Aquila X
GCU
10%
Free W/D
30
States
GCU Aquila Series are fixed indexed annuities that offer upside growth potential linked to market indices while protecting your principal from market losses. They're designed for people who want growth but need the security of guaranteed income in retirement.
Free Withdrawal
10%/yr
Available In
30 states
Min Premium
$10,000
Surrender
10 years
Current Rates & Strategies
| Index | Crediting | Cap | Participation | Fixed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barclays US Tech 12% Index | 2-Year | -- | 105% | -- |
| Barclays US Tech 12% Index | Annual | -- | 55% | -- |
| Barclays Zorya 5% Index | 2-Year | -- | 130% | -- |
| Barclays Zorya 5% Index | Annual | -- | 90% | -- |
| S&P 500 Dynamic Intraday TCA Index (USD) ER | 2-Year | -- | 40% | -- |
| S&P 500 Dynamic Intraday TCA Index (USD) ER | Annual | -- | 60% | -- |
| Fixed Account | Daily | -- | -- | 4.25% |
Key Features
Dual Index Strategy
Zorya minimum 100% participation (Aquila X) or 85% (Aquila V); US Tech minimum 40% (Aquila X) or 40% (Aquila V)Money can be allocated to Barclays Zorya 5% Index (reliable, steady performance) or Barclays US Tech 12% Index (higher growth potential), or split between both
Principal Protection
0% floor—guaranteed no loss from negative index returnsEven when markets decline, your account value never decreases from index performance. You keep all gains; losses are eliminated.
Guaranteed Lifetime Income
Income factors range from 3.5% (age 50-55, single life) to 6.0% (age 80+, single life)Receive a set annual payment for as long as you live, regardless of account balance. Calculated using an income factor multiplied by your account value.
Penalty-Free Withdrawals
10% annual access, compounding benefitWithdraw up to 10% of account value annually starting in Year 2 without surrender charges
Tax-Deferred Growth
Tax deferral until withdrawalNo taxes owed on gains until you withdraw funds, allowing compound growth
Flexible Allocation
100% control over allocation between fixed and indexed optionsChoose how much premium goes to fixed interest vs. each index strategy. Rebalance annually at contract anniversary.
Two Contract Terms
10-year (Aquila X) or 5-year (Aquila V) surrender charge periodsAquila X offers 10-year commitment with higher participation rates; Aquila V offers 5-year commitment with shorter-term flexibility
Living Benefit Riders
Terminal Illness and Nursing Home riders (not available in California)Optional riders provide access to up to 100% of account value if diagnosed with terminal illness (12 months or less) or confined to nursing home care
Guaranteed Minimum Index Strategy Interest Rate (GMIR)
Participation rates reduce with GMIR election, but floor guarantees growthEnsures a positive return on index accounts regardless of market performance, providing a safety net on bad market years
Highlights
Combines growth potential through two Barclays indices (Zorya 5% and US Tech 12%) with principal protection—your money never loses value due to market declines
Guaranteed lifetime income you can't outlive, even if your account balance reaches zero
10% penalty-free withdrawal starting Year 2, plus no caps, spreads, or market value adjustments
Choice of 10-year (Aquila X) or 5-year (Aquila V) terms with flexible premium allocation
From a 130+ year old member-owned fraternal organization focused on protecting families, not shareholder profits
Surrender Schedule
Yr 1
9%
Yr 2
8%
Yr 3
7%
Yr 4
6%
Yr 5
5%
Yr 6
6%
Yr 7
3%
Yr 8
2%
Yr 9
1%
Yr 10
0.5%
After
0%
Nursing home waiver, Terminal illness waiver
Best For
Retirees or near-retirees who want market-linked growth but can't afford to lose principal, and who value guaranteed lifetime income—especially those age 60+ seeking peace of mind alongside growth potential.
Consider Alternatives If
Investors who need immediate liquidity or are uncomfortable with 5–10 year commitments; those in high tax brackets seeking tax-efficient strategies (ordinary income tax treatment at withdrawal); or people requiring aggressive pure stock market exposure.
Carrier Ratings
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