How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at American Equity
Covers 5 insurance accounts — beneficiaries can be updated by phone
Customer Service
Phone1-888-221-1234
Fax1-515-226-3129
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 10343, Des Moines, IA 50306-0343
WebsiteLearn more→
Customer Service
Phone1-888-221-1234
Fax1-515-226-3129
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 10343, Des Moines, IA 50306-0343
WebsiteLearn more→
Beneficiary Support
Phone1-877-542-8847
Fax1-515-457-1837
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 71216, Des Moines, IA 50325-9909
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Apr 2026
Beneficiary designations are the foundation of estate planning for American Equity policies. Unlike bank accounts, insurance products cannot be retitled into a trust. Instead, the beneficiary designation itself determines who receives the proceeds and how quickly they're paid. Naming a trust as beneficiary is an option when more control over distributions is needed.
The transfer rules at American Equity vary across 5 policies. Below is a breakdown of beneficiary options, trust funding, and which products support each method.
American Equity IncomeShield Fixed Index AnnuityAmerican Equity AssetShield Fixed Index AnnuityAmerican Equity EstateShield Fixed Index AnnuityAmerican Equity GuaranteeShield Fixed AnnuityAmerican Equity Immediate Annuity
1
Call American Equity customer service at (888) 221-1234, Monday-Friday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST
2
Verify your identity:
- Contract number
- Social Security Number
3
Request a Change of Beneficiary Form (014036) to be mailed or emailed
4
Complete and return the form by mail or fax
Required Documents
- Trust name, date established, and tax ID (EIN or SSN)
Special Requirements
- Trusts can be named as beneficiaries on all annuity products
- Primary and contingent beneficiaries allowed
- In order for a spouse to elect the spousal continuation option, they must be the sole primary beneficiary
- If no surviving primary or contingent beneficiaries, benefits are paid to the owner's estate
- Faxed copies of the form are accepted; original is not required
Customer Service
Phone1-888-221-1234
Fax1-515-226-3129
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 10343, Des Moines, IA 50306-0343
WebsiteLearn more→
Customer Service
Phone1-888-221-1234
Fax1-515-226-3129
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 10343, Des Moines, IA 50306-0343
WebsiteLearn more→
Beneficiary Support
Phone1-877-542-8847
Fax1-515-457-1837
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 71216, Des Moines, IA 50325-9909
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Apr 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your American Equity accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
