Why it earned this rating
Our assessment
Dimensions V is the Edward Jones-channel version of Protective's variable annuity platform. The O-share structure (0.55% M&E) is materially lower than B-share VAs, and the surrender schedule is uniquely tiered by premium size — buyers with $1,000,000+ get a 7-year schedule that starts at only 2.0%. The 1.15% total annual expense is reasonable.
The short version
For Edward Jones clients who want a variable annuity with lower base expense than typical B-share VAs and meaningful surrender schedule discounts at higher premium tiers, Dimensions V delivers. The 1.15% total annual expense is a real differentiator versus 1.20% to 1.40% on competing products.
Key facts
**Product Type** Variable Annuity (O-share, flexible premium first year)
**Issue Ages** 0–85
**Minimum Premium** $10,000
**Surrender Period** 7 years (varies by premium tier)
**Subaccounts** 106 variable plus a 1-year fixed account
**Annual Contract Fee** $50 (waived at $75,000)
**Total Annual Expense** 1.15%
**Income Rider** SecurePay Income Rider IV optional
**Channel** Edward Jones only
The full review
Is Protective Dimensions V Edward Jones a Good Annuity?
Yes, for Edward Jones clients. It fits buyers who want a lower-cost variable annuity with broad subaccount choice and optional living benefit availability, sourced through their existing Edward Jones relationship. It is not relevant for buyers outside the channel.
Why Someone Would Buy This Annuity
The main reason is the lower-than-typical 0.55% M&E charge through the O-share structure. The secondary reason is the premium-tiered surrender schedule — a $1,000,000+ buyer faces only a 2.0% first-year surrender charge, and a $500,000-$999,999 buyer faces 3.0%. Larger buyers get materially better liquidity terms than smaller buyers.
Who This Annuity Is Best For
I think Dimensions V fits best for Edward Jones clients with $250,000+ to deploy who want a variable annuity with broad investment choice, lower base costs than B-share alternatives, and the option to add a living benefit rider. The premium-tiered surrender structure makes the product especially attractive for higher-deposit buyers.
What You're Really Buying Here
You are buying tax-deferred market exposure through an O-share VA structure with surrender charges scaled to premium size. You are not buying principal protection. The 1.15% total annual expense applies daily to subaccount values.
How the Core Feature Works
Dimensions V uses a unique premium-tiered surrender schedule. Buyers paying less than $50,000 face a 7-year schedule of 7, 6, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 0%. Buyers at $50,000-$99,999 face 6, 5, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0%. At $100,000-$249,999 the schedule is 5, 4, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0%. At $250,000-$499,999 it is 4, 3, 3, 2, 1, 1, 0%. At $500,000-$999,999 it is 3, 2, 2, 1, 1, 0.5, 0%. At $1,000,000+ it is 2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 0.5, 0.5, 0%. The 1.15% annual expense includes 0.55% M&E, 0.10% admin, and 0.50% other charges.
Why the Secondary Feature Matters
The premium-tiered surrender schedule is the meaningful structural differentiator. Most VAs charge the same surrender percentages regardless of deposit size. Dimensions V's tiering rewards larger deposits with substantially lower exit costs, which is a real advantage for buyers with $250,000+.
Liquidity and Surrender Schedule
Free withdrawals are 10% of initial premium in year 1; in subsequent years the free amount is the greater of 10% of previous account anniversary premiums, 10% of previous account anniversary value, or earnings. Surrender charges vary by premium tier as described above. Nursing home and terminal illness waivers are available.
Fees and Tradeoffs
The 1.15% total annual expense (0.55% M&E + 0.10% admin + 0.50% other) is materially lower than typical B-share VAs. The $50 annual contract fee waives at $75,000. Subaccount fees range from 0.34% to 1.49% net — narrower than the Aspirations menu and oriented toward lower-cost institutional offerings. Optional rider charges are extra.
Product snapshot
| Feature | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Product type | Variable annuity (O-share) |
| Issue ages | 0-85 |
| Minimum premium | $10,000 |
| Surrender schedule | 7 years, varies by premium tier |
| Annual contract fee | $50 (waived at $75,000) |
| Total annual expense | 1.15% |
| Subaccount fee range | 0.34% to 1.49% |
| Subaccounts | 106 variable plus 1 fixed |
| Current fixed account rate | 3.00% |
| Free withdrawal | 10% of initial premium year 1; multi-test in years 2+ |
| Income rider | Optional SecurePay Income Rider IV |
| Death benefit | Full account value |
| Surrender waivers | Nursing home, terminal illness |
| MGSV | N/A |
| State availability | Check with carrier |
| Channel | Edward Jones only |
Carrier snapshot
Protective Life Insurance Company is part of Protective Life Insurance Corporation. A.M. Best A-plus, S&P AA-minus. Dimensions V is distributed exclusively through Edward Jones full-service broker-dealer.
Final take
Dimensions V is one of the more buyer-friendly variable annuities for Edward Jones clients with $250,000+ to deploy. The lower base expense and premium-tiered surrender structure are real differentiators. For buyers in the channel who want a VA with broad subaccount choice and optional rider flexibility, the product is well-positioned.