EquiTrust Life Insurance Company Annuity Review (2026)

Updated March 2, 2026

EquiTrust Life Insurance Company holds an A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best and manages over $23 billion in assets. Based in Des Moines, Iowa, EquiTrust specializes in fixed annuities and fixed index annuities for consumers seeking competitive guaranteed rates with solid financial backing. The company has deep roots in the Midwest insurance market and offers some of the most competitively structured bonus FIA products available to independent agents.

This review covers EquiTrust’s financial strength, annuity product lineup, and contact information.

EquiTrust at a Glance

Detail Information
Full Legal Name EquiTrust Life Insurance Company
Headquarters West Des Moines, Iowa
Founded 1935
AM Best Rating A- (Excellent)
Total Assets $23+ billion
Products Offered MYGAs (Certainty Select series), Fixed Index Annuities
States Available 45+ states
Minimum Premium $5,000 (varies by product)

EquiTrust’s Financial Strength

EquiTrust carries an A- (Excellent) from AM Best, placing it within the “A-rated” category that most financial advisors and regulators consider the minimum threshold for conservative annuity buyers. With $23+ billion in total assets, EquiTrust is a mid-size carrier with substantial financial resources relative to its liability base.

EquiTrust is regulated by the Iowa Insurance Division — a state known for rigorous insurance regulatory standards. Iowa-domiciled carriers must maintain strict reserve requirements, adding a layer of protection beyond the national guaranty association system. Iowa’s Insurance Guaranty Association provides up to $250,000 per covered contract in the event of carrier insolvency.

What Types of Annuities Does EquiTrust Offer?

  • Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) — Certainty Select Series: EquiTrust’s Certainty Select MYGA series offers guaranteed fixed rates for set terms. These contracts provide a locked-in rate from day one with no market exposure — suitable for buyers who want certainty over the entire holding period.
  • Fixed Index Annuities (FIAs) — MarketTwelve Bonus Index and MarketPower Bonus Index: EquiTrust’s FIA lineup is built around bonus premium structures. The MarketTwelve Bonus Index FIA offers a premium bonus at issue, with index-linked growth tied to the S&P 500 and other benchmarks over a 12-year surrender period. The MarketPower Bonus Index provides a similar premium bonus structure with a shorter commitment. Both products include a zero-loss floor — your premium cannot decline due to negative index performance.

EquiTrust MYGA Rates

Current EquiTrust MYGA rates from our live rate feed:

Current MYGA Rates

Live rates from AnnuityRateWatch · Rates updated March 30, 2026

Product Term Rate (APY) Min Premium Last Rate Change
Certainty Select 3
AM Best B++
3 Years 4.8% $10,000+ Mar 10, 2026 View Details →
Certainty Select 5
AM Best B++
5 Years 5.05% $10,000+ Mar 10, 2026 View Details →
Certainty Select 6
AM Best B++
6 Years 5.15% $10,000+ Mar 10, 2026 View Details →
Certainty Select 8
AM Best B++
8 Years 5.2% $10,000+ Mar 10, 2026 View Details →
Certainty Select 10
AM Best B++
10 Years 5.3% $10,000+ Mar 10, 2026 View Details →

Rates apply to standard products. State availability varies. Not an offer or solicitation. Always verify current rates before purchasing.

Who Is EquiTrust Best For?

  • FIA buyers attracted to premium bonus structures: EquiTrust’s MarketTwelve Bonus Index is one of the more compelling bonus FIA designs for buyers who want immediate premium enhancement and are comfortable with a longer surrender period.
  • MYGA buyers comparing A- carriers: EquiTrust’s Certainty Select rates are frequently competitive within the A- tier. Buyers who want strong guaranteed rates from an Iowa-regulated carrier will find EquiTrust worth including in their comparison.
  • Buyers who understand the bonus trade-off: Premium bonus annuities often offset their upfront enhancement through lower cap rates or participation rates over time. EquiTrust’s products work best for buyers who plan to hold through the full surrender period and understand how bonuses interact with the overall contract mechanics.

EquiTrust Pros and Cons

Here is a balanced look at EquiTrust’s strengths and limitations for annuity buyers:

Pros

  • Solid financial strength with an A-range AM Best rating
  • Offers MYGA products with guaranteed rates and predictable returns
  • Offers fixed index annuities with growth potential tied to market indexes and downside protection
  • Available through independent agents, allowing side-by-side comparisons with other carriers

Cons

  • Not the highest-rated carrier available, so buyers should weigh the rate vs. rating trade-off
  • Product availability varies by state, so not all products may be offered where you live
  • Surrender charges apply during the contract term, which limits liquidity

Frequently Asked Questions About EquiTrust

Is EquiTrust a safe company for annuities?

EquiTrust holds an A-range AM Best rating (A- (Excellent)), which indicates a strong ability to meet ongoing policyholder obligations. In addition, annuity contracts are backed by your state guaranty association, which provides a secondary layer of protection typically covering $250,000 per contract. Always verify both the current rating and your state’s coverage limits.

What types of annuities does EquiTrust offer?

EquiTrust offers MYGAs, fixed index annuities through independent agents and financial professionals. Product availability, rates, and features vary by state. Use our rate comparison tool to see what’s currently available from EquiTrust and competing carriers.

How do I buy an annuity from EquiTrust?

EquiTrust annuities are sold through licensed insurance agents and financial advisors. My Annuity Store is an independent platform that can quote EquiTrust alongside 20+ other carriers so you can compare rates, terms, and financial strength ratings in one place. Request a free quote or call 855-583-1104 to get started.

Contact EquiTrust

Contact Method Details
Website www.equitrust.com
Customer Service 1-866-598-3694
Mailing Address EquiTrust Life Insurance Company
7100 Westown Pkwy
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Hours Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. CT

Compare EquiTrust Against Other Carriers: My Annuity Store compares EquiTrust alongside Athene, North American, F&G, and 20+ other top-rated carriers. Get a free comparison quote or call 855-583-1104.

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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. EquiTrust Life Insurance Company holds an A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best and manages over $23 billion in total assets. The company is regulated by the Iowa Insurance Division, a state known for rigorous solvency oversight.
The EquiTrust Certainty Select is a multi-year guaranteed annuity that locks in a fixed interest rate for a set term. It provides guaranteed accumulation with no market exposure and is available in multiple term lengths.
The MarketTwelve Bonus Index is a fixed index annuity that provides a premium bonus at issue and index-linked growth potential over a 12-year surrender period. Your principal is protected from market losses (zero-loss floor), while gains are tied to S&P 500 or other benchmarks.
An A- (Excellent) from AM Best places EquiTrust within the A-rated category most financial advisors consider the minimum threshold for conservative buyers. Carriers rated A or A+ hold a marginally higher rating, but all A-rated carriers meet the generally accepted standard for solvency and claims-paying ability.
EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is available in 45+ states. Specific product availability may vary by state. Contact My Annuity Store at 855-583-1104 to verify availability in your state.

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 →

Is Your Annuity Protected?

Every state has a guaranty association that protects annuity holders if a carrier becomes insolvent. Coverage typically ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 depending on your state — most states cover at least $250,000.

Check your state’s coverage limits →
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