Our mission
Annuities deserve honest research
Annuities are one of the most important — and most mis-marketed — financial products a retiree can buy. Annuity Atlas exists to cut through the brochure language, remove the conflicts of interest, and give shoppers the clarity they need to decide whether an annuity belongs in their plan at all.
At a glance
- Products analyzed
- 100+
- Carriers reviewed
- 20
- Scoring criteria
- 5 weighted
- Rating refresh
- Quarterly
In an industry full of conflicts of interest, we took a different route
The four principles the site is built on — and the things we refuse to do even when they would be more profitable.
Independent
Not owned by, affiliated with, or funded by any insurance company. Our ratings reflect consumer benefit — not a carrier's distribution goals.
Data-driven
Rankings are built from an algorithmic scoring model across financial strength, income payouts, fees, flexibility, and service quality.
Transparent
Full methodology published. Every partnership disclosed. No hidden fees, no dark-pattern forms, no trading reviews for referrals.
Expert-reviewed
Every analysis is cross-checked by licensed professionals with direct experience in annuity product design and distribution.
The Annuity Atlas credo · published at /aboutWhat we refuse to do
A 100-point model, pressure-tested by humans
Consumers deserve the same caliber of analysis that institutional investors get. Here's the model — published openly so you can challenge it.
Scoring weights · 100 points
- 01Income options25%
- 02Financial strength25%
- 03Fees & costs20%
- 04Flexibility15%
- 05Customer service15%
Published openly — updated quarterly
No scoring category is ever waived in exchange for a carrier relationship. The model applies uniformly across every product reviewed.
Process · four stages
Data collection
Aggregated from insurance company filings, AM Best, S&P Global, state regulatory databases, and direct carrier submissions.
Quantitative scoring
Each product scored across five weighted categories — income options, financial strength, fees, flexibility, and service.
Expert review
Licensed professionals validate the model, pressure-test income projections, and weigh qualitative factors the algorithm misses.
Continuous monitoring
Ratings refresh as carriers release new products, adjust rates, or receive updated financial strength ratings from agencies.
The bar we hold ourselves to
Editorial independence, accuracy, and transparency — the three things we'll refuse to compromise on even when it costs us revenue.
How we produce, review, and correct our content
Annuity Atlas is committed to accurate, unbiased, and actionable information about annuity products. The editorial team operates independently from any commercial partnership.
See legal & disclosuresEvery review is researched, written, and reviewed by qualified financial professionals. Every data point is cross-checked against primary sources — AM Best, S&P Global, and state insurance department filings.
When we recommend a product, the recommendation is based solely on our published scoring methodology. We may earn compensation when readers connect with a licensed specialist, but that relationship never influences a rating, a ranking, or an editorial decision.
Ratings refresh quarterly as carriers release new products, adjust rates, or receive updated financial strength ratings. If you believe anything on this site is inaccurate, email the editorial team and we'll investigate within two business days.
Spot an error?
Flag an error or request a correction at admin@annuity-atlas.com.
Get in touch
Questions on research, methodology, or a partnership?
We read every message. For corrections, methodology questions, or media inquiries, the fastest path is email.
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