Is EquiTrust Life Insurance Company a Good Company to Buy From?
Short Answer: Yes for short-term contracts, and no for long-term contracts—EquiTrust is a financially stable insurer, but its ratings place it firmly in the mid-tier category. The company has a long history and credible ratings from some agencies, yet its Comdex score of 51 is significantly lower than many long-term buyers prefer. If you are considering a long-term annuity or life insurance contract, you should compare EquiTrust with higher-rated carriers before committing.
As of November 2026, there are too many contract options to choose from to purchase a long-term contract from an insurance company with a lower rating.
About EquiTrust Life Insurance Company
EquiTrust Life Insurance Company has been in business since 1996 and has grown into a sizable player in the life insurance and annuity industry. They manage over $30 billion in assets and have maintained consistent growth over the years. While not one of the oldest companies in the space, EquiTrust has carved out a niche in offering fixed-indexed annuities and single-premium life insurance solutions.
The company is rated B++ (Good) by A.M. Best and A- (Strong) by Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services.
The B++ rating from A.M. Best and the moderate Comdex score indicate EquiTrust is stable but not among the top-tier insurers. The lack of Moody’s rating reduces full transparency.
Our Professional Opinion
EquiTrust is a middle-of-the-road annuity company with some unique products worth considering. Its financial strength rating is below our preferred standard, so an EquiTrust annuity needs to offer a meaningful advantage before we would choose it over one from a higher-rated insurer.
EquiTrust has a B++ (Good) rating from AM Best, below the A− rating we generally prefer. That does not mean we would rule out every EquiTrust product. We particularly like some of its guaranteed-income options and its specialized long-term care annuity, which can provide qualifying care benefits beyond the account value.
For income, compare the actual guaranteed paycheck with quotes from A− or better-rated insurers. A large bonus or roll-up can look impressive, but the income base is not cash you can withdraw.
We are less enthusiastic about some accumulation products with long surrender periods, steep early charges, and crediting rates that can change. A large bonus alone is not enough to make those tradeoffs worthwhile.
What We Like
- Unique care benefits: One annuity can provide qualifying long-term care payments beyond the account value.
- Guaranteed income options: Some products offer contractual income growth while you wait to start withdrawals.
- Traditional index choices: Some contracts include an S&P 500 option.
What We Don’t Like
- Below our preferred rating: B++ is OK, but we generally prefer A− or better.
- Long commitments: Some contracts have lengthy surrender periods and steep early charges.
- Renewal-rate risk: Caps and participation rates can change after purchase.
- Bonuses need a closer look: Some increase account value, while others apply to an income base that is not available as cash.
Explore our individual EquiTrust annuity reviews using the links below to see which products we think are worth considering and why.
What Products Does EquiTrust Offer?
EquiTrust specializes in annuities and life insurance products designed for income planning, wealth transfer, and asset growth. Their offerings include:
- Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs): These annuities offer interest crediting linked to the performance of market indexes but with no direct exposure to market losses. They often include optional riders for lifetime income benefits.
- Multi-Year Guarantee Annuities (MYGAs): MYGAs offer a fixed interest rate for a set number of years, similar to a CD, but with tax-deferred growth and higher crediting potential. These are suitable for conservative savers looking for predictability.
- Immediate Income Annuities: These annuities convert a lump sum into an immediate stream of income, offering retirees a dependable cash flow option.
- Single Premium Life Insurance: EquiTrust offers life insurance products like WealthSure™, WealthPay™, and WealthHorizon™. These allow clients to make a one-time premium payment in exchange for lifelong coverage and a tax-efficient death benefit. Some policies include cash value growth potential linked to index performance.
- Indexed Universal Life (IUL) Insurance: IUL products provide flexible premiums, tax-deferred cash value growth, and death benefit protection. They also offer downside protection against market losses with upside interest potential.
Let our brokers help compare Equitrust annuities.
Compare Annuity Income From Equitrust With 25+ Companies
Why It’s Critical to Compare Premiums, Rates, and Payouts
Just because a company is financially stable doesn’t mean its products are competitively priced or suitable for everyone. Here’s what you need to compare when evaluating EquiTrust or any insurer:
- Premium Rates: Premiums for life insurance—especially single premium policies—can vary dramatically based on your age, health, and the structure of the policy. Make sure you’re not overpaying for a policy with less favorable guarantees.
- Interest Rates: In both MYGAs and FIAs, your growth potential is directly tied to the crediting method or fixed rate. Some carriers offer higher fixed rates or better index participation with more transparency.
- Income Payouts: If you’re considering an annuity for guaranteed income, compare the monthly payout amounts offered for your age and investment amount. Some companies offer higher income benefits or more favorable withdrawal riders that can substantially impact your retirement income.
Ignoring these factors could result in lost opportunity—either in guaranteed income, account value growth, or total benefit payout.
Our EquiTrust Annuity Reviews
- EquiTrust Bridge Annuity
- EquiTrust Market Power Bonus Index Annuity
- EquiTrust MarketEarly Income Index Annuity
- EquiTrust MarketEdge Bonus Index Annuity
- EquiTrust MarketFuture Bonus Income Index Annuity
- EquiTrust MarketTen Bonus Index Annuity
- EquiTrust MarketValue Index Annuity
- EquiTrust SmartBoost Index Annuity
Pros and Cons of EquiTrust
Pros:
- Offers a strong lineup of annuity and life insurance products tailored to income and legacy planning.
- Solid, though not top-tier, financial ratings provide reasonable confidence.
- The product focuses on fixed-indexed annuities and single-premium life insurance, giving it specialization in asset protection and tax efficiency.
Cons:
- Customer service has received mixed feedback, particularly around communication and administrative processing delays.
- Their digital platform and online servicing tools are limited compared to competitors.
- Financial ratings are not in the top tier; other companies may offer higher-rated alternatives with stronger benefit guarantees or lower fees.
Who Should Consider EquiTrust?
Ideal Clients:
- Individuals nearing or in retirement, seeking a fixed-income stream without market risk.
- Clients are interested in single-premium life insurance as a tax-efficient wealth-transfer solution.
- Conservative investors looking for annuity products with downside protection and some upside potential.
Who Should Look Elsewhere:
- Tech-savvy individuals who prefer self-service platforms and robust online tools.
- Shoppers prioritize the strongest possible financial ratings or the highest available lifetime income payouts.
- Individuals who value consistent customer service and personalized account management.
Other Insurance That Can Help
If you’re planning for long-term income, also consider:
- Long-Term Care Annuities: Combine fixed growth with LTC benefits.
- Term or Whole Life Insurance: For income replacement or estate planning when single premium life isn’t a fit.
- Disability Insurance: Important if you’re still working and want to protect future earnings.
- Fixed Indexed Annuities With GLWB Riders: These offer lifetime income with upside interest potential and protect your control over the account.
How to Evaluate EquiTrust Before Buying
- Compare MYGA and FIA rates with A-rated carriers.
- Review surrender periods and liquidity features.
- Check available riders and underwriting class options.
- Confirm state availability and contract restrictions.
- Consider long-term product fit, not just issuer name.
- Use an independent broker for accurate comparisons.
Always Compare Before Buying
To get the best value, always compare:
- Cost
- Riders
- Liquidity
- Crediting method transparency
- Financial ratings
- Comdex ranking
Final Thoughts
EquiTrust offers a solid, specialized line of life insurance and annuity products, but it’s critical to shop around. Their financials are stable, but better-rated companies may offer higher income payouts or more favorable contract terms.
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We’ll help you compare EquiTrust to top-tier carriers—evaluating premium costs, crediting strategies, and income riders. Reach out for a free, no-pressure quote and find the best fit for your financial goals.
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