Ranked as a Best Annuity Company of 2025
Nationwide
Key Company Metrics
AM Best Rating: A+ (Superior)
Years in Business: 99 Years
Direct Premiums Sold: $12.9 billion
Product Availability: Fixed, variable, indexed, registered index-linked and immediate annuities
“Nationwide is easy to work with and reliable. They have a wide product range and flexible income riders.”
– Annuity.org Agent Poll Insight
Nationwide Product Types & Features
Nationwide is an insurance company that offers a wide variety of annuity products, including fixed, variable, indexed, registered index-linked, and immediate annuities. This range allows customers to choose solutions that align with their income needs, growth goals, and risk tolerance.
Secure Growth® Fixed Annuity
The Secure Growth® is a single premium fixed annuity with a minimum purchase requirement of $10,000. It offers guarantee periods of one, three, five, or seven years. The product includes surrender charge waivers for terminal illness or long-term care at no additional cost. An optional return of purchase payment rider is also available for an additional fee.
Who It Works Best For: Patricia, 64, wants a short-to-medium fixed annuity with her own rate-lock period. Secure Growth® offers one-, three-, five-, or seven-year guarantee periods, free terminal illness and long-term care waivers, and an optional return of payment rider.
Platinum Edge® Fixed Annuity
The Platinum Edge® is a market value adjusted (MVA) annuity that allows for flexible premium payments. It offers guarantee periods ranging from three to ten years. This product is designed to provide competitive interest rates for those who are comfortable with potential adjustments under the MVA provision.
Who It Works Best For: Carl, 57, will accept market value adjustment risk for a more competitive rate. Platinum Edge® is a flexible-premium MVA annuity with three- to ten-year guarantee periods for rate-focused savers.
Comparing Nationwide Fixed Annuities
| Product | Premium Type | Minimum Premium | Guarantee Periods | Key Features | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secure Growth® | Single Premium | $10,000 | 1, 3, 5, or 7 years | Surrender charge waivers for terminal illness/long-term care; optional return of purchase payment rider | Stability-focused buyers who want flexible guarantee periods |
| Platinum Edge® | Flexible Premium, MVA | $25,000 | 3–10 years | Potential for higher interest with MVA; flexible premium | Rate-focused savers willing to accept MVA adjustments |
Destination® B 2.0 Variable Annuity
The Destination® B 2.0 variable annuity has a minimum premium requirement of $10,000. It includes no-cost benefits such as a return of premium, spousal protection death benefit, and enhanced surrender value in the event of terminal illness. Customers may also choose from optional enhanced death benefit riders and living benefit options for an additional cost. Fees for this annuity include a 1.10% mortality & expense (M&E) ratio, a 0.20% administrative charge, and a $30 annual maintenance fee.
Who It Works Best For: Karen, 60, wants a variable annuity with strong included benefits plus optional living benefits. Destination® B 2.0 includes return of premium, spousal protection, and enhanced surrender value for terminal illness at a 1.10% M&E ratio.
Destination® All-American Gold 2.0 Variable Annuity
This annuity requires a minimum premium of $3,000 and offers the same benefits and riders as the Destination® B 2.0, with the added advantage of a liquidity option. It has a lower M&E ratio of 0.95%, making it a more cost-efficient choice.
Who It Works Best For: Steven, 55, wants similar protections at lower cost with liquidity. Destination® All-American Gold 2.0 matches the B 2.0 benefits at a 0.95% M&E ratio and adds a liquidity option.
Destination® Navigator 2.0 Variable Annuity
The Destination® Navigator 2.0 combines the liquidity option found in the All-American Gold 2.0 with the benefit enhancements offered by the B 2.0. Its fee structure matches that of the B 2.0, providing a familiar cost profile with added flexibility.
Who It Works Best For: Diane, 58, wants both the enhanced benefits of the B 2.0 and the liquidity of All-American Gold 2.0. Destination® Navigator 2.0 combines both within a familiar fee structure.
Destination® Future Variable Annuity
The Destination® Future is a low-cost variable annuity with a $15,000 minimum premium. It has total fees of 0.95%, and the spousal protection death benefit is available only as an optional add-on. Rider availability is more limited compared to other Nationwide variable annuities.
Who It Works Best For: Tom, 53, wants to keep fees low while protecting against loss. Destination® Future charges just 0.95% total and accepts a $15,000 minimum, Nationwide’s most cost-efficient VA for those who customize riders separately.
Destination® Architect 2.0 Variable Annuity
The Destination® Architect 2.0 offers ultra-low costs, with total fees of just 0.40%. It requires a $25,000 minimum premium and does not have a surrender charge schedule, allowing greater flexibility for withdrawals.
Who It Works Best For: Elena, 61, wants no surrender charges and ultra-low costs for maximum flexibility. Destination® Architect 2.0 has no surrender schedule and total fees of just 0.40%.
Destination® Freedom+ Variable Annuity
The Destination® Freedom+ has a five-year surrender charge schedule and requires a minimum premium of $10,000. It offers two death benefit rider choices and charges a $50 annual maintenance fee (waived for contract balances over $50,000), a 0.85% M&E ratio, and a 0.15% administrative fee.
Who It Works Best For: Mark, 56, wants a moderate-term VA with death benefit choices and manageable costs. Destination® Freedom+ has a five-year surrender period, 1.00% total fees, and two death benefit rider options.
Soloist® Variable Annuity
The Soloist® is available to buyers up to age 78 and has a very low minimum premium of $300. Total fees are 1.30%, and it includes a return of premium death benefit at no extra charge. The three retirement income options include lifetime, lifetime with period certain, and joint-and-survivor.
Who It Works Best For: Yvonne, 50, wants a low-cost entry point with basic death benefit protection. Soloist® accepts premiums as low as $300, includes a return of premium death benefit, and offers three income options including lifetime and joint-and-survivor.
Best of America® IV Variable Annuity
The Best of America® IV has a maximum issue age of 78 and is designed primarily for use with qualified retirement plans such as 401(k)s. There is no minimum investment for qualified contracts, while non-qualified contracts require a minimum of $1,500. Total fees for this annuity amount to 1.30%.
Who It Works Best For: Harold, 62, wants to fund a VA through his 401(k) with no minimum. Best of America® IV is built for qualified plans, requires no minimum for qualified contracts, and includes a return of premium death benefit.
Comparing Nationwide Variable Annuities
| Product | Minimum Premium | Fees | Key Features | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destination® B 2.0 | $10,000 | 1.10% M&E, 0.20% admin, $30 maintenance | Return of premium, spousal protection death benefit, enhanced surrender value; optional enhanced death and living benefits | Investors wanting robust benefits and multiple rider options |
| Destination® All-American Gold 2.0 | $3,000 | 1.30% M&E, 0.20% admin, $30 maintenance | Same benefits as B 2.0 plus liquidity option | Buyers wanting similar benefits to B 2.0 with lower cost and liquidity |
| Destination® Navigator 2.0 | $10,000 | Matches B 2.0 fees | Combines liquidity of All-American Gold with benefits of B 2.0 | Clients wanting both liquidity and enhanced benefits |
| Destination® Future | $15,000 | 0.95% total | Low-cost option, optional spousal protection death benefit, limited riders | Cost-conscious buyers willing to forgo included benefits |
| Destination® Architect 2.0 | $25,000 | 0.40% total | Ultra-low cost, no surrender charges | Investors seeking maximum flexibility and low fees |
| Destination® Freedom+ | $10,000 | 1.00% total | Moderate surrender schedule, two death benefit rider choices | Balanced benefits with moderate surrender period |
| Soloist® | $300 | 1.30% total | Return of premium death benefit included | Low-entry buyers seeking essential protection |
| Best of America® IV | None (qualified), $1,500 (non-qualified) | 1.30% total | Designed for qualified plans, return of premium death benefit | Retirement savers funding through qualified plans |
Peak® Series Indexed Annuity
Offered in a fixed or indexed account format, the Peak® series includes three single premium indexed annuities, each with a $25,000 minimum premium. These annuities include surrender charge waivers for terminal illness or long-term care at no additional cost. There’s also a joint option on the death benefit to provide protection for a spouse.
Who It Works Best For: Renee, 59, wants index-linked growth with no-cost health protections. The Peak® Series includes terminal illness and long-term care surrender waivers at no extra cost plus a joint death benefit option.
New Heights® Series Indexed Annuity
The New Heights® series features four indexed annuities with surrender charge schedules ranging from eight to twelve years. Most have a $25,000 minimum premium, except for the New Heights® 8, which can be opened with $10,000. All include a free return of premium guarantee, with two enhanced death benefit options and two living benefit options available for an additional cost.
Who It Works Best For: Gary, 55, wants a longer-term indexed annuity with a return-of-premium guarantee. The New Heights® Series offers eight- to twelve-year schedules, a free return of premium guarantee, and optional living and enhanced death benefit riders.
Summit® Indexed Annuity Indexed Annuity
The Summit® indexed annuity requires a $25,000 minimum premium and has a seven-year surrender charge schedule. Like the Peak® series, it includes surrender charge waivers for terminal illness or long-term care at no additional cost.
Who It Works Best For: Constance, 63, wants a moderate seven-year indexed annuity with health waivers. The Summit® includes terminal illness and long-term care surrender waivers at no extra cost.
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Comparing Nationwide Indexed Annuities
| Product | Minimum Premium | Surrender Schedule | Key Features | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak® Series | $25,000 | Varies | Surrender charge waivers for terminal illness/long-term care | Indexed growth with health-related protections |
| New Heights® Series | $25,000 ($10k for New Heights® 8) | 8–12 years | Free return of premium; optional death and living benefits | Growth potential with flexible terms and rider options |
| Summit® | $25,000 | 7 years | Surrender charge waivers for terminal illness/long-term care | Moderate term with built-in protections |
DefenderSM Annuity (Buffer Model) RILA
Available in one, three, and six-year terms, the DefenderSM is a buffer registered index-linked annuity that protects contract value from losses up to either a 10% or 20% buffer. Owners can choose from five available indexes to link their contract to and have the option to lock in index performance once per strategy term. This annuity has two death benefit options and charges an annual product fee of 1.10%.
Who It Works Best For: Victor, 60, wants market upside with a defined loss limit and mid-term gain locks. The Defender℠ RILA buffers losses up to 10% or 20%, links to five indexes, and lets him lock in gains once per strategy term.
Defined Protection® Annuity (Floor Model) RILA
The Defined Protection® annuity is a floor RILA that protects against losses beyond a selected floor level. Owners can choose from three protection levels (90%, 95%, or 100%), eight available indexes, and one-year or three-year strategy terms. This annuity has no annual contract or administrative fees.
Who It Works Best For: Sylvia, 65, is near retirement and cannot afford significant losses. Defined Protection® is a floor RILA with 90%, 95%, or 100% protection levels, eight indexes, and no annual contract or admin fees.
Comparing Nationwide RILAs
| Product | Model | Minimum Premium | Key Features | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DefenderSM | Buffer | $25,000 | 10% or 20% buffer; five index choices; lock-in feature; 1.10% product fee | Market growth with defined loss limits and gain lock-in |
| Defined Protection® | Floor | $25,000 | 90%, 95%, or 100% protection; eight indexes; 1- or 3-year terms; no annual fees | High downside protection with flexible term and index options |
Nationwide Immediate Annuity
The INCOME Promise Select® is a single premium immediate annuity with a $10,000 minimum premium. It offers multiple payout options, including single life, joint life, and term certain structures, allowing owners to tailor income to their personal or household needs. Available features include a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to help offset inflation, a liquidity feature for added flexibility, and Medicaid eligibility provisions.
Who It Works Best For: Walter, 68, wants guaranteed income now with inflation protection and some liquidity. INCOME Promise Select® is a SPIA with a $10,000 minimum, joint-life options, an optional COLA rider, a liquidity feature, and Medicaid provisions.
| Product | Minimum Premium | Payout Options | Key Features | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INCOME Promise Select® | $10,000 | Single life, joint life, term certain | COLA option, liquidity feature, Medicaid eligibility | Retirees wanting immediate guaranteed income with customization |
Today’s Best Nationwide Annuity Rates
| Term | Product | AM Best Rating | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Years | Secure Growth | A+ | 5.30 % |
| 5 Years | Secure Growth | A+ | 4.80 % |
| 7 Years | Secure Growth | A+ | 4.70 % |
If you’d like to see how Nationwide’s annuities compare, our side-by-side guide makes it easy. In clear, straightforward terms, you can review contract details, guarantees, and payout options so you can choose the product that best fits your retirement goals with confidence.
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| Product |
Rate
|
Guarantee Period
|
Surrender Period
|
AM Best Rating
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Platinum Edge |
4.00% | 7 Years | 7 Years | A+ |
|
Platinum Edge |
3.50% | 5 Years | 5 Years | A+ |
|
Platinum Edge |
3.35% | 4 Years | 4 Years | A+ |
|
Platinum Edge |
3.75% | 6 Years | 6 Years | A+ |
|
Platinum Edge |
2.70% | 3 Years | 3 Years | A+ |
Customer Satisfaction and Complaint History
Nationwide has built a strong reputation for customer satisfaction, earning consistent recognition in the J.D. Power U.S. Individual Annuity Study. In 2023, the company placed third overall — behind Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company and MassMutual — before moving to tenth place in 2024. The 2025 ratings have not yet been released.
Nationwide annuities have a great menu of products that fit different consumers’ needs. From variable to index and ones with an income rider allows clients to diversify their portfolio knowing the financial backing of a strong 100 year old company
Aamir M. Chalisa, MBA, LUTCF, MDRTGeneral Manager at Futurity First Insurance GroupAamir M. Chalisa is a seasoned financial services leader with over 30 years of experience in insurance, wealth management and retirement planning. As General Manager of Futurity First Insurance Group’s Oak Brook branch, he oversees one of the company’s top-performing teams. Aamir has held leadership roles at MetLife, Prudential and Nationwide and is a Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) qualifier, recognized for his expertise in life and annuity sales and commitment to helping clients achieve lasting financial security.
For its size, Nationwide receives relatively few formal complaints from annuity customers. According to the Complaint IndexNAIC Complaint IndexDetermined by dividing the company’s share of complaints in the U.S. market by the company’s share of premiums in the U.S. market. The National Complaint Index is always 1.00, so a score of 2.00, for example, is twice as high as expected in the market., the company reported just one complaint to state insurance commissions in 2024, indicating above-average performance in service delivery and issue resolution.
NAIC Complaint Index for Nationwide
| Individual Annuities Only | 0.03 |
Manage Your Nationwide Annuity Online
Nationwide’s secure online account portal makes it easy to view your contract details, monitor performance, and manage your annuity anytime, from anywhere. Logging in is the quickest way to stay informed about your policy and make the most of your retirement strategy. You can also access your account through the Nationwide mobile app, available for both iPhone and Android devices.
Log into your provider account or connect with customer service at 1-877-669-6877.
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