EquiTrust Life Insurance Company Annuity Review (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

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 lock in a rate from day one with no market exposure, making them pure accumulation annuities for buyers who want certainty over the full holding period.
• Fixed Index Annuities (FIAs) – MarketTwelve and MarketPower: EquiTrust’s FIA lineup features premium bonus structures. Both products include a zero-loss floor, meaning your principal cannot decline due to negative index performance.

MarketTwelve Bonus Index FIA

The MarketTwelve Bonus Index offers a premium bonus at issue with index-linked growth tied to the S&P 500 and other benchmarks. This is a 12-year surrender period contract. Clients receive a free withdrawal of up to 10% of contract value each year after the first year. The death benefit pays the full contract value to your named beneficiary, avoiding probate delays.

MarketPower Bonus Index FIA

The MarketPower Bonus Index provides a similar premium bonus structure with a shorter commitment period. Like the MarketTwelve, it includes a free withdrawal provision and a guaranteed death benefit equal to the contract value at time of claim.

EquiTrust MYGA Rates

Current EquiTrust MYGA rates from our live rate feed:

Free Withdrawal on EquiTrust MYGAs

EquiTrust’s Certainty Select MYGA products include a free withdrawal provision allowing access to a portion of your contract value each year without incurring surrender charges. This liquidity feature makes these accumulation annuities practical for retirees who may need occasional access to funds while keeping the guaranteed rate locked in.

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 value a guaranteed death benefit: All EquiTrust annuity products include a death benefit that pays the contract value to your named beneficiary, providing a clean transfer of assets outside probate.
• 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.

EquiTrust Pros and Cons

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

Pros

• A- (Excellent) AM Best rating meets the minimum threshold for conservative buyers
• Competitive MYGA rates with guaranteed returns and free withdrawal provisions
• Premium bonus FIA products with index-linked growth and a zero-loss floor
• Death benefit included on all products, paying contract value to beneficiaries
• Available through independent agents, allowing side-by-side comparisons with other carriers

Cons

• Not the highest-rated carrier available, so buyers should weigh rate vs. rating
• Longer surrender periods on FIAs (12 years on MarketTwelve), which limits flexibility
• Product availability varies by state, so not all products may be offered where you live
• Bonus products require careful analysis because the upfront bonus is offset by contract terms

Frequently Asked Questions About EquiTrust

Is EquiTrust a good annuity company?

EquiTrust holds an A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best, which confirms its strong ability to meet policyholder obligations. With $23+ billion in assets, competitive MYGA rates, and well-designed FIA products with premium bonuses, EquiTrust is a solid option for buyers seeking guaranteed growth from an A-rated carrier. The company’s 90-year track record (founded 1935) adds further credibility.

Does EquiTrust offer a death benefit on annuities?

Yes. All EquiTrust annuity products include a standard death benefit that pays the full contract value to your named beneficiary. This means your heirs receive the accumulated value of the annuity without going through probate. Some FIA products may offer enhanced death benefit rider options for additional cost.

What is EquiTrust’s free withdrawal policy?

Most EquiTrust annuity products allow a free withdrawal of up to 10% of contract value per year after the first contract year. This means you can access a portion of your funds without incurring surrender charges. Withdrawals beyond the free amount are subject to the applicable surrender charge schedule.

What types of annuities does EquiTrust offer?

EquiTrust offers MYGAs (Certainty Select series) and fixed index annuities (MarketTwelve Bonus Index and MarketPower Bonus Index) 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.

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

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.