Shield® Level Annuities
A Brighthouse Shield® Level Annuity is an index-linked annuity, which means it doesn’t invest directly in the markets. Instead, it offers growth opportunities by tracking the performance of a market index.
Protect retirement assets
Participate in growth opportunities
Pay no annual fees

How It Works
Your Shield annuity can be tailored to your needs by answering four questions:
1. What index or indices do you want to track?
Choose from three well-known market indices to track performance: S&P 500® Index (large cap), Russell 2000® Index (small cap), and the MSCI EAFE Index (international stocks).A,B,C
2. How much protection do you want?
A Shield annuity offers a built-in level of protection called the Shield Rate.2 This protects your assets from some of the losses that can derail a portfolio.
3. How much growth potential do you want?
Select the Cap Rate or Step Rate. The Cap Rate “caps” growth at a set percentage at the end of the term. The Step Rate credits a predetermined percentage of growth to your account at the end of the term – even if your selected index is flat.3
4. How long do you want to invest?
Select the term, which is how long you want to invest. At the end of each term, the index value at the beginning and end of the term will be compared – factoring in the level of protection as well as the Cap Rate or Step Rate – which will result in a new account value.
Take a look at our resources to learn how Shield annuities can help you reach your retirement goals.
Are you a financial professional? View related materials created for financial professionals.
Additional Information
Education and Resources
Take the Next Step
Talk to your financial professional about whether a Shield Level annuity is right for you, or to learn more about purchasing this product.
Here are some questions to help you start the conversation:
- 1. Does a Shield annuity fit my needs?
- 2. What if I need to use the money for something else before my term is over?
- 3. What percentage of my retirement assets should I invest in a Shield annuity?
- 4. How have the indices a Shield annuity tracks performed in the past?
- 5. Can I split my investment between more than one index?
This Brighthouse Financial product can only be purchased through a licensed financial professional.
Don’t have a financial professional? Learn more about working with a financial professional.
Brighthouse Financial® is on a mission to help people achieve financial security.
Trusted by over 2 million customers and with 2 million annuity contracts and life insurance policies in force, Brighthouse Financial® is proud to be a FORTUNE® 500 company and one of the largest providers of annuities and life insurance in the U.S.5
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