American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company has been one of the top fixed index annuity providers in the United States since 1995, with an A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best and over $75 billion in assets. Now part of Brookfield Reinsurance, American Equity is known for its income-focused FIA products, competitive crediting strategies, and a distribution model built around independent insurance agents and financial advisors.
This review covers American Equity’s financial strength, MYGA and FIA product lineup with live rates, and contact information.
Is American Equity a Good Annuity Company?
Yes, American Equity is a well-established fixed index annuity specialist, with one major recent change buyers should know: it was acquired by Brookfield in 2024 and is no longer an independent public company. It carries an A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best and is one of the largest dedicated FIA writers in the country, distributing through tens of thousands of independent agents. Founded in 1995, it built its reputation almost entirely on fixed index annuities with optional lifetime income riders. For income-focused FIA buyers it is a credible option, now backed by Brookfield’s large insurance platform.
American Equity at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Legal Name | American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company |
| Parent Company | Brookfield Reinsurance Ltd. |
| Headquarters | West Des Moines, Iowa |
| Founded | 1995 |
| AM Best Rating | A- (Excellent) |
| S&P Rating | BBB+ (Good) |
| Total Assets | $75+ billion |
| Products Offered | Fixed Index Annuities, MYGAs |
| States Available | All 50 states + D.C. |
| Minimum Premium | $10,000 (most products) |
American Equity’s Financial Strength
American Equity carries an A- (Excellent) from AM Best. While A- is one notch below the A held by carriers like Athene and Corebridge, it remains within AM Best’s “Excellent” tier. The company’s $75+ billion in assets reflect its standing as a top-5 FIA issuer nationally.
In 2023, Brookfield Reinsurance completed its acquisition of American Equity, bringing Brookfield’s institutional investment management capabilities to the carrier’s balance sheet. For clients primarily focused on FIA income products, American Equity’s track record and product design remain strong selling points regardless of the ownership change.
American Equity Is Now a Brookfield Company
The fact most older reviews predate: in 2024, Brookfield Reinsurance (Brookfield Wealth Solutions) completed a roughly $4.3 billion acquisition of American Equity at $56.50 per share, taking the company private and folding it into Brookfield’s fast-growing insurance platform. American Equity itself is a relatively young carrier, founded in 1995 by David Noble in West Des Moines, Iowa, that grew into one of the dominant fixed index annuity writers in the U.S. So a buyer evaluating American Equity today is really evaluating a Brookfield-owned insurer. That is not a negative on its own, but it is a material ownership change worth factoring into any long-term annuity decision.
What Types of Annuities Does American Equity Offer?
- Fixed Index Annuities (FIAs), American Equity’s AssetShield, IncomeShield, and FlexShield products are among the most widely distributed FIA products in the country, offering index-linked growth with optional income riders.
- Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs), American Equity offers fixed rate annuity products for clients seeking simple guaranteed accumulation.
American Equity MYGA Products and Current Rates
Live rates from AnnuityRateWatch · Rates updated June 22, 2026
| Product | Term | Rate (APY) | Min Premium | Last Rate Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
GuaranteeShield 3
AM Best A |
3 Years | 3.75% | $100,000+ | Nov 12, 2025 | View Details → |
|
GuaranteeShield 3
AM Best A |
3 Years | 3.75% | $250,000+ | Nov 12, 2025 | View Details → |
|
GuaranteeShield 3
AM Best A |
3 Years | 3.5% | $10,000+ | Nov 12, 2025 | View Details → |
|
GuaranteeShield 5
AM Best A |
5 Years | 3.75% | $100,000+ | Nov 12, 2025 | View Details → |
|
GuaranteeShield 5
AM Best A |
5 Years | 3.75% | $250,000+ | Nov 12, 2025 | View Details → |
|
GuaranteeShield 5
AM Best A |
5 Years | 3.5% | $10,000+ | Nov 12, 2025 | View Details → |
Rates apply to standard products. State availability varies. Not an offer or solicitation. Always verify current rates before purchasing.
American Equity Fixed Index Annuity Products
AssetShield
American Equity’s flagship accumulation-focused FIA, offering multiple index crediting strategies with a guaranteed zero floor. Designed for clients who want to build value over time without the risk of market losses. Multiple term options available through independent agents.
IncomeShield
An income-focused FIA with an integrated guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit. Provides index growth potential alongside a guaranteed income floor that clients cannot outlive. A popular choice for clients 5–15 years from retirement who want to build guaranteed income.
American Equity Retirement Gold Annuity
An FIA with a premium bonus and enhanced income rider structure. Designed for clients who want upfront accumulation incentives alongside long-term income guarantees. Download the Retirement Gold brochure (PDF).
Who Is American Equity Best For?
- FIA income buyers who want a carrier with decades of FIA-specific expertise and some of the most broadly distributed income rider products in the market.
- Clients comparing FIA income riders, American Equity’s IncomeShield and similar products are frequently in the top tier for guaranteed income per dollar of premium in side-by-side comparisons.
- Agents and advisors who have built client relationships around American Equity products and want to continue with a trusted, well-distributed platform.
- Rate-sensitive MYGA buyers who also want to compare FIA options from the same carrier in a single quote.
Contact American Equity
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | www.americanequity.com |
| Customer Service | 1-888-221-1234 |
| Mailing Address | American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company 6000 Westown Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50266 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. CT |
Compare American Equity Against Other FIA Carriers: My Annuity Store compares American Equity alongside Allianz, Nationwide, North American, and 90+ top annuity companies. Get a free comparison quote or call 855-583-1104.
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