation.

✓  Pros

  • ✓ Guaranteed rate locked in for the full term — no surprises
  • ✓ Principal is 100% protected from market losses
  • ✓ Often pays significantly more than CDs or savings accounts
  • ✓ Tax-deferred growth — no annual tax bill until withdrawal
  • ✓ Up to 10% annual free withdrawal without surrender charge
  • ✓ State guaranty association coverage (typically up to $250,000)
  • ✓ Simple to understand — no moving parts or index tracking

✗  Cons

  • ✗ Surrender charges apply if you withdraw more than 10% early
  • ✗ Not FDIC insured — backed by the insurance company, not the government
  • ✗ Earnings taxed as ordinary income (not capital gains rates)
  • ✗ 10% IRS early-withdrawal penalty before age 59½
  • ✗ Rate is fixed — you won't benefit if market rates rise
  • ✗ Less liquidity than a savings account or money market

Learn more: Are annuities safe?

Compare Top MYGA Rates by Term

See today's highest guaranteed rate from an A-rated carrier for each term length.

See all rates →
3-Year MYGA
—
Loading…
A-rated carrier
See all 3-year rates →
★ Most Popular
5-Year MYGA
—
Loading…
A-rated carrier
See all 5-year rates →
7-Year MYGA
—
Loading…
A-rated carrier
See all 7-year rates →

Rates sourced from AnnuityRateWatch. A-rated carriers (AM Best) only. Not a solicitation. Rates vary by state. Verify before purchasing.

Types of Annuities

Insurance companies offer several types of annuities to fit different financial goals. Here's how they compare.

A MYGA (Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity) is the simplest fixed annuity. Your rate is guaranteed for the entire term — 3, 5, or 7 years. No market exposure, no index tracking. What you see is what you earn.

Best for: Savers who want a predictable, guaranteed return and are comfortable locking funds for a set term. Often compared to CDs but frequently pays more.

Learn more about MYGAs →

A Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) links your interest credits to a market index (like the S&P 500) with a floor of 0% — so you can never lose principal. Upside is capped via participation rates or caps.

Best for: Investors who want some market participation with a safety net. More complex than MYGAs but potentially higher returns in strong market years.

Learn more about FIAs →

A SPIA (Single Premium Immediate Annuity) converts a lump sum into a guaranteed income stream — monthly checks that start within 30 days and continue for life or a set period.

Best for: Retirees who need guaranteed income immediately and want to eliminate the risk of outliving their money. The "pension replacement" product.

Learn more about SPIAs →

A Variable Annuity invests your premium in sub-accounts (similar to mutual funds). Returns fluctuate with the market — you can earn more but can also lose principal.

Best for: Long-term investors who want market exposure inside a tax-deferred wrapper and are comfortable with investment risk. Higher fees than fixed products.

Learn more about variable annuities →

A RILA (Registered Index-Linked Annuity) offers partial market participation with a defined buffer against losses (e.g., 10% or 20%). Unlike FIAs, RILAs can lose money — but losses are limited.

Best for: Investors willing to accept limited downside in exchange for higher upside potential than a traditional FIA. A middle ground between fixed and variable.

Learn more about RILAs →

Rate Methodology

My Annuity Store monitors MYGA rates from over 50 A-rated insurance carriers via AnnuityRateWatch. Our rate data refreshes every 6 hours.

To make our list, a carrier must be rated A− or better by AM Best — a financial strength rating that indicates the insurer's ability to meet obligations. Carriers with ratings of B++ or lower are excluded regardless of how attractive their rate appears.

Rates are sorted by highest guaranteed APY within each term group. Products using simple interest (SI) are labeled — the effective compound yield is lower than the stated rate. Minimum premiums shown are for non-qualified (after-tax) purchases.

Athene Annuity & Life
MassMutual
Corebridge Financial
Global Atlantic
North American Company
Midland National
American Equity
New York Life
Gainbridge Life
American National
Nassau Life
Sentinel Security Life
Protective Life
Pacific Life
Nationwide
Equitrust Life
F&G Annuities & Life
Oceanview Life
Oxford Life
Puritan Life
American General (Corebridge)
Delaware Life
Guggenheim Life
Integrity Life
Kansas City Life
Lafayette Life
Ibexis Life
American Fidelity
Security Benefit
Standard Insurance Company
📊 Data: AnnuityRateWatch · A-rated carriers only · Updated daily

Frequently Asked Questions

The best MYGA rate available today is shown in the rate table above. Rates change daily — the table reflects current data updated every 6 hours from AnnuityRateWatch.
Yes. The interest rate shown at the time of purchase is contractually locked in for the entire term — whether 3, 5, or 7 years. Unlike CDs at banks, MYGA rates cannot be changed by the insurance company during the guaranteed period, regardless of what happens to market interest rates.
Fixed annuities are not FDIC insured, but they are protected by your state's guaranty association — typically up to $250,000 per insurance company. Beyond that, the financial strength of the carrier matters. We only list carriers rated A− or better by AM Best, which indicates strong ability to meet policyholder obligations.
Most MYGAs allow a free annual withdrawal of 10% of your account value without a surrender charge. Withdrawals beyond 10% trigger surrender charges, which typically start around 7% and decline by one percentage point per year until they reach zero. At maturity, you can withdraw your full balance with no penalty.
Growth inside a non-qualified (after-tax funded) annuity is tax-deferred — you owe no taxes until you withdraw. When you do withdraw, earnings are taxed as ordinary income, not at the lower capital gains rate. Withdrawals before age 59½ also incur a 10% IRS early-withdrawal penalty on the earnings portion.
At maturity, most carriers give you a free-look window (typically 30 days) during which you can withdraw your full balance, roll it into a new annuity (tax-free via a 1035 exchange), or annuitize for lifetime income. If you do nothing, the contract typically renews at a new rate — which may be lower than your original rate.
For most people with a 3–7 year time horizon, MYGAs currently pay significantly more than CDs. Top 5-year MYGAs are paying competitively above 5%, while the best 5-year CDs are around 4.50%. The tradeoff: MYGAs have larger surrender charges for early withdrawal than CDs typically impose.

Explore More

Get Started

Calculate your annuity earnings

Estimate how much a lump sum will grow over your chosen term with our free calculator.
Compare

Read Our Top Annuity Reviews

In-depth reviews of Athene, MassMutual, Corebridge, and more A-rated carriers.
Learn

What is a MYGA?

The complete guide to Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities — how they work, pros, cons, and who they're right for.

Get a Free Annuity Quote

Term:
Thank You for Your
Annuity Quote Request

Need more immediate assistance?

Call 855‑583‑1104 Email Us Schedule a Call
What to expect
  • We verify details and check top carriers.
  • You’ll get a simple side‑by‑side comparison.
  • Questions? We’re happy to help—no pressure.

Tip: Check spam/promotions if you don’t see our email on time.

Need help sooner or have a quick question?

  • Call us at 855‑583‑1104 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–6:00 PM ET)
  • Or reply to our confirmation email—our licensed specialists are ready to assist.
Call Now Email Us Schedule a Call

What happens next

  1. We verify your information and run current rates across top carriers.
  2. You’ll receive a simple comparison with rates, features, and fees.
  3. If you like, we’ll walk through options and answer questions—no pressure.

Tip: Check your spam or promotions folder if you don’t see our email within the time window.