Annuities 2025

Best Fixed Annuity Companies for 2025

Fixed annuities are in demand as savers prioritize principal protection and guaranteed growth. Use this guide to compare leading carriers, pick the right term, and proceed with clarity.

Last updated: December 12, 2025 • Source: LIMRA U.S. Individual Annuities Sales Survey (Q3 2025)

This article highlights the best fixed annuity companies in 2025 based on total sales through Q3 2025. In a financial landscape defined by lingering volatility and shifting interest rates, the “flight to safety” has become a stampede. For millions of retirees and conservative savers, the question is no longer if they should protect their principal, but where they should park it.

Below is a deep dive into the Top 10 Selling Best Fixed Annuity Companies leading the pack into 2025. We have looked at more than just sales numbers. We created an Analyst’s Notebook on their distribution strategies. We also made a Customer Experience Snapshot to help you see if the service is worth it.

Best Fixed Annuity Companies 2025

These carriers lead in fixed annuity sales through Q3 2025. Use the quick comparison fields to look beyond headline rates.

Annuity Companies
Carrier Strength (A.M. Best / S&P) Typical Liquidity MVA Notable Product Notes Learn More
New York Life A++ / AA+ ~10% free Yes Secure Term MVA Mutual; service-forward Profile
Athene A / A ~10% free Yes MaxRate Rate leadership; efficient ops Profile
MassMutual A++ / AA+ ~10% free Varies Stable Voyage Mutual strength MassMutual Ascend
Corebridge Financial A / A- ~10% free Yes American Pathway Broad distribution VALIC/Corebridge
USAA Life A / AA+ ~10% free Varies Flexible Retirement Annuity Military brand trust USAA
Nationwide A+ / A+ ~10% free Yes Secure Growth Significant 2025 growth Secure Growth 5
Global Atlantic A / A- ~10% free Yes SecureFore/ForeCertain Bank/IMO reach Company profile
Pacific Life A+ / AA- ~10% free Yes Fixed annuity Strong service reputation Pacific Life
Western & Southern A+ / AA- ~10% free Yes SmartSelect Long-standing strength SmartSelect
Delaware Life A- / BBB+ ~10% free Yes Pinnacle MYGA Competitive rates Pinnacle brochure

Source: LIMRA U.S. Individual Annuities Sales Survey (Q3 2025). Related: Annuity sales break record in Q3 2025.

Fixed Annuity Basics

A fixed annuity provides a guaranteed interest rate for a set term, tax-deferred growth, and principal protection backed by the insurer’s general account.

  • Typical terms: 3, 5, 7, and 10 years.
  • Liquidity: Most offer ~10% free annual withdrawals; surrender charges apply for early exits.
  • MVAs: Many MYGAs include a Market Value Adjustment that can affect surrender value if rates move.
  • Not FDIC insured; protections vary by state via guaranty associations.

Quick reads: Are Fixed Annuities FDIC Insured?How to Buy an Annuity

2025 Carrier Snapshots

Below are quick, scannable profiles for each leading carrier—what they sell, how they go to market, and what stands out in service.

New york life logo

New York Life

#1 YTD Sales: $14.7 Billion

The flight-to-safety choice. Largest U.S. mutual insurer with unshakeable financial strength and top ratings.

  • Flagship Product: New York Life Secure Term MVA Fixed Annuity
  • Distribution: Career Agency System — sold via 12,000+ captive agents
  • Key Differentiator: “Dividend” Halo from mutual structure drives trust and volume
Analyst’s Notebook

Retaining the crown at #1, New York Life attracts investors seeking stability over chasing the highest rates. Their mutual structure and top-tier ratings underpin a “sleep well at night” value proposition.

  • Strategic Positioning: Safety-first, trust-led sales motion
  • Go-to Market: Personalized, “kitchen table” relationships via captive agents
  • Rate vs. Reputation: Wins volume without leading rates due to brand and dividends
Customer Experience Snapshot ⭐
  • Service Verdict: Top Tier (≈ 5/5)
  • J.D. Power Standing: Consistently near the top for overall satisfaction
  • Agent Model: Dedicated human support accelerates complaint resolution
  • BBB Rating: A+
Athene annuity & life logo

Athene Annuity & Life

#2 YTD Sales: $14.1 Billion

Aggressive rate-setter backed by Apollo—often the go-to for the market’s highest yields.

  • Flagship Product: Athene MaxRate — frequently a top-selling fixed annuity
  • Parent Company: Apollo Global Management fuels high consumer rates via alternative credit
  • Distribution: Independent brokers; first quote for “best rate”
Analyst’s Notebook

Athene proves you can offer top-tier rates without sacrificing operational excellence.

  • Positioning: Rate leadership with PE-backed spread management
  • Growth Engine: Acquisitions plus bank/IMO reach
  • Trade-off: Efficiency over white-glove service
Customer Experience Snapshot ⭐
  • Service Verdict: Transactional / Efficient (≈ 3/5)
  • The Vibe: “Rate factory”—bureaucratic on some admin tasks
  • BBB Rating: A+ (Accredited)
Massmutual logo

Massachusetts Mutual Life (MassMutual)

#3 YTD Sales: $9.1 Billion

Mutual strength and deep history—favored by conservative savers prioritizing stability.

  • Flagship Product: MassMutual Stable Voyage — capital preservation with steady growth
  • Subsidiary Power: MassMutual Ascend drives independent broker-channel volume
  • Distribution: Hybrid—career agents + independent
Analyst’s Notebook

Trust-led selling with complementary independent distribution via Ascend.

  • Positioning: Reputation-forward mutual model
  • Product Role: Stable, competitive yield
  • Channel Strategy: Balanced reach across captive and independent
Customer Experience Snapshot ⭐
  • Service Verdict: Excellent (≈ 4.5/5)
  • The Vibe: Policyholder-first; above-average satisfaction on statements, price, interaction
  • BBB Rating: A+
Corebridge financial logo

Corebridge Financial

#4 YTD Sales: $8.4 Billion

Formerly AIG Life & Retirement; broad shelf, flexible terms, massive distribution network.

  • Flagship Product: American Pathway Series — flexible withdrawal privileges
  • Corporate Context: Spun from AIG; public, retirement-focused
  • Distribution: Omnichannel—banks, broker-dealers, independent agents
Analyst’s Notebook

Successful rebrand while maintaining scale and versatility in product lineup.

  • Strength: Wide availability, strong digital tools
  • Constraint: Legacy systems can slow complex service requests
Customer Experience Snapshot ⭐
  • Service Verdict: Solid / Improving (≈ 3.5/5)
  • The Vibe: Generally “About Average” in satisfaction studies
  • BBB Rating: A+
Usaa life logo

USAA Life

#5 YTD Sales: $7.0 Billion

Exclusive military community focus; loyalty-driven retention and competitive fixed annuities.

  • Flagship Product: USAA Flexible Retirement Annuity — flexible premium contributions over time
  • Distribution: Direct-to-consumer via web and call center
  • Key Differentiator: Strong retention; CDs roll into annuities
Analyst’s Notebook

USAA’s closed membership fuels exceptional trust and lifetime value.

  • Economics: Lower distribution cost, high cross-product retention
  • Positioning: Service-first brand within a tight-knit member base
Customer Experience Snapshot ⭐
  • Service Verdict: Legendary (≈ 5/5)
  • The Vibe: Elite NPS across financial services
  • BBB Rating: A-
Nationwide logo

Nationwide

#6 YTD Sales: $5.2 Billion

Q3’s big mover—brand power plus rate specials to capture share fast.

  • Flagship Product: Nationwide Secure Growth — rate specials undercutting bank CDs
  • Distribution: Broker-dealers & banks; wirehouse favorite
  • Strategic Shift: Increased focus on fixed annuities
Analyst’s Notebook

Leveraging household-name recognition to push competitive fixed rates.

  • Go-to-market: Advisor portals and incentives
  • Digital: Strong portals for client visibility
Customer Experience Snapshot ⭐
  • Service Verdict: Very Good (≈ 4/5)
  • The Vibe: Reliable interaction and easy online access
  • BBB Rating: A+
Global atlantic logo

Global Atlantic Financial Group

#7 YTD Sales: $4.5 Billion

KKR-backed spread expertise; consistently attractive rates via Forethought products.

  • Flagship Product: SecureFore / ForeCertain
  • Parent Company: KKR majority ownership
  • Distribution: Banks & IMOs; simple guaranteed-rate products
Analyst’s Notebook

Advisor-centric wholesaler brand that emphasizes product performance.

  • Strength: Rate consistency powered by private credit
  • UX Note: Functional, not flashy for consumers
Customer Experience Snapshot ⭐
  • Service Verdict: Average (≈ 3/5)
  • The Vibe: Efficient advisor servicing; limited personal touch
  • BBB Rating: A+
Pacific life logo

Pacific Life

#8 YTD Sales: $4.4 Billion

Brand prestige, concierge-level advisor support, and consistently competitive rates.

  • Flagship Product: Pacific Secure Income
  • Distribution: Financial advisors and RIAs
  • Brand Power: Iconic whale logo lowers friction for adoption
Analyst’s Notebook

Near-top rates with superior service and processing speed.

  • Edge: Advisor concierge support
  • Reliability: Fast, low-error processing
Customer Experience Snapshot ⭐
  • Service Verdict: High Performer (≈ 4.5/5)
  • The Vibe: Frequent service award winner/finalist
  • BBB Rating: A+
Western & southern group logo

Western & Southern Group

#9 YTD Sales: $3.9 Billion

Quiet giant with exceptional capital adequacy; top-tier financial strength.

  • Flagship Product: SmartSelect Fixed Annuity — often a 3-year rate leader
  • Distribution: Banks & platforms like Fidelity
  • Financial Strength: Frequently posts Comdex 96+
Analyst’s Notebook

Conservative insurer trusted by balance-sheet-focused clients.

  • Style: Reliability over flash
  • Tech: Solid core servicing
Customer Experience Snapshot ⭐
  • Service Verdict: Dependable (≈ 3.5/5)
  • The Vibe: No-frills, on-time payments
  • BBB Rating: A+
Delaware life logo

Delaware Life

#10 YTD Sales: $3.7 Billion

Lean, rate-focused carrier—often tops the 3- and 5-year tables with MYGA offers.

  • Flagship Product: Pinnacle MYGA — plain-vanilla high yield
  • Parent Company: Group 1001—technology and efficiency-led
  • Distribution: Independent agents; rate-first buyers
Analyst’s Notebook

Focused operating model to pass savings to the customer.

  • Edge: Market-leading simple term rates
  • Trade-off: Less hand-holding; self-service culture
Customer Experience Snapshot ⭐
  • Service Verdict: No Frills (≈ 3/5)
  • The Vibe: Efficient processing, minimal extras
  • BBB Rating: A+

How to Compare Fixed Annuities (Beyond the Rate)

Evaluate offers with a simple checklist so you don’t miss key trade-offs.

  • Financial strength: A.M. Best, S&P, Moody’s, and Comdex.
  • Liquidity features: Free withdrawals, RMD provisions, nursing home/terminal illness waivers.
  • Surrender schedule: Match the charge curve to your time horizon.
  • Market Value Adjustment (MVA): Understand how rate changes affect surrender value.
  • Renewal policy: Know your options at term end.
  • Minimums, age limits, and state availability.
  • Service & administration quality for changes and claims.

Pick Your Term, Then Compare Rates

Terms shape yield, flexibility, and surrender schedules. Match your horizon to the right guarantee period.

3-Year Fixed Annuity

Best for flexibility, CD rollovers, and rate watchers.

Compare 3-Year Rates

5-Year Fixed Annuity

Balanced yield and access; the common “sweet spot.”

Compare 5-Year Rates

7-Year Fixed Annuity

Higher yield potential for mid-term planning.

Compare 7-Year Rates

10-Year Fixed Annuity

Maximum guaranteed rate with long-term commitment.

Compare 10-Year Rates

Safety & Guarantees

Fixed annuities are not FDIC insured; guarantees are backed by the issuing insurer’s general account. State guaranty association coverage varies by state and product type.

  • Prioritize carrier financial strength—small rate bumps rarely justify a big downgrade.
  • Confirm any state-specific protections via official guaranty resources.

Learn more: FDIC vs. Insurer GuaranteesCarrier profile example

Taxes, Funding, and Moving Money

  • Tax-deferred growth; gains taxed as ordinary income when withdrawn.
  • Coordinate qualified vs. nonqualified funds and RMDs.
  • Early withdrawals before 59½ may incur a 10% IRS penalty on gains (exceptions may apply).
  • Consider 1035 exchanges to move between annuities without immediate tax.

Helpful guides: How to Buy an AnnuityFree Look PeriodAnnuity Surrender Charges

Choose Your Path

CD Maturing Soon

Compare fixed annuities vs CDs, then check 3–5 year rates.

3-Year Rates5-Year Rates

Highest Guaranteed Rate in 5–7 Years

Review 5/7-year options and model potential returns.

5-Year Rates7-Year Rates

Retiring in 2–4 Years

Ladder terms for flexibility and future income staging.

3-Year Rates5-Year Rates

Protection with Upside

Consider fixed index annuities for index-linked growth with principal protection.

Best Fixed Index Annuity Companies

Tools & Next Steps

Questions about fixed annuities? We’re here to help with quotes and product comparisons. • Contact: Start your quote.
Disclosures: Educational information only; guarantees subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurer; state guaranty association information is not a solicitation.

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