Brighthouse Financial Annuity Review (2026)

Brighthouse Financial is the individual life insurance and annuity business that MetLife separated into a standalone public company in 2017. With an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best and over $200 billion in assets, Brighthouse Financial (NYSE: BHF) is one of the largest annuity companies in the United States. The company is best known for its Shield Level annuity series, a registered index-linked annuity (RILA) product that became one of the top-selling annuities in the U.S. market, alongside fixed and income annuity options.

This review covers Brighthouse Financial’s financial strength, product lineup, and how it relates to MetLife.

Brighthouse Financial at a Glance

Brighthouse Financial vs. MetLife, What Changed in 2017

Prior to 2017, MetLife was one of the dominant names in both life insurance and retail annuities. In 2017, MetLife completed the spinoff of its individual life and annuity segment into a separate publicly traded company: Brighthouse Financial. The separation was designed to allow MetLife to focus on group benefits and institutional markets while Brighthouse focused exclusively on individual products.

If you purchased a MetLife annuity before 2017, that contract is now held by Brighthouse Financial or one of its insurance subsidiaries. All contractual guarantees remain in effect as originally issued. If you are searching for “MetLife annuity” to purchase a new individual annuity, Brighthouse Financial is the entity to evaluate. MetLife itself no longer distributes retail annuities, its annuity activities are now primarily institutional (pension risk transfers, structured settlements).

What Types of Annuities Does Brighthouse Financial Offer?

• Registered Index-Linked Annuities (RILAs), Shield Level Series: The Shield Level annuity is Brighthouse’s signature product and one of the most widely sold RILAs in the U.S. market. Shield Level products provide index-linked growth with a defined buffer (typically 10% or 20%) that absorbs a portion of market losses before your account value is affected, unlike traditional FIAs, which have a zero-loss floor. The trade-off is higher upside potential in exchange for accepting a limited downside buffer rather than full principal protection. Download the Shield Level Select 6 brochure.
• Variable Annuities: Brighthouse continues the MetLife variable annuity tradition, offering market-linked returns within a tax-deferred structure. Available with optional guaranteed living benefit riders for retirement income planning.
• Fixed Rate Annuities (MYGAs): Brighthouse offers fixed rate annuity products providing guaranteed credited rates for set terms. Download the Fixed Rate Annuity brochure.
• Single Premium Immediate Annuities (SPIAs): Brighthouse offers immediate income annuities for clients who want guaranteed lifetime payments starting within one year.

Brighthouse MYGA Rates

Current Brighthouse Financial fixed annuity rates from our live rate feed:

Who Is Brighthouse Financial Best For?

• RILA buyers seeking partial downside protection with more upside: The Shield Level annuity is the defining reason most buyers choose Brighthouse. For clients who want more index upside than a traditional FIA offers, and are comfortable with a 10-20% buffer rather than a zero-loss floor, Shield Level is a market-leading product.
• Former MetLife customers: Buyers with existing MetLife retail annuities or life insurance contracts should know their contracts are now held by Brighthouse. New product purchases from Brighthouse continue the same distribution and product platform.
• Variable annuity buyers: Brighthouse’s VA lineup carries on the MetLife tradition for clients seeking market-linked growth in a tax-deferred structure with optional income guarantees.
• Income annuity buyers: With $200+ billion in assets and an A AM Best rating, Brighthouse is a credible choice for SPIA buyers seeking guaranteed lifetime income from a major carrier.

Brighthouse Financial Pros and Cons

Here is a balanced look at Brighthouse Financial’s strengths and limitations for annuity buyers:

Pros

• Solid financial strength with an A-range 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

• Not the highest-rated carrier available, so buyers should weigh the rate vs. rating trade-off
• 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

Frequently Asked Questions About Brighthouse Financial

Is Brighthouse Financial a safe company for annuities?

Brighthouse Financial holds an A-range AM Best rating (A (Excellent)), 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 Brighthouse Financial offer?

Brighthouse Financial 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 Brighthouse Financial and competing carriers.

How do I buy an annuity from Brighthouse Financial?

Brighthouse Financial annuities are sold through licensed insurance agents and financial advisors. My Annuity Store is an independent platform that can quote Brighthouse Financial 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 Brighthouse Financial

Compare Brighthouse Against Other Carriers: My Annuity Store compares Brighthouse alongside Athene, MassMutual, Protective Life, and 20+ other top-rated carriers. Get a free comparison quote or call 855-583-1104.