1 + 4 Choice
GCU
31
States
A 5-year fixed annuity offering a guaranteed 3.90% first-year rate with the flexibility to adjust your strategy at the one-year mark. Designed for conservative investors seeking predictable income with optional contract renewal or conversion.
Available In
31 states
Min Premium
$300
Surrender
5 years
Key Features
Current Crediting Rate
3.90% APY (effective 2/1/2026 - 2/28/2026)Your initial interest rate is guaranteed for the first year only
Minimum Guaranteed Rate
2.65%The lowest rate your annuity will earn if crediting rates drop
Deposit Range
$300 minimum to $200,000 maximumFlexibility in how much you can invest with no age restrictions
Surrender Charges
9% - 7% - 5% - 3% - 1% (years 1-5)Declining penalty structure if you withdraw beyond the 10% annual free amount
Penalty-Free Withdrawals
10% of that year's beginning balance (years 2-5)Annual withdrawal allowance during the contract term
Anniversary Flexibility
30-day window with no surrender charges during this periodAt year one, choose to continue, convert to a new contract, or surrender penalty-free
Death Benefit
Full proceeds paid without penaltyBeneficiaries receive death benefits without surrender charges applied
Qualified Plan Eligibility
YesCan be used within tax-qualified retirement plans
Highlights
5-year fixed annuity with 3.90% APY for the first year, guaranteed, with a 2.65% minimum guaranteed rate
No age restrictions and flexible initial deposits from $300 to $200,000
Penalty-free withdrawal window at first anniversary allowing you to switch to a new contract, continue, or exit without surrender charges
Low surrender charges declining from 9% to 1% over 5 years, with 10% annual penalty-free withdrawal rights in years 2-5
Eligible for qualified retirement plans with no long-term care or terminal illness waivers required
Surrender Schedule
Yr 1
9%
Yr 2
7%
Yr 3
5%
Yr 4
3%
Yr 5
1%
After
0%
Best For
Conservative investors aged 59½+ seeking guaranteed income with flexibility to adjust their strategy annually and who want low-cost access to their money through penalty-free withdrawal provisions.
Consider Alternatives If
Investors under age 59½ who may need early access to funds, as withdrawals before that age are subject to a 10% IRS early distribution penalty on earnings.
Carrier Ratings
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