Western & Southern Financial Group is a 137-year-old mutual company based in Cincinnati that carries an A+ AM Best rating and is one of the most active MYGA carriers in the independent agent channel – primarily through its subsidiary Integrity Life Insurance Company. With approximately $6.5 billion in annuity sales in 2024 and SmartSelect MYGA products available in all 50 states, Western & Southern / Integrity Life is a serious contender for any buyer shopping competitive MYGA rates from a financially exceptional carrier. This is one of the few carriers where you get A+ financial strength without the rate penalty that typically comes with it.
Western & Southern Financial Group at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Parent Company | Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc. (Cincinnati, Ohio) |
| Primary Annuity Issuer | Integrity Life Insurance Company (all states except NY) |
| New York Issuer | National Integrity Life Insurance Company |
| Founded | 1888 (Cincinnati, Ohio) |
| Headquarters | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| Ownership | Mutual company – no shareholders; policyholder-owned |
| AM Best Rating | A+ (Superior) for Integrity Life – affirmed March 2025; verify at ambest.com |
| Annuity Sales (2024) | ~$6.5 billion |
| Primary MYGA Product | SmartSelect Series MYGA (3, 4, 5, 6, 7-year terms) |
| Minimum Premium | $10,000 |
| State Availability | All 50 states + DC (Integrity Life for 49 states; National Integrity for New York) |
| Distribution | Independent agents and IMOs – NOT career agents |
Western & Southern’s Financial Strength and Background
Western & Southern Life Insurance Company was founded in Cincinnati in 1888 and has operated as a mutual company since its founding. After 137 years, it remains mutual – owned by its policyholders, with no shareholders and no private equity investors extracting returns. The company has grown into a diversified financial services organization with subsidiaries that include Integrity Life Insurance Company, Columbus Life Insurance Company, National Integrity Life Insurance Company (New York), and through a 2019 acquisition, Gerber Life Insurance Company.
Integrity Life Insurance Company carries an A+ (Superior) AM Best rating, affirmed March 2025. This is the same highest-tier rating held by carriers like New York Life and MassMutual – but unlike those mutual giants, Western & Southern distributes through independent agents and IMOs rather than a career agent force, making their products accessible through comparison platforms. Verify current ratings at ambest.com and westernsouthern.com.
The scale of the annuity operation – $6.5 billion in sales in 2024 – confirms institutional adoption. Western & Southern / Integrity Life is not a niche carrier; it is a volume player in the MYGA market backed by 137 years of mutual company stability.
What Annuity Products Does Western & Southern / Integrity Life Offer?
- SmartSelect MYGA – The primary MYGA product, available in 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7-year terms. Competitive rates with A+ backing. 10% annual penalty-free withdrawal after year one. Nursing home, terminal illness, and unemployment waivers on most terms. $10,000 minimum, available in most states through independent agents and IMOs.
- SmartSelect MYGA (Premium Rate Tiers) – Higher deposit amounts earn higher credited rates. Buyers depositing $100,000+ typically qualify for an enhanced rate tier.
- Fixed Indexed Annuities – Growth-linked to market indexes with principal protection. Optional income riders available for guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits.
- Single Premium Immediate Annuity (SPIA) – Pension-like income starting immediately after a lump sum deposit. Backed by the A+ balance sheet – useful for buyers who want maximum confidence in long-term payment security.
Western & Southern / Integrity Life SmartSelect MYGA Products and Current Rates
Live rates from AnnuityRateWatch · Rates updated May 5, 2026
| Product | Term | Rate (APY) | Min Premium | Last Rate Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MultiVantage 4
AM Best A+ |
4 Years | 3.75% | $20,000+ | Apr 1, 2026 | View Details → |
|
New Momentum 5
AM Best A+ |
5 Years | 3.95% | $5,000+ | Apr 1, 2026 | View Details → |
|
MultiVantage 5
AM Best A+ |
5 Years | 3.9% | $20,000+ | Apr 1, 2026 | View Details → |
|
New Momentum 6
AM Best A+ |
6 Years | 3.6% | $5,000+ | Apr 1, 2026 | View Details → |
|
MultiVantage 7
AM Best A+ |
7 Years | 3.8% | $20,000+ | Apr 1, 2026 | View Details → |
|
SPDA Series II 7
AM Best A+ |
7 Years | 3.75% | $3,000+ | Apr 1, 2026 | View Details → |
|
New Momentum 7
AM Best A+ |
7 Years | 3.65% | $5,000+ | Apr 1, 2026 | View Details → |
|
New Momentum 7
AM Best A+ |
7 Years | 3.35% | $5,000+ | Jan 1, 2026 | View Details → |
|
MultiVantage 10
AM Best A+ |
10 Years | 4% | $20,000+ | Apr 1, 2026 | View Details → |
|
New Momentum 10
AM Best A+ |
10 Years | 3.75% | $5,000+ | Apr 1, 2026 | View Details → |
|
New Momentum 10
AM Best A+ |
10 Years | 3.55% | $5,000+ | Jan 1, 2026 | View Details → |
Rates apply to standard products. State availability varies. Not an offer or solicitation. Always verify current rates before purchasing.
Who Is Western & Southern / Integrity Life Best For?
- MYGA buyers who want A+ financial strength without sacrificing rate competitiveness – SmartSelect MYGA rates are frequently competitive with top annuity companies while carrying an A+ balance sheet. This is the combination that most buyers say they want but rarely find.
- Buyers in all 50 states including New York – National Integrity Life handles New York policies, which many independent-channel carriers cannot service.
- Independent agent clients who want their advisor to be able to compare Western & Southern against other carriers – this is not a career agent capture model.
- High-net-worth buyers who deposit $100,000+ and qualify for premium rate tiers while maintaining A+ carrier security.
Western & Southern / Integrity Life is the rare case where a buyer does not have to accept either lower rates (for A++ strength) or reduced financial security (for rate-competitive A-rated carriers). For buyers where both rate and strength matter, it deserves serious comparison.
Western & Southern Pros and Cons
Pros
- A+ AM Best – top-tier rating, affirmed March 2025; same level as New York Life and MassMutual parent
- 137-year mutual company – no shareholders, policyholder-owned since 1888
- $6.5 billion in annuity sales (2024) – institutional scale confirms market acceptance
- Independent IMO distribution – accessible on comparison platforms unlike career-agent-only carriers
- All 50 states including New York via National Integrity Life
- $10,000 minimum – accessible to a broad range of buyers
Cons
- Integrity Life is less recognized than parent brand – buyers may not immediately connect “Integrity Life” with Western & Southern’s strength
- FIA cap rates not publicly posted – require agent contact
- Rate details vary by state and distribution partner – exact rates require agent quote
Frequently Asked Questions About Western & Southern / Integrity Life
Is Integrity Life the same company as Western & Southern?
Integrity Life Insurance Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Western & Southern Financial Group. When you purchase a SmartSelect MYGA or other Integrity Life product, your contract is issued by Integrity Life and backed by the full financial strength of the Western & Southern enterprise – including the parent company’s A+ AM Best rating. National Integrity Life Insurance Company is a separate New York-licensed entity that handles policies for New York residents under the same ownership umbrella.
How do Western & Southern MYGA rates compare to other A+ carriers?
Western & Southern / Integrity Life occupies a unique position: their SmartSelect MYGA rates are frequently competitive with A-rated independent-channel carriers, while the underlying financial strength is A+ – typically the domain of lower-rate mutual giants like MassMutual (parent) and New York Life. Buyers comparing MassMutual’s Stable Voyage (approximately 4.30% for 5-year) against the Integrity Life SmartSelect will often find meaningfully better rates from Integrity Life with the same A+ rating backing. Use our rate comparison tool to see current SmartSelect rates versus the market.
How do I buy an Integrity Life MYGA?
Integrity Life products are sold through licensed independent agents and IMOs. My Annuity Store can compare SmartSelect MYGA rates against 20+ other carriers. Request a free quote or call 855-583-1104.
Other Annuity Companies to Consider
- New York Life Annuity Review
- Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Review
- MassMutual Ascend Annuity Review
- Browse All Annuity Insurance Companies
Compare today’s rates with our live rate table or request a personalized quote.
