Western & Southern Financial Group is a Cincinnati-based mutual holding company founded in 1888 with more than $84 billion in total assets. The organization holds an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best, an AA- from S&P, and an Aa3 from Moody’s — placing it among the highest-rated insurance groups in the United States. Through subsidiaries including Integrity Life Insurance Company, National Integrity Life Insurance Company, and Western-Southern Life Assurance Company, the group offers a full lineup of fixed annuities, fixed indexed annuities, and MYGAs distributed through independent agents nationwide.
This review covers Western & Southern’s financial strength ratings, annuity product lineup, and how to purchase their products through My Annuity Store.
Western & Southern Financial Group at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Legal Name | Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc. |
| Headquarters | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| Founded | 1888 |
| AM Best Rating | A+ (Superior) |
| S&P Rating | AA- (Very Strong) |
| Moody’s Rating | Aa3 (Excellent) |
| Total Assets | $84+ billion |
| Products Offered | MYGAs, Fixed Annuities, Fixed Indexed Annuities, Variable Annuities, Immediate Annuities |
| Minimum Premium | $2,500+ (varies by product) |
| Annuity Subsidiaries | Integrity Life, National Integrity Life, Western-Southern Life Assurance |
Western & Southern’s Financial Strength Ratings
Western & Southern’s ratings rank it among the top-tier insurance groups in the country. An A+ from AM Best means the organization has a “Superior” ability to meet its ongoing insurance obligations — a designation held by only a small percentage of U.S. insurers. The AA- from S&P and Aa3 from Moody’s reinforce that assessment from independent global rating agencies.
For annuity buyers, these ratings matter because your annuity contract is a promise from the insurance company to pay you a guaranteed rate or income stream. Higher ratings mean a stronger promise. Western & Southern has maintained top-tier ratings for decades, weathering the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-era market turbulence without a downgrade.
Example: David, age 61, is comparing 5-year MYGA contracts. He narrows his list to three carriers — one rated A-, one rated A, and Integrity Life (Western & Southern subsidiary) rated A+. All three offer rates within 0.15% of each other. David chooses Integrity Life because the A+ rating gives him additional confidence that the guaranteed rate will be paid in full, every year, for all five years of the contract.
Western & Southern Annuity Subsidiaries
Western & Southern does not issue annuity contracts directly under its parent company name. Instead, products are issued through specialized subsidiaries:
- Integrity Life Insurance Company — Based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Issues MYGAs, fixed annuities, fixed indexed annuities, and variable annuities in all states except New York. The primary distribution entity for competitive MYGA products through independent agents.
- National Integrity Life Insurance Company — Based in White Plains, New York. Mirrors Integrity Life’s product offerings and serves the New York market specifically.
- Western-Southern Life Assurance Company — Issues fixed annuities and life insurance products, primarily through the career agent channel.
When you purchase a Western & Southern annuity through an independent agent or through My Annuity Store, the contract will typically be issued by Integrity Life or National Integrity Life, depending on your state of residence.
MYGA Products (Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities)
Western & Southern’s MYGA lineup — issued through Integrity Life — is one of the most competitive in the A+ rated carrier space. Most carriers offering top-of-market MYGA rates hold A or A- ratings. Finding A+ financial strength at competitive rate levels makes these products stand out for conservative buyers who refuse to compromise on carrier quality.
Key MYGA products include:
- SmartSelect MYGA — A single-premium deferred annuity offering guaranteed rates across 3, 5, and 7-year terms. Straightforward structure with no moving parts — you deposit a lump sum, earn a locked-in rate, and receive your full value at maturity.
- MultiVantage MYGA — Available in 4, 5, 7, and 10-year guarantee periods with a 1% first-year interest rate bonus on top of the guaranteed base rate. Designed for buyers who want an enhanced yield in year one while still locking in a competitive multi-year guarantee.
Both products allow penalty-free withdrawals of up to 10% annually after the first contract year. Withdrawals beyond 10% during the surrender period are subject to declining surrender charges that reach zero at the end of the guarantee period. Minimum premium starts at $2,500 depending on the product and distribution channel. Learn more about current MYGA rates across all carriers.
Fixed Indexed Annuity Products
For buyers who want growth potential beyond a flat guaranteed rate, Western & Southern offers fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) through Integrity Life:
- Indextra® Fixed Indexed Annuity — Offers seven index crediting options plus one fixed interest option. Five crediting choices are based on proprietary multi-asset-class indexes, one tracks the S&P 500, and one provides a guaranteed fixed rate. Owners choose a withdrawal charge period of 5, 7, or 10 years. Penalty-free withdrawals of up to 10% annually are included.
Fixed indexed annuities credit interest based on the performance of a market index without exposing your principal to market losses. Your account value can grow when the index performs well (subject to caps or participation rates), but it will never decrease due to market downturns. This structure appeals to buyers who want more upside than a MYGA but cannot tolerate the risk of a variable annuity.
Immediate and Variable Annuity Products
Beyond MYGAs and FIAs, the Western & Southern family also offers:
- Immediate Annuities (SPIAs) — Convert a lump sum into guaranteed monthly income payments that begin within 30 days. Available through Integrity Life for buyers who need income now rather than accumulation.
- Variable Annuities — Investment-based annuities with sub-account options tied to equity and bond funds. These carry market risk but offer higher growth potential and optional lifetime income riders.
No rate data found for this carrier at this time.
Who Is Western & Southern Best For?
- Safety-first buyers who demand A+ financial strength: If carrier ratings are your top priority, Western & Southern’s A+ (AM Best) / AA- (S&P) / Aa3 (Moody’s) credentials are among the strongest in the annuity market. Few carriers match this combination of competitive pricing and top-tier ratings.
- MYGA buyers seeking competitive rates from a highly rated carrier: Most top-rate MYGAs come from A or A- rated carriers. Western & Southern — through Integrity Life — consistently offers rates that compete with lower-rated carriers while maintaining A+ strength.
- Buyers who want product flexibility: From simple MYGAs to indexed annuities to immediate income products, the Western & Southern family covers the full spectrum of annuity needs under one financial umbrella.
- New York residents: Through National Integrity Life, Western & Southern serves New York buyers — a state where many carriers do not operate due to stricter regulatory requirements.
- Conservative retirees and pre-retirees ($100K–$500K to allocate): The combination of strong ratings, competitive MYGA rates, and penalty-free withdrawal provisions makes Western & Southern a natural fit for the 55-70 age bracket looking to protect and grow retirement savings.
Contact Western & Southern Financial Group
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | www.westernsouthern.com |
| Customer Service | 1-888-343-9100 |
| Headquarters | Western & Southern Financial Group 400 Broadway Cincinnati, OH 45202 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET |
Working with My Annuity Store
My Annuity Store is an independent annuity marketplace that compares Western & Southern products alongside Athene, MassMutual, North American, Corebridge, and 20+ other top-rated carriers. We show you live rates from every carrier side by side — no sales pressure, no obligation.
Ready to compare? Request a free annuity comparison quote or call 855-583-1104 to speak with a licensed annuity specialist. You can also browse current MYGA rates from all carriers or explore our full carrier directory to research other options.
