Last updated October 12, 2026.
Most annuity company reviews tell you about ratings and history but not what the company actually pays. These reviews do both. I’m Kevin Edwards, an independent California annuity agent. Each review covers the carrier’s ownership and AM Best rating, sourced to the rating agency’s own release, and every product it sells in California with this week’s rates.
Carriers Reviewed
| Company | AM Best rating | Owner | Best CA MYGA | Best CA S&P 500 cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athene | A+ | Apollo | 5.90% (7 yr) | 9.75% (7 yr) |
| Nationwide | A+ | Nationwide Mutual group | 4.80% (5 yr) | — |
| Corebridge (American General) | A | Corebridge Financial (public) | 5.75% (10 yr) | 10.50% (5, 7, 10 yr) |
| Global Atlantic | A | KKR | 6.00% (5 and 7 yr) | 11.25% (7 yr) |
| Delaware Life | A- (negative outlook) | Group 1001 | 5.95% (5 yr) | 12.00% (10 yr) |
| American Equity | A | Brookfield | 3.75% (3 and 5 yr) | 9.25% (9 yr) |
More carriers are on the way. If you’ve been quoted a company that isn’t listed, send it to me and I’ll compare it for you.
How I Review Annuity Companies
- Rates: every rate comes from AnnuityRateWatch.com carrier data via AIP Marketing Alliance, filtered to products available to California residents, and refreshed weekly.
- Ratings: financial strength ratings and outlooks are taken from AM Best’s published rating actions, with the date of the most recent one I found.
- Comparisons: each review compares the carrier against the best rate in California at the same term, not against a hand-picked set.
- Independence: I’m an independent agent. I’m paid a commission by the carrier you choose, at no extra cost to you, so I show every carrier’s numbers side by side.
What to Look for in an Annuity Company
- Financial strength: your guarantees depend on the insurer’s claims-paying ability. Look at the rating and the outlook, not just the letter grade.
- The rate you can actually get: many top rates need $100,000 or more. Check the rate at your deposit size.
- Market value adjustments: an MVA can change your surrender value if you leave early.
- Renewal floors on FIAs: the starting cap is guaranteed for one year; the guaranteed minimum cap is what protects you after that.
For the full market, see my weekly California MYGA rates, California fixed index annuity rates and California SPIA rates.
Get a Side-by-Side Quote
I’m an independent agent, so I’m not tied to any one carrier. Tell me your deposit, timeline and whether you need income, and I’ll compare these companies and the rest of the California market for you. Request a free annuity quote, or call (877) 854-7396.
Sources
- California fixed annuity (MYGA) rates, Fixed Annuity Expert
- California fixed index annuity rates, Fixed Annuity Expert
- California SPIA rates, Fixed Annuity Expert
Rate source: AnnuityRateWatch.com carrier data via AIP Marketing Alliance, retrieved October 12, 2026, filtered to products available to California residents. MYGA rows show guaranteed yield to surrender; FIA rows show the S&P 500 annual point-to-point cap on strategies with a 0% floor, no strategy fee and a stated guaranteed minimum cap. Products sold only through fee-based advisory accounts are excluded. Rates change without notice and must be verified with the issuing carrier at application.
Kevin Edwards, Integrity Now Insurance Brokers. California Insurance License #0D42517. Annuities are insurance products, not bank deposits, and are not FDIC insured. Fixed index annuities are not a direct investment in the stock market or any index; index-linked interest is subject to caps the insurer may change annually, subject to the guaranteed minimum. Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Financial strength ratings are opinions of the rating agency, can change at any time, and are not a guarantee of an insurer’s ability to pay claims. Withdrawals before the end of the surrender period may be subject to surrender charges and market value adjustments; withdrawals of taxable amounts may be subject to ordinary income tax and, if taken before age 59½, a 10% federal tax penalty. This page is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any insurance company named. It is for educational purposes and is not tax or legal advice. Product availability and features vary by state. S&P 500® is a registered trademark of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC.