MetLife is one of the most recognized insurance brands in the United States, with over 155 years of history and an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best. However, for individual retail annuity buyers, an important distinction applies: MetLife spun off the majority of its individual annuity operations in 2017 into a separate company called Brighthouse Financial. Today, MetLife’s annuity products are primarily institutional, serving employer-sponsored pension plans, group annuities, and structured settlement markets rather than individual retail consumers.
This review covers MetLife’s financial strength, what annuity products remain under the MetLife brand, Brighthouse Financial’s relationship to MetLife, and how to find the right alternative for individual annuity buyers.
MetLife at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Legal Name | Metropolitan Life Insurance Company |
| Parent Company | MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) |
| Headquarters | New York, New York |
| Founded | 1868 |
| AM Best Rating | A+ (Superior) |
| S&P Rating | AA- (Very Strong) |
| Moody’s Rating | Aa3 |
| Total Assets | $700+ billion (global) |
| Annuity Products (Retail) | Primarily through Brighthouse Financial (spun off 2017) |
| Annuity Products (Institutional) | Pension buyouts, group annuities, structured settlements |
| States Available | All 50 states + D.C. |
MetLife’s Financial Strength
MetLife remains one of the most financially strong insurance organizations in the world. With over $700 billion in global assets and an AM Best A+ rating maintained for decades, the MetLife parent entity is among the most solvent in the industry.
For retail annuity buyers, however, the relevant entity since 2017 is Brighthouse Financial, not MetLife directly. Brighthouse Financial was created when MetLife separated its individual life insurance and annuity products into a standalone public company. Brighthouse Financial carries its own separate ratings (AM Best: A) and operates independently of MetLife, Inc.
MetLife vs. Brighthouse Financial, What Changed in 2017
Prior to 2017, if you searched for “MetLife annuity,” you would find a broad retail annuity lineup including variable annuities, FIAs, and income products. Today:
- MetLife (the entity) focuses on group benefits, institutional pension risk transfers, and corporate-owned life insurance. It is not a standard participant in the individual retail annuity market.
- Brighthouse Financial carries the individual retail products, the Shield annuity series (buffered/RILA), variable annuities, and income annuities, that were previously marketed under the MetLife brand. Brighthouse is now a separate public company (NYSE: BHF).
If you are looking to purchase an annuity because of MetLife’s brand recognition, Brighthouse Financial is the entity you should be evaluating. Alternatively, for clients who want MetLife’s financial strength in a retail-accessible annuity, New York Life and MassMutual are the closest comparisons in terms of ratings and distribution model.
MetLife Institutional Annuity Products
MetLife remains a significant player in institutional annuity markets. These products are not available to individual retail buyers, but they are relevant for clients whose pension benefits are backed by MetLife:
- Pension Risk Transfer Annuities, MetLife is one of the largest providers of pension buyout contracts, purchasing pension obligations from corporations and converting them to guaranteed annuity payments for plan participants.
- Structured Settlement Annuities, MetLife issues structured settlement annuities guaranteeing future payment streams from legal settlements.
- Group Annuities, Employer-sponsored guaranteed retirement income products available through corporate benefit programs.
Who Should Consider MetLife vs. Brighthouse Financial
- If you are a retail annuity buyer looking for a MYGA, FIA, or SPIA and you remember MetLife as a major annuity company, evaluate Brighthouse Financial for those products.
- If you are a pension plan participant and your plan has been transferred to MetLife, your payments are backed by MetLife’s A+ financial strength.
- If you want the highest possible financial strength ratings in a retail-accessible annuity, compare New York Life (A++/Comdex 100) and MassMutual (A++/Comdex 98) through My Annuity Store.
MetLife Pros and Cons
Here is a balanced look at MetLife’s strengths and limitations for annuity buyers:
Pros
- Strong financial backing with an A+ (Superior) AM Best rating
- 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 vary by product and term, so comparison shopping is always recommended
- 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 MetLife Best For?
MetLife 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, MetLife’s MYGAs, fixed index annuities, variable annuities, immediate 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 MetLife
Is MetLife a safe company for annuities?
MetLife holds an A-range AM Best rating (A+ (Superior)), 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 MetLife offer?
MetLife offers MYGAs, fixed index annuities, variable annuities, immediate 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 MetLife and competing carriers.
How do I buy an annuity from MetLife?
MetLife annuities are sold through licensed insurance agents and financial advisors. My Annuity Store is an independent platform that can quote MetLife 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.
Contact MetLife
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | www.metlife.com |
| Customer Service | 1-800-938-4646 |
| Mailing Address | Metropolitan Life Insurance Company 200 Park Avenue New York, NY 10166 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET |
Looking for a Retail Annuity? My Annuity Store compares Brighthouse Financial, New York Life, MassMutual, Athene, and 20+ other top-rated individual annuity carriers. Get a free comparison quote or call 855-583-1104.
Other Annuity Companies to Consider
Comparing carriers is an important part of finding the right annuity. Each company offers different rate guarantees, financial strength ratings, and product features. Here are a few other carriers worth reviewing:
- Integrity Life Insurance Company Annuity Review
- Protective Life Annuity Review
- Global Atlantic Annuity Review
- Genworth Life and Annuity Insurance Company Review
- Browse All Annuity Insurance Companies
Want help choosing? Use our live rate comparison tool to see which carriers offer the best rates today, or request a personalized quote.
