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Best Annuity Companies Of 2026

Annuities are a popular choice for retirement planning and long-term financial security. Fixed annuities provide steady interest, indexed annuities link growth to market performance, and Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) lock in rates for set periods. Explore these options with a financial advisor to find the best fit for your long-term goals.

Compare top-rated providers. Updated June 2026.

Best Overall
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  • Death benefit portion is generally paid out tax-free
  • Choose a fixed term or guaranteed lifetime income
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Other Top-Rated Providers

# Provider Highlight Action
#2
Lincoln Financial
Offering Fixed and Variable Annuities
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#3
Athene
Objective: Maximize growth potential with competitive rates
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#4
Allianz Life
Objective: Comprehensive retirement solutions with market-linked growth potential
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#5
Aspida
Objective: Low-cost annuity options with transparent fees.
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#6
Nationwide
Fixed Index, Variable, Registered Index-linked, Fixed & Immediate annuities
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#7
F&G Annuities & Life
Objective: Secure retirement income with flexible options
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#8
Oceanview Life and Annuity Company
Objective: Provide consistent growth through MYGAs.
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Why are people investing in annuities?

Many Americans are choosing annuities because they provide Guaranteed income for life, Protection from market volatility, and Tax-deferred growth, giving you a safe, predictable way to enjoy the retirement you've worked so hard for. Don't leave your future to chance; find your annuity today.

See what an annuity could do for your money, no commitment.

After years of hard work, protecting your retirement income is just as important as growing your savings. With market volatility, longer life expectancy, and uncertainty around Social Security, many Americans are turning to annuities to create a more predictable and stable retirement.

Guaranteed income for life

One of the biggest reasons people invest in annuities is the promise of steady income. Certain annuities can provide guaranteed payments for life, helping retirees avoid the risk of outliving their savings.

Protection from market volatility

While some annuities offer growth tied to the market, many include downside protection. This can be especially appealing during economic downturns, when traditional investments may fluctuate sharply.

Tax-deferred growth

Money invested in an annuity grows tax-deferred, meaning you don't pay taxes on earnings until you begin taking withdrawals. This allows your savings to compound more efficiently over time.
The Basics

What is an annuity?

An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company. You pay either a single lump sum or a series of contributions, and in return the provider pays you a stream of guaranteed income — either right away or starting on a date you choose.

The appeal is predictability. Unlike investments tied to the daily market, the right annuity can deliver income you can count on month after month, including income that lasts as long as you live.

Different products balance growth, protection, and access in different ways, so the best fit depends on when you need income, how much risk you're comfortable with, and what other retirement savings you already have in place.

Annuities may be a good fit if you:

  • Want guaranteed income you can't outlive in retirement
  • Are within 10 years of retirement and want to lock in rates
  • Want to protect savings from sudden market downturns
  • Are looking for tax-deferred growth on retirement dollars
  • Have already maxed your 401(k) or IRA contributions
Why Money.com

Why Compare With Money.com

We've helped millions of readers make smarter financial decisions for more than 50 years. Here's what that means when you compare annuity rates with us.

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Every provider on our list is reviewed for financial strength and customer satisfaction before we show them to you.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions buyers ask most before choosing an annuity.

01 What is an annuity?
An annuity is a contract with an insurance company. You contribute either a lump sum or ongoing payments, and the company agrees to pay you a guaranteed stream of income later — often for the rest of your life.
02 How are annuity earnings taxed?
Annuity earnings grow tax-deferred — you don't owe taxes on the gains until you withdraw them. Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, and money taken out before age 59½ may also trigger a 10% IRS penalty.
03 What's the difference between fixed and variable annuities?
A fixed annuity pays a guaranteed interest rate, so your growth is predictable. A variable annuity invests your contributions in sub-accounts tied to the market, so returns — and risk — move with how those investments perform.
04 When can I start receiving payments?
With an immediate annuity, payments can begin within a year of your purchase. A deferred annuity lets your money grow for a set period — sometimes years or decades — before payouts begin on the date you choose.
05 Is my principal guaranteed?
Fixed and indexed annuities typically protect your principal from market losses, with guarantees backed by the issuing insurance company's financial strength. Variable annuities are subject to market risk, so your principal may rise or fall with the underlying investments.
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