Where — To Buy Annuities

Buying directly from the source is a common starting point. Many insurance giants allow you to purchase products through their own "captive" agents—professionals who work exclusively for that company.

Your local bank likely has a partnership with one or more insurance carriers to sell annuities to their customers.

Top-rated companies include New York Life (rated A++ for financial strength) and Allianz Life (a leader in fixed index annuities). MassMutual and Nationwide also offer robust direct options. where to buy annuities

Banks like Bank of America or Wachovia act as distributors rather than issuers.

Major investment platforms offer annuities as part of their retirement solutions. Buying directly from the source is a common starting point

Offers a variety of variable, fixed, and income annuities with low costs and no surrender charges on certain products.

Banks typically have a much more limited selection of products than an independent broker. 4. Brokerage Firms and Mutual Fund Companies Top-rated companies include New York Life (rated A++

Self-directed investors who already use these platforms for their stocks and IRAs. Marketplace Examples: