My Annuity Store is an independent, direct-to-consumer annuity platform licensed in 47 states and appointed with over 90 insurance carriers. We do not sell ads or affiliate links. This page explains exactly how we evaluate, rank, and recommend annuity products on our site.
Where Our Rate Data Comes From
All annuity rates displayed on MyAnnuityStore.com are sourced from AnnuityRateWatch, the insurance industry’s leading rate aggregation service. AnnuityRateWatch collects rate filings directly from insurance carriers and updates them as carriers announce changes.
Our rate tables are refreshed daily. When a carrier raises or lowers a rate, the change typically appears on our site within 24 to 48 hours of the official update from AnnuityRateWatch.
We display rates for products that are currently available for purchase in at least one U.S. state. Some rates vary by state, age, or premium amount, so the rate you see in our tables may differ from the rate available to you. We always encourage consumers to request a personalized quote for exact pricing.
How We Evaluate Insurance Carriers
Every carrier featured on our site is evaluated on financial strength, product quality, and consumer experience. Here is what we look at:
Financial Strength Ratings
We track ratings from four independent agencies:
- AM Best – The primary rating agency for insurance companies. We require a minimum AM Best rating of B++ (Good) or higher for any carrier we feature.
- S&P Global Ratings – We note S&P ratings where available.
- Moody’s Investors Service – Included on carrier review pages when published.
- Fitch Ratings – Included on carrier review pages when published.
You can find the full rating breakdown for each carrier on their individual review page.
Product Lineup and Availability
We evaluate the breadth of each carrier’s product lineup across fixed annuities (MYGAs), fixed index annuities (FIAs), registered index-linked annuities (RILAs), immediate annuities (SPIAs), and deferred income annuities (DIAs). Carriers offering multiple product types across more states score higher in our reviews.
Competitive Rates
We compare each carrier’s current rates against the broader market. A carrier consistently offering top-quartile rates across multiple terms earns a stronger recommendation.
Contract Features and Flexibility
We review surrender charge schedules, free withdrawal provisions, death benefit options, surrender periods, and market value adjustments (MVAs). Products with more consumer-friendly terms receive higher marks.
NAIC Complaint Index
We reference the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint index, which measures a company’s complaint volume relative to its market share. A score below 1.00 means fewer complaints than the industry average.
How We Rank “Best” Lists
When we publish “best of” lists like Best Fixed Annuity Companies or Best Fixed Annuity Rates, rankings are based on a weighted combination of:
- Current rate competitiveness (40%) – Is the product offering a rate in the top tier for its term and product type?
- Carrier financial strength (25%) – AM Best rating and overall financial stability.
- Contract terms (20%) – Surrender charges, free withdrawal provisions, MVA presence, and minimum premiums.
- Consumer experience (15%) – Application process, customer service reputation, and NAIC complaint index.
Rate-focused pages (like “Best 5-Year Fixed Annuity Rates”) are sorted primarily by rate, highest to lowest. Company-focused pages use the full weighted criteria above.
How We Write Product Reviews
Each product review and carrier review on our site follows a consistent structure:
- Company background, founding year, and assets under management
- Financial strength ratings from all available agencies
- Full product lineup with current rates and terms
- Pros and cons based on contract features, not opinion
- Who the product or carrier is best suited for
- Frequently asked questions
Reviews are written by our editorial team and updated when carriers change rates, launch new products, or receive updated financial ratings. Every review page displays a “Last Updated” date.
Our Independence
My Annuity Store does not accept advertising or affiliate fees. We are compensated through commissions paid by insurance carriers when a consumer purchases a product through us. This compensation does not increase the cost to the consumer.
Compensation does not influence our editorial content, product rankings, or recommendations. We feature products from carriers we are appointed with, and we clearly disclose this relationship. We do not represent every insurer or product in the marketplace.
For full details, see our Disclosures page.
How We Handle Updates and Corrections
Annuity rates and product availability change frequently. We review our content on a regular cycle:
- Rate tables: Updated daily via AnnuityRateWatch feed
- Carrier reviews: Updated quarterly or when a material change occurs (rating change, product launch, merger)
- Product reviews: Updated when rates, terms, or availability change
- “Best of” lists: Re-evaluated monthly
If you spot an error or outdated information, please contact us and we will investigate promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does My Annuity Store get its rate data?
All rates are sourced from AnnuityRateWatch, the insurance industry’s leading rate aggregation service. Rates are refreshed daily and typically reflect carrier changes within 24 to 48 hours.
Does My Annuity Store get paid to recommend certain products?
No. We receive commissions from insurance carriers when a consumer purchases a product through our platform, but compensation does not influence our editorial rankings or recommendations. We do not sell ads or accept affiliate fees.
How often are your “best” lists updated?
Rate-based lists are updated daily as new data comes in from AnnuityRateWatch. Company-based “best of” lists are re-evaluated monthly to reflect rate changes, new products, and updated financial strength ratings.
What minimum financial strength rating do you require?
We require a minimum AM Best rating of B++ (Good) for any carrier featured on our site. Most carriers we feature hold an A- (Excellent) or higher rating.
Can I trust the rates shown on your site?
Our rates come directly from AnnuityRateWatch and reflect current carrier filings. However, rates may vary by state, age, and premium amount. We always recommend requesting a personalized quote to confirm the exact rate available to you.
