Great American Life Insurance Company, a well-known fixed and index annuity carrier for decades, was acquired by MassMutual in 2021 and rebranded as MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company. The Great American Life brand no longer exists as a standalone carrier, but the products, financial backing, and team that made Great American Life a top annuity issuer continue under the MassMutual Ascend name, now carrying MassMutual’s A++ (Superior) AM Best rating.
This page explains what happened to Great American Life, what changed under MassMutual Ascend, and how to find current products and rates.
Great American Life, What Happened
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Former Name | Great American Life Insurance Company |
| Current Name | MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company |
| Acquired By | Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) |
| Acquisition Year | 2021 |
| Former Parent | Great American Insurance Group (American Financial Group) |
| Current AM Best Rating | A++ (Superior), upgraded from former Great American Life’s A rating |
| Headquarters | Cincinnati, Ohio (same location as Great American Life) |
| Products | MYGAs, Fixed Index Annuities (continued under MassMutual Ascend branding) |
What Changed, and What Stayed the Same
When MassMutual acquired Great American Life Insurance Company in 2021, the transaction brought one significant upgrade for existing and new policyholders: the financial strength rating improved from Great American Life’s A (Excellent) to MassMutual’s A++ (Superior), the highest possible AM Best rating.
The operational infrastructure largely stayed the same. The Cincinnati, Ohio headquarters remained. The team managing the annuity products continued. The MYGA and FIA product lines, previously sold under the “Great American” brand, were relaunched as the Premier Voyage, Stable Voyage, and SecureGain MYGA series and the American Legend 7 FIA under the MassMutual Ascend brand.
Former Great American Life Products, Now MassMutual Ascend
If you purchased a Great American Life annuity before 2021, your contract was assumed by MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company. All contractual guarantees, surrender periods, and credited rates remain in effect as originally issued. Your contract is now backed by A++ financial strength rather than A.
- Former American Custom Fixed Annuity → Now available as the MassMutual Ascend Premier Voyage or Stable Voyage MYGA series
- Former Great American FIAs → Now available as MassMutual Ascend American Legend 7 and other products
Looking for Current MassMutual Ascend Products and Rates?
MassMutual Ascend MYGA Products and Current Rates
Live rates from AnnuityRateWatch · Rates updated May 5, 2026
| Product | Term | Rate (APY) | Min Premium | Last Rate Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SecureGain 3 2025
AM Best A++ |
3 Years | 3.95% | $100,000+ | Mar 2, 2026 | View Details → |
|
SecureGain 3 2025
AM Best A++ |
3 Years | 3.6% | $25,000+ | Mar 2, 2026 | View Details → |
|
SecureGain 5 2025
AM Best A++ |
5 Years | 4.65% | $100,000+ | Mar 23, 2026 | View Details → |
|
SecureGain 5 2025
AM Best A++ |
5 Years | 4.35% | $25,000+ | Mar 23, 2026 | View Details → |
|
SecureGain 7 2025
AM Best A++ |
7 Years | 4.7% | $100,000+ | Mar 23, 2026 | View Details → |
|
SecureGain 7 2025
AM Best A++ |
7 Years | 4.4% | $25,000+ | Mar 23, 2026 | View Details → |
Rates apply to standard products. State availability varies. Not an offer or solicitation. Always verify current rates before purchasing.
For current MassMutual Ascend MYGA rates, product details, and a full review, visit our MassMutual Ascend carrier review page. My Annuity Store shows live MYGA rates from MassMutual Ascend alongside 20+ other top-rated carriers, so you can compare rates and financial strength in one place.
Existing Great American Life Policyholders
If you have an existing contract originally issued by Great American Life Insurance Company of New York or Great American Life Insurance Company, contact MassMutual Ascend directly for policy service:
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | www.massmutualascend.com |
| Customer Service | 1-800-272-2216 |
| Mailing Address | MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company (formerly Great American Life Insurance Company) P.O. Box 5056 Cincinnati, OH 45202 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET |
Compare MassMutual Ascend (formerly Great American Life) Against Other Top Carriers: My Annuity Store compares MassMutual Ascend alongside Athene, Protective, F&G, and 20+ other carriers. Get a free rate comparison or call 855-583-1104.
Great American Pros and Cons
Here is a balanced look at Great American’s strengths and limitations for annuity buyers:
Pros
- Top-tier financial strength with an A++ AM Best rating, the highest available
- Offers MYGA products with guaranteed rates and predictable returns
- Offers fixed index annuities with growth potential tied to market indexes and downside protection
- Available through independent agents, allowing side-by-side comparisons with other carriers
Cons
- Rates may not always be the highest because the carrier can afford to compete on stability rather than yield
- Product availability varies by state, so not all products may be offered where you live
- Surrender charges apply during the contract term, which limits liquidity
Who Is Great American Best For?
Great American is a solid choice for conservative savers and retirees who prioritize safety and guaranteed returns. If you are looking to park $50,000 or more in a tax-deferred vehicle with a guaranteed rate and strong carrier backing, Great American’s MYGAs, fixed index annuities are worth comparing against the field.
That said, no single carrier is right for everyone. The annuity market in 2026 has dozens of competing carriers, and rates and product features change frequently. The best approach is to compare current rates across multiple carriers before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Great American
Is Great American a safe company for annuities?
Great American holds an A-range AM Best rating (A++ (Superior), upgraded from former Great American Life’s A rating), which indicates a strong ability to meet ongoing policyholder obligations. In addition, annuity contracts are backed by your state guaranty association, which provides a secondary layer of protection typically covering $250,000 per contract. Always verify both the current rating and your state’s coverage limits.
What types of annuities does Great American offer?
Great American offers MYGAs, fixed index annuities through independent agents and financial professionals. Product availability, rates, and features vary by state. Use our rate comparison tool to see what’s currently available from Great American and competing carriers.
How do I buy an annuity from Great American?
Great American annuities are sold through licensed insurance agents and financial advisors. My Annuity Store is an independent platform that can quote Great American alongside 20+ other carriers so you can compare rates, terms, and financial strength ratings in one place. Request a free quote or call 855-583-1104 to get started.
