Allianz Benefit Control ABC Annuity Review: Rates, Features, Pros & Cons
The Allianz Benefit Control (ABC) is a fixed index annuity offered by Allianz Life. It is designed to give retirees control over their financial future with several attractive features.
Through its fixed index annuity structure, ABC offers a mix of flexibility and control.
Read our comprehensive Allianz Benefit Control annuity review to decide whether it is the right addition for your retirement portfolio.
Quick Facts
The Allianz Benefit Control (ABC) is a 10-year fixed index annuity that blends market-linked growth potential with the security of principal protection.
It offers flexible income options, customizable crediting strategies, and no annual fees, making it ideal for conservative investors who still want growth opportunities.
The annuity provides guaranteed lifetime income, index lock and bonus features, and health-based withdrawal benefits through the Allianz Income Multiplier (AIM).
About Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
| Company Name | Allianz Life of North America |
|---|---|
| Website | www.allianzlife.com |
| Phone Number | 800-950-1962 |
| AM Best | A+ |
| Standard and Poor’s Global | AA |
| Moody’s | Aa3 |
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America has operated since 1896 and is a subsidiary of global insurance giant Allianz SE. Allianz Life has issued over 2.6 million contracts, making it a leading provider of retirement solutions in the United States.
With a wide array of annuity and life insurance products, including fixed index annuities, Allianz Life is dedicated to helping Americans build wealth, protect their assets, and secure a comfortable retirement.
Some of its products include Core Income, Retirement Foundation, Essential Income, and many more.
Allianz Benefit Control Annuity Overview
| 🔔 Important Information | |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Allianz Benefit Control |
| Type of Annuity | Fixed Index |
| Annuity Term | 10 years |
| Product Information | An annuity that blends the security of a fixed interest rate with the potential for market-linked growth, offering a guaranteed income stream in retirement and appealing to investors seeking both growth and protection. |
| Interest | 2.50% of fixed interest (as of 10/07/2025) |
| Premium Type | Flexible |
| Maximum Issue Age | 80 years |
| Withdrawal Charge Schedule | 9.30%, 9.30%, 8.30%, 7.30%, 6.25%, 5.25%, 4.20%, 3.15%, 2.10%, 1.05% |
| Minimum Premium | $20,000 |
| Maximum Premium | $1,000,000 |
| RMD | Yes |
| Market Value Adjustment | Yes |
| Product Brochure | https://www.allianzlife.com/-/media/Files/Global/documents/2020/02/24/20/53/ABC-001.pdf [updated for 2025] |
| Account Types | Personal, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP-IRA, Simple-IRA, 403(b) |
| Not Available In | ID, NY, OR, PR, VA, VI |
Allianz ABC Key Features & Benefits
Allianz ABC annuity can be the right choice for investors who are looking for flexible growth potential, customizable income options, and added protection for future income needs.
You can achieve all of the above thanks to the following features:
Flexible Withdrawal Options
The Allianz Benefit Control Annuity is a fixed index annuity designed not only for retirement savings but also for accessible financial support when needed.
💡 Helpful Info: A fixed index annuity (FIA) is a long-term insurance product that offers growth potential based on a market index while protecting your principal from market losses.
Allianz Benefit Control Annuity Overview
It offers the flexibility to withdraw a portion of your funds without penalties through free withdrawals.
For those aged 50 and above, immediate income withdrawals are available for earlier access to funds if required.
Index Lock
The Allianz Index Lock feature gives the annuity holder the opportunity to "lock in" the index value.
Essentially, if the index that the annuity is tied to reaches a particularly favorable level, the owner has an option. They can choose to lock in that value as the index value used to calculate interest credits for that year.
Death Benefit
With the death benefit, if the annuity owner passes away, beneficiaries can choose one of the options to access the funds:
Option 1: Receive the Protected Income Value (PIV) paid out over at least five years, up to 250% of the accumulation value.
Option 2: Receive a lump sum, which will be the greater of the following:
The accumulation value
The guaranteed minimum value
The cumulative withdrawal amount
Bonus Control Benefit
The Bonus Control Benefit allows you to decide how interest is credited between your two key annuity values each year - Protected Income Value (PIV) and Accumulation Value (AV). You can choose between:
Option One - Accelerated PIV Bonus Rider
Aggressively pursue your income savings goals
250% PIV interest bonus factor
50% accumulation value interest factor
How it works:
2.5 times any earned interest is credited to your PIV
Half of any indexed interest is credited to your accumulation value
Ideal if you plan to take income withdrawals in the future, as withdrawals are based on the PIV.
Option Two - Balanced PIV Bonus Rider
Take a more balanced approach to pursuing your annuity values
150% PIV interest bonus factor
100% accumulation value interest factor
How it works:
1.5 times any earned interest is credited to your PIV
All earned interest is credited to your accumulation value
PIV's growth is more modest when compared to Option one, but after seven years, the accumulation value is higher.
Allianz Income Multiplier (AIM)
The Allianz Income Multiplier (AIM) is a unique feature that allows you to withdraw up to twice your annual maximum if you meet certain health-related conditions.
To qualify for the AIM benefit, you must have owned your annuity for at least five years and either:
Be unable to perform at least two of the six Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) without assistance, or;
Be confined to a qualified hospital, nursing facility, or assisted living facility for a minimum of 90 days within a 120-day period.
💡 Helpful Info: Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are essential tasks that most adults can perform independently, including eating, bathing, getting dressed, etc.
Rates & Crediting Strategies
Crediting Methods
Crediting methods determine how indexed interest is calculated and added to your Allianz Benefit Control Annuity.
Each method measures index performance differently, allowing you to choose the approach that best aligns with your financial goals.
Here are the available crediting methods included in the Allianz ABC annuity:
- Annual point-to-point with a cap
- Monthly sum
- Annual point-to-point with a participation rate
- Multi-year point-to-point with a participation rate
Index Options
With Allianz Benefit Control, you can allocate your contract's funds to various external indexes, such as the S&P 500, and your contract earns indexed interest based on the performance of these indexes.
The following rates are as of 10/07/2025 and may be subject to change:
| Protected Income Value (PIV) premium bonus | Fixed Interest | Allocation charge |
|---|---|---|
| 30% | 2.50% | 0% |
| Accelerated PIV Interest Bonus Option | |
|---|---|
| PIV interest bonus | 250% |
| Accumulation value interest factor | 50% |
| Monthly sum with a cap | |
|---|---|
| S&P 500 Index | 1.50% |
| Annual point-to-point with a cap | |
|---|---|
| S&P 500 Index | 4.50% |
| Balanced PIV Interest Bonus Option | |
|---|---|
| PIV interest bonus | 150% |
| Accumulation value interest factor | 100% |
| Annual point-to-point with a participation rate | |
|---|---|
| BlackRock iBLD Claria ER Index | 95% |
| Bloomberg US Dynamic Balance II ER Index | 80% |
| PIMCO Tactical Balanced ER Index | 75% |
| 2-year MY point-to-point with a participation rate | Year 1 | Year 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomberg US Dynamic Balance II ER Index | 100% | 125% |
| PIMCO Tactical Balanced ER Index | 95% | 120% |
| S&P 500 Future Daily Risk Control 5% Index | 110% | 135% |
| 5-year MY point-to-point with a participation rate | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomberg US Dynamic Balance II ER Index | 140% | 160% | 180% | 200% | 220% |
| PIMCO Tactical Balanced ER Index | 135% | 155% | 175% | 195% | 215% |
| S&P 500 Future Daily Risk Control 5% Index | 155% | 175% | 195% | 215% | 235% |
Fees, Surrender Charges & Liquidity
Fees and Charges
We are happy to confirm that Allianz Benefit Control annuity fees are nonexistent and that the insurer has no hidden costs.
Surrender Charge Schedule
As with most annuities, the Allianz Benefit Control Annuity applies surrender charges in certain situations.
💡 Helpful Tip: Surrender charges occur if you withdraw more than the free withdrawal amount or surrender the contract entirely during the first 10 years
The charges are calculated as a percentage of the withdrawn amount and gradually decrease over time, eventually reaching zero at the end of the surrender charge period.
Here are the Alliazc ABC rates and reduction schedule shown in the table below:
| Contract Year | Y1 | Y2 | Y3 | Y4 | Y5 | Y6 | Y7 | Y8 | Y9 | Y10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charge % | 9.30% | 9.30% | 8.30% | 7.30% | 6.25% | 5.25% | 4.20% | 3.15% | 2.10% | 1.05% |
* Please note that charge rates may vary based on your state
Lifetime Withdrawal Percentage
Here is the withdrawal percentage that the insurer applies when you start accessing your funds after the surrender period:
| Age | Single life premium | Joint life premium |
|---|---|---|
| 50-54 | 3.70% | 3.20% |
| 55-59 | 4.20% | 3.70% |
| 60-69 | 4.70% | 4.20% |
| 70-79 | 5.20% | 4.70% |
| 80+ | 5.70% | 5.20% |
Want to See Whether Allianz ABC Annuity Is Right for You?
Pros and Cons
- Flexible withdrawals
- 2 built-in rider options
- Plenty of index and crediting options
- RMD Friendly
- Can lock in preferable interest with Index Lock
- 10-year surrender period
- The product might be complicated for some
- $20,000 minimum premium
- Low risk but low returns
How It Compares
Allianz Benefit Control vs. Athene Performance Elite
| Item | Allianz Benefit Control Annuity | Athene Performance Elite (7/10/15/15 Plus) |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America | Athene Annuity & Life Company |
| Type | Fixed Indexed Annuity (deferred) | Fixed Indexed Annuity (deferred) |
| Typical Terms | 10 years | 7, 10, 15 years |
| Minimum Premium | $20,000 | $10,000 |
| Index Options / Methods | ✔️ Multiple index options ✔️ Annual or multi-year point-to-point with caps or participation rates ✔️ Fixed account for stable growth | ✔️ S&P 500® + volatility-controlled indices ✔️ Fixed account ✔️ Mix of annual/bi-annual point-to-point, cap/participation/spread |
| Liquidity | Free withdrawals of up to 10% | Free withdrawals of up to 10% |
| Income Features | ✔️Allianz Income Multiplier (AIM) ✔️ Bonus Control benefit ✔️ Index Lock feature | ✔️ Optional income riders on some versions ✔️ Lifetime income options ✔️ 15 Plus adds bonus/liquidity features |
Allianz Benefit Control vs. Power 5 Protector
| Item | Allianz Benefit Control Annuity | Power 5 Protector |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America | Corebridge Financial |
| Type | Fixed Indexed Annuity (deferred) | Fixed Indexed Annuity (deferred) |
| Typical Terms | 10 years | 5 years |
| Minimum Premium | $20,000 | $25,000 |
| Index Options / Methods | ✔️ Multiple index options ✔️ Annual or multi-year point-to-point with caps or participation rates ✔️ Fixed account for stable growth | ✔️ Multiple index options ✔️ Annual or multi-year point-to-point with caps and rates |
| Liquidity | Free withdrawals of up to 10% | Free withdrawals of up to 10% |
| Income Features | ✔️Allianz Income Multiplier (AIM) ✔️ Bonus Control benefit ✔️ Index Lock feature | ✔️ Guaranteed Income for Life ✔️ High first-year yield |
Allianz Benefit Control vs. Nationwide Summit
| Item | Allianz Benefit Control Annuity | Nationwide Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America | Nationwide |
| Type | Fixed Indexed Annuity (deferred) | Fixed Indexed Annuity (deferred) |
| Typical Terms | 10 years | 7 years |
| Minimum Premium | $20,000 | $25,000 |
| Index Options / Methods | ✔️ Multiple index options ✔️ Annual or multi-year point-to-point with caps or participation rates ✔️ Fixed account for stable growth | ✔️ S&P 500® Index and J.P. Morgan Mozaic II℠ Index options |
| Liquidity | Free withdrawals of up to 10% | Free withdrawals of up to 10% |
| Income Features | ✔️Allianz Income Multiplier (AIM) ✔️ Bonus Control benefit ✔️ Index Lock feature | ✔️ Optional income riders available |
Who This Annuity Is Best For
✔️ Individuals seeking growth potential with principal protection
✔️ Pre-retirees and retirees who want a guaranteed income stream without full market exposure
✔️ Conservative investors who prefer steady accumulation over aggressive gains
✔️ Those who value flexibility in income withdrawals and customizable rider options
✔️ Investors aged 50+ looking for income access or health-related withdrawal benefits (AIM)
✔️ People wanting to balance long-term growth with protection from market downturns
How to Buy & Next Steps
Are you ready to find the annuity solution that secures your retirement?
NEED HELP? WE GOT YOU COVERED!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the minimum investment for the Allianz Benefit Control Annuity?
The minimum investment is $20,000, with a maximum of $1,000,000.
How does the annuity earn interest?
It earns indexed interest based on selected market indexes, such as the S&P 500, plus a fixed interest rate. Your principal is protected from market losses.
Can I access my money early?
You can make free withdrawals up to a set percentage each year. Withdrawals above that or full surrenders in the first 10 years may incur surrender charges and a Market Value Adjustment (MVA).
What are the income and bonus options?
The Bonus Control Benefit lets you choose between Accelerated PIV for higher future income or Balanced PIV for more accumulation growth. The Allianz Income Multiplier (AIM) allows higher withdrawals under certain health conditions.
Is there a death benefit?
Yes. Beneficiaries can choose the Protected Income Value (PIV) over at least five years or a lump sum equal to the greater of the accumulation value, guaranteed minimum, or cumulative withdrawals.
Other Allianz Life Fixed Index Annuity Products
Allianz 360
A standard fixed index annuity that increases your income each year you wait to start collecting payments.
Allianz Core Income 7
Core Income 7 lasts seven years and has a lower minimum deposit of $10,000, providing a rider that increases your income during the saving period.
Allianz Accumulation
This annuity allows beneficiaries to invest in 17 different market indexes, focusing on growing the money for the future.
Allianz Essential Income 7
The Essential 7 annuity offers the option to grow the income each year in retirement, offering a smaller minimum deposit of $10,000 and no surrender charges after seven years.
Allianz Retirement Foundation
The Retirement Foundation annuity through advisory platforms and not directly to individuals, meaning you need to work with an advisor to buy this product.
Annuity Expert
Jeremiah Konger
PS - Here's 3 ways we can help you learn more about annuities.
1. Watch Videos on How to Identify The Highest Paying Protected Income & Growth Annuities.
2. Watch Videos That Reveal What to Look For When Buying A Protected Growth Annuity.
3. Click Here To Access Our Annuity Review Vault To Compare The Pro's and Con's of Dozens of Annuities.
Annuity Association is the leader in providing Independent Annuity recommendations for protected income, safe growth and other benefits in retirement.
Annuity Association
759 SW Federal Hwy Ste 200H
Stuart, FL 34994
Useful Links
About Annuity Associacion
© Copyrights 2025 by Annuity Association. All Rights Reseved.