Is GBU a good insurance company? At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we carefully evaluate insurance companies based on financial strength, product design, and how well they serve the needs of retirees and pre-retirees. GBU Financial Life has earned a strong reputation in the annuity market—especially for savers looking for competitive fixed rates, straightforward terms, and dependable income options.

Below, we cover who GBU may be a good fit for, highlight popular product types, and show you how to compare GBU against 100+ other carriers using our annuity rate tools and guaranteed income calculator. That way, you can see whether GBU belongs in your retirement plan, not just someone else’s.

About GBU Financial Life

Founded in 1892, GBU Financial Life is a member-owned fraternal benefit society focused on safe, competitive savings and retirement income solutions. Unlike stock companies, a fraternal insurer operates for the benefit of its members, reinvesting earnings to enhance product value and long-term stability instead of maximizing shareholder profit. For conservative savers, that member-first structure can be appealing.

GBU is best known for its multi-year guaranteed annuity (MYGA) and immediate annuity lineup. For clients who want predictable growth and simple contract terms rather than complex market-linked riders, GBU can be a very compelling option. If you’re still learning how annuities work in general, you may also want to review how annuities earn interest to see how GBU’s fixed rates fit into the broader landscape.

Popular GBU Product Highlights

• GBU Wealth Builder MYGAs – Multi-year guaranteed interest rates for predictable, tax-deferred growth over a fixed term. These are often among the more competitive MYGA options for savers who want CD-style safety with the tax advantages of an annuity.
• GBU Lifetime Income SPIA – Converts a lump sum into guaranteed income payments for life, with options like single life, joint life, period-certain guarantees, or refund features. If you’re comparing income options, it can help to read about how annuities pay an income for life.
• Flexible Premium Fixed Annuities – Allow multiple contributions while earning a fixed rate, ideal for conservative savers who want to accumulate funds without market risk and may later convert to lifetime income.

GBU’s focus is primarily on fixed and income-oriented products. If you are looking for more market-driven accumulation, a combination of GBU and other carriers—or even a different annuity type—may make sense. That’s why we always compare GBU against other options rather than treating it as a one-size-fits-all solution.

Who Is GBU a Good Fit For?

Based on product design and pricing, GBU tends to work well for:

• Retirees seeking guaranteed income they cannot outlive.
• Savers who want CD-style safety but with higher yields and tax-deferred growth.
• Pre-retirees looking to lock in competitive fixed rates before future interest-rate changes.
• Individuals who value member-owned stability and conservative financial management.
• Investors rolling over IRAs or 401(k)s who want to create their own pension-style income, similar to the strategies we discuss in the best retirement income annuity guide.

Pros of GBU

• Consistently competitive fixed interest rates on many MYGA terms.
• Strong focus on member value rather than public shareholders.
• Multiple payout options for income flexibility and legacy planning.
• Long history of conservative financial management and a focused product lineup.

Considerations and Limitations

• Product selection is narrower than some very large national insurers that offer every annuity type.
• Rates and product availability can vary significantly by state and age.
• Fraternal membership requirements may apply for policy issuance.
• If you need more complex planning—like pairing annuities with long-term care or advanced estate strategies—you may want to combine GBU with other carriers, or with broader planning like the concepts we cover in how to protect your funds in retirement.

How GBU Compares to Other Annuity Carriers

When we evaluate whether GBU is right for a client, we rarely look at it in isolation. Instead, we compare GBU’s rates, surrender periods, and liquidity features against a wide range of competitors. We also examine how GBU’s guarantees fit with your other retirement assets—Social Security, pensions, IRAs, and savings.

For example, if another carrier offers a slightly lower MYGA rate but significantly better liquidity or shorter surrender charges, that might be the better fit for your situation. Or if you’re focused on long-term income guarantees, we may compare GBU’s options to solutions discussed in what is a deferred annuity to see which structure aligns best with your timeline.

Our Take at Diversified Insurance Brokers

So, is GBU a good insurance company? For many conservative savers and income-focused retirees, the answer is yes. GBU Financial Life is an excellent choice for clients prioritizing safety, competitive fixed rates, and straightforward guaranteed income.

Their MYGAs are frequently near the top of rate sheets, and their income options are easy to understand and implement in a retirement income plan. As independent advisors, Diversified Insurance Brokers compares GBU alongside more than 100 carriers to ensure you’re getting the best combination of rate, guarantees, flexibility, and liquidity—not just a single company’s product.

Use the calculator above to see your personalized guaranteed income from GBU and other carriers, then request a quote so we can handle the comparisons for you and build a tailored retirement income plan.