CMFG Life Insurance Company (CUNA Mutual / TruStage) Review (2026)

Published March 3, 2026 · Updated March 21, 2026

Cuna Mutual Insurance Company Review

CMFG Life Insurance Company is the primary insurance subsidiary of CUNA Mutual Group — now operating under the consumer brand TruStage. If you are a credit union member, there is a good chance you have encountered CMFG Life products: it is the dominant insurance provider distributed through America’s credit union network, reaching over 100 million credit union members across the country. For annuity buyers, CMFG Life offers fixed annuities through the credit union channel that are backed by solid A-range financial strength and the institutional reach of one of the most trusted brands in personal finance.

This review covers CMFG Life’s financial strength, annuity product lineup, and what credit union members and independent buyers should know in 2026.

CMFG Life (CUNA Mutual / TruStage) at a Glance

DetailInformation
Full Legal NameCMFG Life Insurance Company
Parent CompanyCUNA Mutual Group (consumer brand: TruStage)
HeadquartersMadison, Wisconsin
Founded1935
StructureMutual company — no outside shareholders
AM Best RatingA (Excellent)
S&P RatingA+ (Strong)
Total Assets (Group)$25+ billion
Primary DistributionCredit union channel (100+ million member reach)
Products OfferedFixed annuities, MYGAs, life insurance, and Medicare coverage
States AvailableAll 50 states
Minimum Premium$5,000 (most annuity products)

CMFG Life’s Financial Strength Ratings

CMFG Life Insurance Company holds an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best and an A+ rating from S&P Global — placing it firmly within the upper tier of A-rated carriers. As a mutual company founded in 1935, CMFG Life has no public shareholders and is governed entirely for the benefit of its policyholders and the credit union members it serves.

The company has operated for 90 years across every major economic cycle without an insolvency event. Its A rating that reflects consistent balance sheet strength, conservative investment strategy, and the stable, low-acquisition-cost distribution model of the credit union channel — where members come to CMFG Life through trusted financial institutions rather than through high-cost direct marketing.

S&P’s A+ rating on the CUNA Mutual group reflects strong capitalization and a diversified product mix, including life insurance, disability, property/casualty, and annuities across the credit union ecosystem. This breadth provides revenue stability that pure-play annuity writers lack.

For context: Gary, age 63, is a longtime member of his state employees’ credit union. His credit union offers CMFG Life annuities through a dedicated financial advisor. Gary values the combination of A-rated financial strength, the trust relationship with his credit union, and competitive fixed annuity rates available to members. He placed $150,000 in a CMFG Life 5-year MYGA and manages his other annuity positions through My Annuity Store for comparison purposes.

What Types of Annuities Does CMFG Life Offer?

CMFG Life’s annuity products are designed for credit union members seeking straightforward, guaranteed retirement savings options:

  • Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) — Fixed guaranteed rates for set terms, offering a predictable, tax-deferred alternative to CDs. Available through credit union financial advisors. CMFG Life MYGAs are competitive within the A-rated tier, though distribution is primarily through the credit union channel rather than the broader independent agent marketplace.
  • Fixed Annuities — Traditional fixed annuities with annual declared rates. Available to credit union members through the TruStage financial services platform embedded in their credit union.
  • IRA Annuities — Fixed and MYGA products structured for qualified IRA and rollover accounts. CMFG Life’s credit union distribution channel is particularly effective for capturing IRA rollovers from members transitioning out of employer retirement plans.

No rate data found for this carrier at this time.

The Credit Union Channel Advantage — and Its Limitations

CMFG Life’s distribution through credit unions creates a meaningful trust advantage. Credit union members have an existing relationship with their financial institution — one built on the cooperative, not-for-profit model that emphasizes member benefit over profit extraction. When a credit union-affiliated advisor recommends a CMFG Life annuity, it carries implicit institutional endorsement.

The limitation: Credit union channel products are not always benchmarked against the full independent marketplace. A member who buys a CMFG Life MYGA through their credit union may not know whether better rates are available from A-rated competitors like Clear Spring, Ibexis, or Oceanview. This is not a criticism of CMFG Life specifically — it applies to any single-carrier distribution model.

Best practice: If you are a credit union member considering a CMFG Life annuity, use My Annuity Store’s live rate comparison to benchmark the offered rate against the broader market before committing. CMFG Life may well be competitive — but confirm it independently first.

Who Is CMFG Life Best For?

  • Credit union members who value the trust relationship and the convenience of purchasing through their credit union’s financial services arm. CMFG Life’s A rating and A+ S&P backing make the products financially sound.
  • IRA rollover clients transitioning from an employer plan whose credit union offers CMFG Life as a rollover destination. The combination of mutual company structure, an A rating, and a familiar institution reduces anxiety around a large financial decision.
  • Conservative buyers who prioritize institutional stability (90-year track record, mutual ownership, no shareholders) over maximizing basis points.

CMFG Life is less ideal for buyers who are rate-shopping across the full independent marketplace. A dedicated MYGA specialist like Clear Spring or Ibexis, or a full-lineup A+ carrier like Athene, may offer better rate-to-strength value for independent buyers without a credit union relationship to leverage.

Contact CMFG Life Insurance Company (TruStage)

Contact MethodDetails
Websitewww.trustage.com
Customer Service Phone1-800-877-7101
Mailing AddressCMFG Life Insurance Company / CUNA Mutual Group
5910 Mineral Point Road
Madison, WI 53705
HoursMonday–Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. CT

Working with My Annuity Store: We’re independent — not affiliated with CMFG Life or CUNA Mutual. We compare CMFG Life products alongside 20+ other A-rated carriers so you can confirm you’re getting a competitive rate before committing. Request a free comparison or call 855-583-1104.

📊
Get Today's Best MYGA Rates
Compare A-rated carriers. Rates up to 6.50%. No obligation.
Editorial Disclosure: Our editorial team independently reviews and rates annuity products. We may earn commissions when you request a quote through our partner links. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Learn more.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Annuity products vary by state and carrier. Always consult a licensed financial professional before making any financial decisions. My Annuity Store is an independent marketplace and does not provide investment advice.

Pros and Cons of Fixed Annuities

Before you commit to a fixed annuity, weigh the advantages and drawbacks for your retirement situation.

✓  Pros

  • Guaranteed rate locked in for the full term — no surprises
  • Principal is 100% protected from market losses
  • Often pays significantly more than CDs or savings accounts
  • Tax-deferred growth — no annual tax bill until withdrawal
  • Up to 10% annual free withdrawal without surrender charge
  • State guaranty association coverage (typically up to $250,000)
  • Simple to understand — no moving parts or index tracking

✗  Cons

  • Surrender charges apply if you withdraw more than 10% early
  • Not FDIC insured — backed by the insurance company, not the government
  • Earnings taxed as ordinary income (not capital gains rates)
  • 10% IRS early-withdrawal penalty before age 59½
  • Rate is fixed — you won't benefit if market rates rise
  • Less liquidity than a savings account or money market

Learn more: Are annuities safe?

Compare Top MYGA Rates by Term

See today's highest guaranteed rate from an A-rated carrier for each term length.

See all rates →

Rates sourced from AnnuityRateWatch. A-rated carriers (AM Best) only. Not a solicitation. Rates vary by state. Verify before purchasing.

Types of Annuities

Insurance companies offer several types of annuities to fit different financial goals. Here's how they compare.

A MYGA (Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity) is the simplest fixed annuity. Your rate is guaranteed for the entire term — 3, 5, or 7 years. No market exposure, no index tracking. What you see is what you earn.

Best for: Savers who want a predictable, guaranteed return and are comfortable locking funds for a set term. Often compared to CDs but frequently pays more.

Learn more about MYGAs →

A Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) links your interest credits to a market index (like the S&P 500) with a floor of 0% — so you can never lose principal. Upside is capped via participation rates or caps.

Best for: Investors who want some market participation with a safety net. More complex than MYGAs but potentially higher returns in strong market years.

Learn more about FIAs →

A SPIA (Single Premium Immediate Annuity) converts a lump sum into a guaranteed income stream — monthly checks that start within 30 days and continue for life or a set period.

Best for: Retirees who need guaranteed income immediately and want to eliminate the risk of outliving their money. The "pension replacement" product.

Learn more about SPIAs →

A Variable Annuity invests your premium in sub-accounts (similar to mutual funds). Returns fluctuate with the market — you can earn more but can also lose principal.

Best for: Long-term investors who want market exposure inside a tax-deferred wrapper and are comfortable with investment risk. Higher fees than fixed products.

Learn more about variable annuities →

A RILA (Registered Index-Linked Annuity) offers partial market participation with a defined buffer against losses (e.g., 10% or 20%). Unlike FIAs, RILAs can lose money — but losses are limited.

Best for: Investors willing to accept limited downside in exchange for higher upside potential than a traditional FIA. A middle ground between fixed and variable.

Learn more about RILAs →

Rate Methodology

My Annuity Store monitors MYGA rates from over 50 A-rated insurance carriers via AnnuityRateWatch. Our rate data refreshes every 6 hours.

To make our list, a carrier must be rated A− or better by AM Best — a financial strength rating that indicates the insurer's ability to meet obligations. Carriers with ratings of B++ or lower are excluded regardless of how attractive their rate appears.

Rates are sorted by highest guaranteed APY within each term group. Products using simple interest (SI) are labeled — the effective compound yield is lower than the stated rate. Minimum premiums shown are for non-qualified (after-tax) purchases.

Athene Annuity & Life
MassMutual
Corebridge Financial
Global Atlantic
North American Company
Midland National
American Equity
New York Life
Gainbridge Life
American National
Nassau Life
Sentinel Security Life
Protective Life
Pacific Life
Nationwide
Equitrust Life
F&G Annuities & Life
Oceanview Life
Oxford Life
Puritan Life
American General (Corebridge)
Delaware Life
Guggenheim Life
Integrity Life
Kansas City Life
Lafayette Life
Ibexis Life
American Fidelity
Security Benefit
Standard Insurance Company
📊 Data: AnnuityRateWatch · A-rated carriers only · Updated daily

Frequently Asked Questions

The best MYGA rate available today is shown in the rate table above. Rates change daily — the table reflects current data updated every 6 hours from AnnuityRateWatch.
Yes. The interest rate shown at the time of purchase is contractually locked in for the entire term — whether 3, 5, or 7 years. Unlike CDs at banks, MYGA rates cannot be changed by the insurance company during the guaranteed period, regardless of what happens to market interest rates.
Fixed annuities are not FDIC insured, but they are protected by your state's guaranty association — typically up to $250,000 per insurance company. Beyond that, the financial strength of the carrier matters. We only list carriers rated A− or better by AM Best, which indicates strong ability to meet policyholder obligations.
Most MYGAs allow a free annual withdrawal of 10% of your account value without a surrender charge. Withdrawals beyond 10% trigger surrender charges, which typically start around 7% and decline by one percentage point per year until they reach zero. At maturity, you can withdraw your full balance with no penalty.
Growth inside a non-qualified (after-tax funded) annuity is tax-deferred — you owe no taxes until you withdraw. When you do withdraw, earnings are taxed as ordinary income, not at the lower capital gains rate. Withdrawals before age 59½ also incur a 10% IRS early-withdrawal penalty on the earnings portion.
At maturity, most carriers give you a free-look window (typically 30 days) during which you can withdraw your full balance, roll it into a new annuity (tax-free via a 1035 exchange), or annuitize for lifetime income. If you do nothing, the contract typically renews at a new rate — which may be lower than your original rate.
For most people with a 3–7 year time horizon, MYGAs currently pay significantly more than CDs. Top 5-year MYGAs are paying competitively above 5%, while the best 5-year CDs are around 4.50%. The tradeoff: MYGAs have larger surrender charges for early withdrawal than CDs typically impose.

Explore More

Get a Free Annuity Quote

Term:
Thank You for Your
Annuity Quote Request

Need more immediate assistance?

Call 855‑583‑1104 Email Us Schedule a Call
What to expect
  • We verify details and check top carriers.
  • You’ll get a simple side‑by‑side comparison.
  • Questions? We’re happy to help—no pressure.

Tip: Check spam/promotions if you don’t see our email on time.

Need help sooner or have a quick question?

  • Call us at 855‑583‑1104 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–6:00 PM ET)
  • Or reply to our confirmation email—our licensed specialists are ready to assist.
Call Now Email Us Schedule a Call

What happens next

  1. We verify your information and run current rates across top carriers.
  2. You’ll receive a simple comparison with rates, features, and fees.
  3. If you like, we’ll walk through options and answer questions—no pressure.

Tip: Check your spam or promotions folder if you don’t see our email within the time window.