NWL Ultra Value
National Western Life Insurance Company
10%
Free W/D
43
States
A flexible premium deferred fixed indexed annuity designed for long-term retirement savings. You earn interest based on index performance or a fixed rate, with tax deferral and guaranteed minimum protection.
Free Withdrawal
10%/yr
Available In
43 states
Min Premium
$2,000
Surrender
9 years
Current Rates & Strategies
| Index | Crediting | Cap | Participation | Fixed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 Index | Monthly | -- | 67% | -- |
| S&P 500 Low Volatility Daily Risk Control 5% USD Excess Return Index | Annual | -- | 128% | -- |
| Fixed Account | Daily | -- | -- | 3.15% |
Key Features
Premium Bonus
2% of premiums in years 1–5The insurance company adds 2% to each premium payment during your first 5 policy years, increasing your starting account value automatically.
Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate
Never less than 1.00%, never more than 3.00%Even if market-linked options underperform, your money earns a guaranteed minimum rate set quarterly, protecting your principal.
Free Withdrawals
10% annually plus interest withdrawalsYou can access up to 10% of account value each year without penalty, plus take systematic interest payments or required IRA distributions penalty-free.
Interest Options
3 strategies with different risk/return profilesChoose from fixed interest (Option B), monthly-averaged index strategy (Option A at 50% minimum participation), or low-volatility annual point-to-point indexing (Option U at 20% minimum participation).
Surrender Charge Schedule
9.25% year 1, declining to 0% year 10+Declining penalties apply if you withdraw more than allowed free amounts during the 9-year surrender period, starting at 9.25% in year 1 and dropping to 0% after year 10.
Policy Loan Option
Up to 60% at 7.4% interestBorrow up to 60% of contract value at 7.4% interest (fixed rate option only), allowing access to funds without full surrender.
Minimum Premium Requirements
$2,000 qualified / $5,000 non-qualified initial; $100 minimum additionsLower entry point for qualified retirement accounts; additional payments accepted with low minimums.
Highlights
Choose between indexed interest linked to the S&P 500® or fixed rates—not direct stock market exposure
2% premium bonus in first 5 years on every payment you make
Access up to 10% of your account value annually without surrender charges
Guaranteed minimum interest rate of 1–3% protects your principal
9-year surrender charge period with clear withdrawal penalties that decline each year
Surrender Schedule
Yr 1
9.25%
Yr 2
8.25%
Yr 3
7.25%
Yr 4
6.5%
Yr 5
5%
Yr 6
4%
Yr 7
3%
Yr 8
2%
Yr 9
1%
After
0%
Best For
Investors seeking tax-deferred retirement accumulation with downside protection, who can commit funds for at least 9 years and want flexibility between indexed and fixed interest strategies.
Consider Alternatives If
Those who need immediate access to funds without penalties, require ongoing liquidity for emergencies, or are uncomfortable with indexed interest formulas that include participation rate caps and asset fee deductions.
Carrier Ratings
Free Comparison Report
Get a personalized NWL Ultra Value illustration
See year-by-year projections for your specific age, premium, and income goals.
National Western Life Insurance Company Discussions
Customer satisfaction drops 6 points while 92% of retirees fear inflation
DIAs vs SPIAs: Why Waiting 2 Years Could Boost Your Payout by 1.5-2%
Athene Aviator FIA: Does 'Simplified' Mean Lower Returns?
Ohio National's New Rider vs Market Leaders: Cap Rate Reality Check
From the AdvisorWorld.com Community