Allianz 360 Annuity Review

The hypothetical historical performance provided herein showcases the annualized return of allocation strategies, representing the investment's annual growth rate considering compounding effects. Similar analyses can be found for each account in official fixed index annuity illustrations provided by insurance carriers.

What's not reflected:
The annualized return does not encompass rider charges, strategy fees, or applicable premium bonuses.

Notes on rates:
The information presented assumes the annuities' current caps, spreads, participation rates, and other related rates, without guarantee.

No guarantees:
These actual elements are subject to change over time, resulting in potentially higher or lower outcomes. Additionally, no single index consistently outperforms in every scenario. It is advisable to consult with a properly licensed and educated annuity professional before making any decisions.

Though it can result in great income opportunities, an annual charge is levied for the 360 Benefit rider.

Allianz 360 annuity holders have a diverse selection of indexes to choose from:

Crediting methods are used by annuities to calculate the interest credited to the account based on changes in an external market index. These methods determine how the returns from indexed options are computed and credited, impacting the growth of the annuity's value.

The Allianz 360 Annuity includes three different crediting methods.

A surrender charge is a fee assessed by an insurance company when an annuity holder withdraws funds from an annuity contract earlier than the terms allow. Like other annuities, the Allianz 360 Annuity includes a surrender charge schedule, which specifies the fees over a set period, decreasing incrementally as the contract matures.

The Allianz 360 Annuity includes an interest bonus feature that adds substantial value to the contract’s accumulation phase. Specifically, a bonus equal to 25% of any interest credited annually enhances the growth potential of the annuity.

This bonus is unique because it consistently rewards the annuitant throughout the accumulation phase without the need for specific conditions beyond the basic crediting of interest.

Allianz 360 offers unique flexibility in how income is withdrawn:

The Allianz 360 Annuity might appeal to conservative investors with the opportunity for growth without market risk. The 360 Benefit rider provides an interest bonus and rising income percentages for deferring withdrawals.

The tradeoff is a 10-year surrender period, potential market value adjustments, and an additional rider fee. 

While the Allianz 360 has attractive features for a portion of a retirement portfolio, it does have its limitations, so it's worth comparing it to alternatives, including other Allianz annuities that might better match individual financial goals, risk tolerance, and liquidity requirements.