The Top-Rated Annuities with Enhanced Death Benefit Riders
If the goal is to leave behind more than just the contract value, these are two of the strongest annuity death benefit options right now. The Allianz 222 and Athene Agility both use a separate benefit value that can grow larger than the regular accumulation value. That larger value can then be used as a death benefit payout over time.
Why These Two Stand Out
- Allianz 222: The contract uses a Protected Income Value. That value gets a 45% benefit base bonus, plus interest credits. It can be used as a death benefit if the beneficiary takes payments over at least five years, not as one big lump sum.
- Athene Agility: The contract uses a Benefit Base. That value gets a 55% benefit base bonus, plus interest credits. The Benefit Base helps determine the rider’s death benefit, keeps receiving interest credits, and the rider’s death benefit is paid over time, currently for five years and not more than ten years. It is not available as a lump sum.
Allianz 222
- How it works: The Allianz 222 builds a separate value called the Protected Income Value. That value includes the benefit-based bonus and bonus-enhanced interest credits. It can be used for income later or as a death benefit if the beneficiary takes payments over time.
- Pros: Strong enhanced death benefit design. Good fit for someone who wants income potential and a larger inheritance stream than a plain annuity death benefit. Built for long-term planning.
- Cons: The enhanced death benefit is not a lump sum. The bonus value is not the cash value. If the beneficiary wants one check, this is not the best tool. Withdrawals can reduce the value.
- Who needs it: Someone who wants protected growth, future income, and a stronger death benefit than a basic annuity offers.
- Who does not need it: Someone who wants a full lump-sum inheritance with no restrictions.
Athene Agility
- How it works: Athene sets up a Benefit Base at issue. That Benefit Base includes a bonus, helps determine lifetime income and the rider’s death benefit, has no cash value, and cannot be withdrawn in a lump sum. There is no waiting period for the death benefit.
- Pros: The rider is built in at no extra charge. The Benefit Base grows by 200% of credited interest before and after income starts, which supports an enhanced death benefit. Beneficiaries can choose the full accumulated value as a lump sum or the larger Benefit Base paid out over time.
- Cons: The enhanced death benefit cannot be taken as a lump sum. Withdrawals reduce the Benefit Base proportionally. There is a withdrawal charge period and MVA if you take too much out early.
- Who needs it: Someone who wants a built-in death benefit upgrade without paying extra for a rider.
- Who does not need it: Someone who only cares about an immediate lump-sum inheritance.
Where These Two Annuities Are a Great Fit
- Applicants who cannot get approved for life insurance: This is one of the best use cases. If someone has health issues, age issues, or has been declined for life insurance, these annuities can still create a better inheritance outcome than a plain annuity. They are not life insurance, but they can help fill the gap.
- Americans who want to maximize qualified retirement accounts for beneficiaries: These annuities can make IRA money work harder for heirs. That matters for people who want more than just the remaining account value passed on to beneficiaries.
The Catch
- This is not free money: The enhanced death benefit usually has to be paid over time. If your beneficiary wants one lump sum, they usually get the regular contract value, not the boosted benefit base.
- This is not life insurance: If you can qualify for affordable life insurance and your only goal is the biggest tax-efficient lump-sum inheritance, life insurance is usually the better tool.
Annuity Death Benefits: A Closer Look at Death-Benefit Design
Other Insurance That May Help
- Life insurance: Best for pure lump-sum inheritance.
- Long-term care insurance: Best if the real risk is losing assets to care costs before death.
- Disability insurance: Best if you are still working and need income protection now.
Bottom Line
- Allianz 222: Better for someone who wants a strong benefit-based, driven death benefit and future income potential.
- Athene Agility: Better for someone who wants a built-in income and death benefit rider, 200% interest-credit enhancement to the Benefit Base, and flexible beneficiary choices between accumulated value now or benefit base over time.
Stop Guessing with Your Legacy. Let Us Find the Best Annuity Death Benefit.
Leaving your family a guaranteed inheritance requires precision. When shopping for the best annuities on the market, The Annuity Expert can help you directly compare top-tier products like the Allianz 222 and the Athene Agility with other options. We will look at your specific age, state, and beneficiary goals to help you shop, compare, and buy the exact death benefit coverage your family needs.
If you already own an annuity, do not just assume your current death benefit is still competitive. Have your current insurance agent review your in-force policy, or let our team provide a comprehensive second opinion to ensure your wealth is protected.
Call us directly at (770) 755-1565 to speak with a legacy specialist, or request custom annuity quotes to see the math for yourself. Let us do the heavy lifting to guarantee your family’s financial future.
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