American Equity Annuity Review (2026)

Updated April 11, 2026

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.

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.

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 April 19, 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 20+ other carriers. Get a free comparison quote or call 855-583-1104.

Related: FIA Sales Leaders: Complete Indexed Annuity Market Data (2015-2025)

Related: FIA Sales Leaders: Complete Indexed Annuity Market Data (2015-2025)

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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Brookfield Reinsurance completed its acquisition of American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company in 2023. The company continues to operate under the American Equity brand.
American Equity carries an A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best u2014 within the Excellent tier but one notch below the A held by Athene and Corebridge.
AssetShield is American Equity's flagship accumulation-focused FIA, offering multiple index crediting strategies with a guaranteed zero floor and no mandatory income rider.
American Equity offers some fixed annuity products, but its primary focus is fixed index annuities. For competitive MYGA rates, compare F&G, MassMutual, and Athene.
American Equity is one of the most widely distributed FIA carriers in the country with a strong track record in income rider design. For FIA income products, it is a natural shortlist carrier.

Compare Top MYGA Rates by Term

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

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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 of 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, so 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 →

Is Your Annuity Protected?

Every state has a guaranty association that protects annuity holders if a carrier becomes insolvent. Coverage typically ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 depending on your state, most states cover at least $250,000.

Check your state’s coverage limits →
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