Are you looking for the best iul companies to build extra savings for your retirement years while also leaving something meaningful for your loved ones?
Indexed Universal Life Insurance (IUL) is becoming a popular choice for many Americans because it offers the potential for significant cash value growth tied to the performance of the S&P 500 index — but with a built-in floor rate that protects against market downturns.
This balance of growth and security makes IUL policies an appealing solution for long-term financial planning.
What makes IULs especially attractive is their flexibility. These policies include a minimum premium payment to keep coverage active, even in tough financial times.
Over time, policyholders can access the cash value through partial withdrawals or loans, making it a valuable source of supplemental income during retirement.
With so many companies offering IUL products, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled an updated list of the Top 10 Best IUL Companies in the US for 2025.
We’ve reviewed illustrations and compared features from leading providers to help you understand which companies offer the strongest cash value growth, competitive rates, and flexible options to help secure your financial future.
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What are IUL companies?
Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance companies are insurance providers that specialize in offering IUL policies — a type of permanent life insurance that combines a death benefit with the opportunity to grow cash value over time.
Unlike traditional whole life insurance, IUL policies tie cash value growth to the performance of a stock market index, such as the S&P 500.
This gives policyholders the potential to earn higher returns while enjoying downside protection through guaranteed floor rates, typically around 0–1%, meaning they won’t lose money when the market drops.
IUL companies play a crucial role in designing, underwriting, and managing these policies. They set important features like cap rates (maximum growth limits), participation rates (how much of the index’s gain you benefit from), fees, and flexibility in premium payments.
Policyholders often choose IULs as part of a long-term financial strategy, using them not only for life insurance coverage but also as a tax-advantaged way to save for retirement or leave an inheritance.
Some of the top IUL companies in the U.S. include Pacific Life, Nationwide, John Hancock, Lincoln Financial, Prudential, and Northwestern Mutual. These firms are well-known for their strong financial ratings, innovative IUL products, and customer service.
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Top 10 Best IUL Companies in the US
1. Northwestern Mutual
Northwestern Mutual is often regarded as one of the best IUL companies due to its financial stability and strong reputation in the insurance industry.
Known for offering reliable Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance products, Northwestern Mutual provides excellent cash value growth potential tied to the performance of the S&P 500 index.
Their IUL policies also feature strong dividend potential, which can be an added benefit for policyholders looking to maximize their returns.
Additionally, their flexible premiums allow policyholders to adjust payments based on their financial situation, providing peace of mind during uncertain times.
Northwestern Mutual’s commitment to long-term financial strength is reflected in its consistent ratings and history of paying dividends to policyholders.
With a customer-centric approach and a broad range of options for wealth accumulation, they continue to stand out as one of the most trusted names in the industry for individuals seeking both life insurance coverage and potential growth for retirement savings.
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2. Pacific Life
Pacific Life is considered one of the best IUL companies, offering Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance policies that come with a range of benefits.
Their IUL policies feature flexible payment options, allowing policyholders to tailor premiums to fit their financial needs.
Additionally, Pacific Life provides competitive caps on their IUL policies, ensuring policyholders have the potential for solid growth tied to the performance of the market index.
Known for its excellent customer service, Pacific Life has built a strong reputation for providing support and resources to help policyholders navigate their IUL policies effectively.
With a focus on stability and growth, Pacific Life is a top choice for individuals seeking a balance between life insurance coverage and wealth accumulation.
Their commitment to customer satisfaction and long-term financial success makes them a standout in the IUL insurance market.
3. John Hancock
John Hancock stands out as one of the best IUL companies by offering innovative Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance products that integrate wellness rewards programs.
These programs encourage policyholders to lead healthier lifestyles by providing incentives that can increase their benefits over time.
By tracking activities such as exercise, sleep, and nutrition through wearable devices, policyholders can earn rewards that improve their policy’s cash value and death benefit.
John Hancock’s approach adds an extra layer of value to its IUL offerings, helping clients to not only protect their financial future but also improve their overall well-being.
With its combination of cutting-edge technology, wellness initiatives, and solid financial performance, John Hancock is an excellent choice for those looking to maximize the benefits of their IUL policy while promoting a healthier lifestyle.
4. Nationwide
Nationwide is widely regarded as one of the best IUL companies due to its transparent fees, extensive rider options, and a solid history of strong cash value performance.
Their IUL policies are designed to provide flexibility and growth potential, allowing policyholders to adjust premiums and death benefits based on their evolving needs.
Nationwide offers a variety of riders, such as accelerated death benefit riders and long-term care riders, which allow for added customization and additional coverage.
With its transparent approach, Nationwide ensures that clients fully understand the costs and benefits of their policies.
Their IUL products have a strong reputation for consistent performance, giving policyholders confidence in their long-term financial planning.
Whether you’re looking to build wealth or ensure your family’s financial security, Nationwide’s IUL offerings are a reliable option that can be tailored to fit your unique needs.
5. Lincoln Financial Group
Lincoln Financial Group is considered one of the best IUL companies due to its attractive growth potential, diverse range of riders, and competitive cost structures.
Their Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policies are designed to offer both flexibility and robust performance, allowing policyholders to benefit from market-indexed growth while protecting their investments with downside protection.
Lincoln’s IUL products are known for providing a solid variety of riders, such as the option to add long-term care or accelerated death benefits, enabling policyholders to tailor their coverage to their specific needs.
Additionally, their competitive cost structures make their IUL policies a cost-effective choice for individuals seeking reliable growth with manageable premiums.
Lincoln’s commitment to strong financial management and consistent cash value growth has earned them a reputation as a trusted provider in the IUL market, offering individuals the opportunity to plan for their future while protecting their loved ones.
6. Protective Life
Protective Life is renowned as one of the best IUL companies due to its straightforward, easy-to-understand Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policies, making it an ideal choice for first-time life insurance buyers.
Their IUL policies offer flexibility, allowing policyholders to adjust premiums and death benefits as their needs change over time. Protective Life provides a strong focus on simplicity and transparency, ensuring clients fully understand their coverage options and benefits.
With competitive caps on growth potential and the ability to accumulate cash value, Protective Life’s IUL policies provide valuable protection and long-term financial growth.
Whether you’re just starting to explore life insurance or looking for an easy-to-manage option, Protective Life offers affordable, clear, and reliable IUL products that can grow with you and your financial goals.
Their commitment to customer satisfaction and their trusted financial standing has earned them a place among the top choices for IUL policies.
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7. Minnesota Life (Securian Financial)
Securian Financial is recognized as one of the best IUL companies due to its strong financial ratings and flexible policy designs, making it a great choice for both wealth building and estate planning.
Their Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policies provide policyholders with the opportunity to accumulate cash value tied to a market index, offering growth potential while protecting against market downturns with a floor rate.
Securian’s IUL policies allow for flexibility in premium payments, death benefits, and riders, giving individuals the ability to tailor their coverage to meet both current and future financial needs.
With a focus on long-term stability and growth, Securian Financial is a trusted partner for those seeking to secure their family’s future and build wealth for generations to come.
Whether you’re planning for retirement, protecting your estate, or seeking life insurance with investment potential, Securian offers a solid, reliable option with customizable IUL solutions.
8. Symetra
Symetra is recognized among the best IUL companies for offering low-cost Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance products, designed to deliver strong cash value growth potential while maintaining affordable premiums.
Symetra stands out for its innovative approach to index strategies, offering policyholders attractive options that provide market-linked returns with a built-in floor to protect against market losses.
Their IUL products are highly customizable, with a range of riders that allow policyholders to tailor their coverage to suit personal financial goals, whether it’s wealth building, retirement planning, or estate protection.
Known for its competitive rates and emphasis on innovation, Symetra continues to be a trusted option for those looking for flexibility and growth potential in their life insurance.
Their focus on providing accessible, cost-effective IUL policies makes them an excellent choice for individuals seeking a reliable and affordable way to secure their financial future.
9. Transamerica
Transamerica is a prominent name among the best IUL companies, known for its flexible Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance options.
Their IUL policies offer competitive participation rates and a broad selection of index crediting strategies, allowing policyholders to benefit from potential market growth while protecting against losses.
Transamerica’s customizable features cater to a variety of financial goals, from wealth accumulation to providing a legacy for loved ones.
The company also provides several rider options to enhance the coverage, making it easier to adapt to changing needs over time.
With strong financial stability and a commitment to offering innovative solutions, Transamerica’s IUL products remain a top choice for those seeking both security and growth potential in their life insurance policies.
Whether you are looking for flexibility or long-term financial growth, Transamerica’s IUL plans can be a powerful tool in securing your financial future.
10. Principal Financial Group
Principal’s IUL policies are highly customizable, providing policyholders with the flexibility to tailor coverage according to their financial needs and goals.
These policies offer strong living benefits, allowing individuals to access their policy’s cash value during their lifetime, which can be a useful tool for retirement planning or emergency expenses.
Additionally, Principal is known for its competitive cost of insurance charges, making it a cost-effective option for long-term wealth accumulation.
Their IUL products combine growth potential with a solid structure, offering various index strategies to suit different risk appetites.
With a reputation for strong customer service and financial stability, Principal’s IUL policies are a solid choice for those seeking both flexibility and value in their life insurance coverage.
Whether you’re focused on securing your family’s future or building cash value for retirement, Principal’s IUL plans provide an ideal balance of growth and protection.
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How do I choose the best IUL company?
Choosing the best Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance company is an important decision that should match your financial goals, risk tolerance, and long-term plans. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose wisely:
- Financial strength: Look for companies with high ratings from agencies like A.M. Best, Moody’s, or Standard & Poor’s. Strong ratings mean the company is financially stable and can pay out claims.
- Product features: Compare the details of each IUL policy — check cap rates (maximum gains), floor rates (minimum guaranteed interest, often 0–1%), participation rates (how much of index growth you get), and loan/withdrawal options. The best policies balance growth potential and protection.
- Fees and charges: Understand the cost of insurance, administrative fees, and surrender charges. Lower, transparent fees help your cash value grow faster.
- Flexibility: Choose a company that offers flexible premium payments, death benefit options, and easy access to cash value through loans or withdrawals.
- Customer service and reputation: Check reviews, talk to agents, and research how well the company handles customer support, claims, and account management.
- Work with an advisor: A licensed financial advisor can help compare companies and match you with a policy that fits your unique goals.
FAQs
What makes an IUL company the “best”?
The best IUL companies are typically those with strong financial ratings, a variety of flexible options, and a history of offering competitive cap rates and low fees. They also provide strong customer service and transparent policies, ensuring you can trust the company with your long-term financial goals.
What should I look for in an IUL policy?
When choosing an IUL policy, focus on the cap rate (maximum return), floor rate (minimum return), participation rate (how much of the index’s growth you’ll earn), and the company’s ability to offer flexible premiums. Also, evaluate the company’s customer service and ease of access to cash value.
Are there any risks with IULs?
While IULs offer the potential for higher returns tied to market indices, they also come with risks, such as caps on returns and the possibility of low or no growth in certain years. However, the floor rate ensures you won’t lose money in a poor market.
How do IUL companies determine the cash value growth?
IUL cash value growth is linked to a stock market index, like the S\&P 500. Your insurer will apply a formula based on the index’s performance, though it is capped at a certain percentage. The policy’s floor ensures that your cash value doesn’t decrease even if the market performs poorly.
Can I access the cash value in my IUL?
Yes, one of the key advantages of IULs is the ability to access the cash value via loans or withdrawals. This makes them an attractive option for supplementing retirement income. However, loans accrue interest, and withdrawals may reduce the death benefit or cash value, so it’s essential to manage them carefully.
Conclusion
Choosing the best IUL company involves evaluating factors like financial stability, policy flexibility, and growth potential.
By understanding your personal goals and comparing top providers, you can select an IUL policy that maximizes your retirement savings and offers reliable protection for your future financial security.
References
- 6 Best Indexed Universal Life Insurance (IUL) for 2023
- Best 5 IUL Companies For Cash Accumulation & Why
