Gainbridge Annuity Review 2025 | Bankrate

Gainbridge, a direct-to-consumer annuity provider, offers different annuity products designed to cater to different needs. Gainbridge aims to make these complex financial products more accessible to everyday investors while taking a digital-first approach on a small slate of offerings.

If you’re looking for a wider range of annuity options, take a look at the best annuity companies that offer high customer satisfaction and credit ratings plus an array of products.

This review dives into Gainbridge, the annuities it offers, its pros and cons and whether Gainbridge is the right choice for you.

What annuities does Gainbridge offer?

Gainbridge offers two primary types of annuities: multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs) and fixed index annuities.

• MYGAs provide a guaranteed interest rate over a specific term, such as five or seven years.
• Fixed indexed annuities provide growth potential linked to a market index (such as the S&P 500) while protecting your principal from market losses.

SteadyPace

As a fixed multi-year guaranteed annuity (MYGA), SteadyPace offers a fixed interest rate for a specified period, protecting your initial investment. While SteadyPace provides stability, it doesn’t offer additional optional benefits or riders.

SteadyPace is designed for people seeking guaranteed income and principal protection. You make a one-time investment, and your money grows tax-deferred until you begin withdrawing income at a future date. This product offers a competitive interest rate.

FastBreak

FastBreak is another MYGA, meaning it guarantees your initial investment and earns interest at a fixed rate for a specific term.

Unlike most annuities, FastBreak doesn’t offer tax deferral on the interest earned: You’ll owe taxes on the interest annually, even before receiving payments. This makes FastBreak more similar to a certificate of deposit than a traditional annuity.

While both FastBreak and SteadyPace are multi-year guaranteed annuities, they cater to different investor needs.

• FastBreak is suitable for those who might need access to their money before age 59½ since it avoids the 10 percent IRS early withdrawal penalty.
• SteadyPace is better for those saving for retirement who plan to leave the money invested until at least age 59½.

Both products allow a 10 percent annual withdrawal without penalty. If you need to withdraw more or surrender the contract early, you’ll face withdrawal charges ranging from 1-5 percent plus a market value adjustment.

ParityFlex

ParityFlex is a multi-year guaranteed annuity that combines steady growth with guaranteed lifetime income. Your money earns a fixed interest rate for seven years, and the built-in Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit (GLWB) ensures you receive a predictable income stream for life. The GLWB rider is included at no additional cost.

Your rate is locked in from day one, and your principal is protected as long as you keep the contract through the full term. When you’re ready to activate income, your payout is based on your account value and age at that time, and it’s guaranteed for the rest of your life.

ParityFlex also allows access to a portion of your money each year, although larger withdrawals may trigger fees or reduce future income.

OneUp

OneUp is a fixed index annuity designed to give you both protection and upside potential. Your principal is 100 percent protected from market losses, and your investment grows through a combination of guaranteed interest and potential gains linked to the S&P 500 index.

You get a guaranteed 1 percent annual interest credit (5 percent total over the five-year term), plus the opportunity to earn up to 60 percent of the S&P’s growth during that same period. If the market drops, you still keep your guaranteed growth — with no fees or commissions.

What is Gainbridge?

Founded in 2018, Gainbridge is a digital-first annuity company focused on simplifying the purchasing process for customers. By streamlining operations online, Gainbridge aims to offer lower costs and faster transaction times.

A subsidiary of Group 1001, a financial services group with about $68.5 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025, Gainbridge has a strong financial standing, offering a degree of security to investors.

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Gainbridge annuity products are issued by Gainbridge Life Insurance Company.

Gainbridge pros and cons

Pros

• Digital-first approach: Gainbridge offers a convenient and efficient purchasing process.
• Variety within products: Gainbridge caters to different investor needs and risk tolerances.
• Strong financial backing: Being part of Group 1001 provides a level of financial stability.
• Competitive rates: Gainbridge often offers competitive interest rates on its annuities.

Cons

• Limited product range: Compared to some established annuity providers, Gainbridge’s product lineup is relatively small.
• Lack of traditional agent support: While the digital approach is efficient for many, some may prefer face-to-face interaction with an agent.
• Newer company: Gainbridge has a shorter track record compared to some competitors, which might be a concern for some investors.

Is Gainbridge safe?

A major factor when considering an annuity is the financial stability of the issuing company. Gainbridge is part of Group1001, which includes the brands of Delaware Life, Clear Spring Life and RVI Group, among others.

Gainbridge has a strong A- rating from AM Best. This is a positive sign of the company’s ability to meet its obligations to policyholders.

Still, it’s advisable to conduct your own due diligence or consult with a financial advisor to fully understand the risks involved with purchasing an annuity.

The safety of your investment also depends on the specific annuity product you choose. Some annuities, like fixed annuities, offer more protection of your principal than others, such as variable annuities. Make sure you understand the features and guarantees of each product before signing a contract.

Bottom line

Gainbridge offers a compelling proposition for people seeking a straightforward way to purchase annuities. Its digital platform and competitive rates are attractive features. However, the limited product range and lack of traditional agent support might be drawbacks for some.