Gainbridge vs. Blueprint Income: Comparing Two Leading Annuity Platforms

Choosing the right platform for purchasing an annuity is a significant decision. Two prominent names in the space—Gainbridge and Blueprint Income—offer online, direct-to-consumer access to annuity products. While both aim to simplify the annuity buying process, they differ in product selection, company backing, and the overall customer experience.

In this article, we’ll compare Gainbridge and Blueprint Income to help you understand which may be a better fit for your retirement planning needs.

At a Glance: Gainbridge and Blueprint Income

Product Selection

Gainbridge primarily offers Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) and a few Single Premium Immediate Annuities (SPIAs). These products offer simple, predictable returns and are a good fit for users seeking fixed interest rates over a set period.

Blueprint Income, by contrast, provides a broader product marketplace. In addition to MYGAs and income annuities, Blueprint Income also offers:

• Fixed Index Annuities (FIAs): Potential for higher returns linked to market indices with downside protection.
• Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (QLACs): Deferred income annuities that can help minimize required minimum distributions (RMDs) and extend income later in retirement.
• Advisory Annuities: Commission-free annuities designed for individuals working with financial advisors.

Verdict: If you want more choices and advanced income planning options, Blueprint Income offers a wider array of solutions.

Insurance Partners & Company Strength

Gainbridge products are issued primarily by Delaware Life, an affiliate of its parent company Group 1001. While Delaware Life has solid financial ratings, Gainbridge’s offerings are limited to in-house carriers.

Blueprint Income, operating as an independent marketplace, partners with top-rated insurers across the industry. Blueprint Income is a subsidiary of MassMutual. Blueprint joined the organization in February 2021. Blueprint does this by offering innovative retirement income solutions through a simplified, digital, and customer-centric user experience. As an autonomous company, Blueprint seeks to offer the best annuity products on the market to help our clients achieve financial security.Verdict: For those seeking flexibility and strong insurer options, Blueprint Income has the advantage due to its access to a broader set of product and financial partners ranging from B+ to A++ carriers like MassMutual and New York Life.

Advisory & Support

Gainbridge emphasizes a self-service, direct purchase experience. While this can streamline the process for experienced buyers, it may not offer enough guidance for those new to annuities.

Blueprint Income provides both self-directed and expert-guided support. Buyers can speak with annuity specialists to explore options, clarify terms, and get help with paperwork. Additionally, Blueprint Income supports fee-based advisory annuities, allowing financial advisors to integrate annuities into client portfolios without commissions.

Verdict: If personalized support or integrating annuities into a broader retirement plan is important to you, Blueprint Income is the stronger choice.

Fees & Transparency

Both Gainbridge and Blueprint Income emphasize transparent, no-hidden-fee annuities.

Blueprint Income offers both commission-based and commission-free (fee-based) annuities, depending on how the annuity is purchased and whether it is being used within an advisory relationship.

For clients working with a fiduciary advisor, commission-free annuities are available, designed to meet fee-only standards with no embedded sales charges:

• MYGAs (Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities): Available from select carriers in fee-based formats.
• Fixed Index Annuities (FIAs): Several insurers offer commission-free versions.
• Income Annuities / QLACs: Institutional pricing available for larger contracts and advisor-managed portfolios.

These fee-based products are designed for Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) seeking transparent, commission-free retirement income solutions. An RIA is a fiduciary financial professional or firm that provides investment advice and is legally obligated to act in the best interest of their clients. Self-directed customers not working with an advisor typically purchase standard retail annuities, which may include commissions paid by the insurer.

Verdict: Blueprint Income is the only platform in this comparison that supports both traditional commission-based annuities and fee-based options tailored for fiduciary advisors and their clients.

Final Verdict

Both Gainbridge and Blueprint Income make it easier to purchase annuities online, but they serve different kinds of buyers:

• Gainbridge is best suited for confident, self-directed consumers who are looking for simple fixed annuities from a single carrier.
• Blueprint Income is better for buyers seeking greater product variety, insurer flexibility, expert guidance, and options that integrate with a broader financial plan.

If you’re ready to explore a range of annuity options tailored to your retirement goals, Blueprint Income offers a more customizable and supported experience.

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