Nationwide Destination Future Review

Nationwide Destination Future is an easily customizable variable deferred annuity with a minimum investment of $15,000. It offers seven optional guarantee riders and broad investment choices, making it a great choice for investors with unique needs. Nationwide has a strong financial rating and a 90-year history of helping investors meet their retirement needs.

Headshot of Jennifer Schell, writer for Annuity.org
  • Written By Jennifer Schell, CAS®
    Jennifer Schell, CAS®

    Jennifer Schell, CAS®

    Financial Writer, Certified Annuity Specialist®

    Jennifer Schell is a professional writer focused on demystifying annuities and other financial topics including banking, financial advising and insurance. She is proud to be a member of the National Association for Fixed Annuities (NAFA) as well as the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA).

    Read More
    and John Stevenson, CFF
    John Stevenson, CFF

    John Stevenson, CFF

    Owner and Advisor at Stevenson Retirement Solutions

    John Stevenson, a Certified Financial Fiduciary®️, specializes in securing retirements with tax-free accounts. With a focus on guaranteed retirement, he's ensured none of his clients suffer from market fluctuations. As a renowned educator and podcast host, John empowers thousands weekly, sharing his expertise in minimizing taxes and protecting against financial downturns.

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  • Edited By Lamia Chowdhury
    Lamia Chowdhury
    Headshot of Lamia Chowdhury, editor for Annuity.org

    Lamia Chowdhury

    Financial Editor

    Lamia Chowdhury is a financial editor at Annuity.org. Lamia carries an extensive skillset in the content marketing field, and her work as a copywriter spans industries as diverse as finance, health care, travel and restaurants.

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  • Reviewed By Stephen Kates, CFP®
    Stephen Kates, CFP®
    Stephen Kates, CFP®

    Stephen Kates, CFP®

    Principal Financial Analyst for Annuity.org

    Stephen Kates, CFP® is a personal finance expert specializing in financial planning and education. He serves as the Principal Financial Analyst for Annuity.org, where he delves into industry trends to support consumers and financial advisors on wealth management, annuities, retirement planning, and investing.

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  • Updated: December 4, 2024
  • 4 min read time
  • This page features 4 Cited Research Articles

Nationwide Destination Future

Nationwide logo
Product Details
  • Minimum premium of $15,000, maximum premium of $1,000,000.
  • Ownership options include individual person or entity, but  joint ownership cannot include a non-person entity.
  • Maximum age for annuitant and annuitization is 90 years old. Other optional benefits may have age restrictions.
  • 0.85% M&E fee, 0.10% admin fee, $30 annual charge unless contract value is over $50,000.  Administration charge waived for contracts over $1 million.

Pros

  • Base product fees are lower than comparable variable annuities and can fall further at certain premium tiers
  • Over 100 investment options available
  • Five optional riders for further customization

Cons

  • Rider fees vary based on the timing of issuance and single versus joint ownership
  • Investment expense ratios are high relative to alternative options in a typical brokerage account
  • Some investment options are restricted when paired with certain riders
  • The minimum guaranteed lifetime income benefit is lower than higher options associated with FIA contracts

About Nationwide Destination Future

The Nationwide Destination Future is a variable annuity with several investment and rider options. Individuals or couples can own this product to enhance retirement savings with tax-deferral and flexible annuitization options. 

The product costs associated with the Destination Future are low relative to peers, at 0.95%, or 0.85% for contracts over $1 million. A standard death benefit is included in the contract for no additional cost. For added protection, owners can choose between seven different optional riders.  

RiderDetailsAdditional Cost
Lifetime Income Rider+ CoreSome age, income, and investment restrictions applySingle Life: 1.45% (maximum 1.50%)
Joint Life: 1.60% (maximum 1.90%)
Lifetime Income Rider+ AcceleratedHigher lifetime withdrawal percentage until contract value reaches zero, then reverts to a lower percentageSingle Life: 1.45% (maximum 1.50%)
Joint Life: 1.60% (maximum 1.90%)
Lifetime Income Rider+ MaxHigher lifetime withdrawal percentage until contract value reaches zero, then reverts to a lower percentageSingle Life: 1.45% (maximum 1.50%)
Joint Life: 1.60% (maximum 1.90%)
Return of PremiumMax age of 850.1%
Highest Anniversary ValueMax age of 800.4%
Return of Premium with Spousal ProtectionDeath benefit paid out to either spouse; Max age of 850.2%
Highest Anniversary Value with Spousal ProtectionDeath benefit paid out to either spouse; Max age of 800.5%

Additionally, this variable annuity offers investment options for portfolio DIYers and set-it-and-forget-it investors alike. All investment options are mutual funds, and strategies span all asset classes and styles.   

Read More: The Best Annuities of 2024

Variable annuities can be excellent for sheltering additional assets into a tax-deferred account when the limits on other retirement accounts, such as IRAs or 401(k)s, have been exhausted. The Nationwide Destination Future annuity offers a balance of investment options and optional riders for added protection. This provides more flexibility and guarantees than other investment-only variable annuities from a well-rated company.

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How soon are you retiring?

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What is your goal for purchasing an annuity?

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Our Take on the Nationwide Destination Future

The Nationwide Destination Future offers a blend of premium variable annuity features, including broad investment options and optional riders for income and death benefits. Some investment-only variable annuities have lower product costs but do not offer any added features or riders for protection, which may leave investors at the mercy of volatile markets.  

Like most variable annuities, the mutual funds available carry higher expense ratios than comparable mutual fund classes in a brokerage account. Higher expense ratios can add to the overall cost of the investment and should be incorporated into any cost assumptions before purchase.  

Overall, the Nationwide Destination Future variable annuity is a great option for investors seeking tax deferral, growth and optional income or death benefit protection. 

Compare Products From Nationwide

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Source: Cannex, Dec. 13, 2024
Product
Guarantee Period
Surrender Period
AM Best Rating

Platinum Edge

3.95% 5 Years 5 Years

A+

Platinum Edge

4.20% 10 Years 10 Years

A+

Platinum Edge

3.90% 4 Years 4 Years

A+

Platinum Edge

3.35% 3 Years 3 Years

A+

Platinum Edge

4.00% 6 Years 6 Years

A+

Platinum Edge

4.15% 9 Years 9 Years

A+

Platinum Edge

4.05% 7 Years 7 Years

A+

Platinum Edge

4.10% 8 Years 8 Years

A+

Secure Growth

3.60% 5 Years 5 Years

A+

Secure Growth

3.80% 5 Years 5 Years

A+

Page 1 of 2

About Nationwide

In business for over 90 years, Nationwide has weathered significant market and industry turbulence and remains a quality company with broad business interests in insurance, annuities and other investment products. Nationwide boasts nearly $300 billion in assets, making it one of the largest financial companies in the United States.  

Financial Stability

Nationwide maintains very good ratings from rating agencies, although Fitch does not rate them. Nationwide has rebuilt its financial standing since taking a hit during the 2008 financial crisis.  

Nationwide’s Credit Ratings

Rating CompanyCredit RatingHighest Rating Possible
AM BestA+A++
Moody’sA1Aaa
FitchNot RatedAAA
Standard & Poor’sA+AAA
Please seek the advice of a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
Last Modified: December 4, 2024
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