5 Best IMOs for Selling Annuities (High Commissions)

Are you a financial advisor or insurance agent looking for the best Independent Marketing Organizations (IMO) for selling annuities?

In this article, I’ll share with you some of the top IMOs you can join by comparing their features, commission payouts, and support.

Tip: Looking for qualified annuity leads with your ideal clients without paying another company for leads? Be sure to watch this video here.

Quick Summary

Here are the top IMOs financial advisors and insurance agents can use to sell more annuities effectively:

We recommend ECA Marketing for generous commissions, ease of use and excellent support. You can request more info by filling in the short form here.

5 Best Annuity IMOs for Financial Advisors or Insurance Agents

Here are the top five IMOs financial advisors and agents should consider:

1. ECA Marketing

Best overall

First up, let’s talk about ECA Marketing.

They are number one on this list due to high commissions, excellent back-office customer support and because they’re an IMO with decades of experience working closely with top carriers to deliver access to exclusive annuity and life insurance products.

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST MORE INFO.

I constantly get annuity clients who work with me and tell me great things about ECA Marketing. One client even recently told me that if he had worked with ECA marketing earlier, he would have made an extra $250K that year!

Why?

They offer marketing dollars paid above and beyond street-level commissions, giving you the freedom to use those funds however you see fit.

This isn’t about an “imaginary marketing bucket.” These are real dollars, paid directly to advisors, and it’s a massive revenue boost!

As a result, you can generate a LOT more revenue each tell you sell an annuity!

Here’s are some unique features of this IMO:

Get significant marketing dollars to reinvest in your business with every annuity sale.
Over 37 years of annuities expertise.
Access to a wide range of annuity products, including exclusive and limited-distribution options.
Exceptional back-office support that handles the paperwork for you.
Freedom and flexibility—this IMO doesn’t hold advisors captive.

If that sounds interesting, click here to schedule a call with ECA Marketing.

But it’s not just about commissions…

ECA Marketing also provide excellent back-end support to handle your annuity sales with ease and they give you a user friendly dashboard to keep track of sales.

This company isn’t new either… They’ve been around for quite a while… Since 1985 in fact! That’s over 37 years of experience in the national annuity and life marketing industry. Working with them means you’re working with an IMO that knows the ins and outs of the business.

Additionally, they do business in all 50 states and several U.S. territories, ensuring you can expand your reach and serve clients no matter where they are.

Why Choose ECA Marketing?

If you’re in the market for a reputable IMO to help you sell annuities and grow your business, here’s why ECA Marketing should be your go-to choice:

High revenue growth potential: When you combine the marketing dollars they give you above street-level commissions, many of the annuity agents I’ve spoken with have told me ECA Marketing help you generate a LOT more revenue compared to other IMOs in the annuity space.
Agent-Focused Service: ECA is renowned for its hands-on support. From contracting and case design to processing new business, their team is always available to provide direct assistance. You’ll never struggle to get them on the phone.
Industry Connections: With access to over 60 carriers, ECA can offer you a wide range of annuity products, including exclusive offerings and limited distribution options that not every IMO can provide.
Product Flexibility: Unlike some IMOs that focus solely on commissions, ECA takes a product-agnostic approach. Their priority is finding the best fit for your client’s needs, not just the highest commission for them.
Additional Marketing Dollars: One major perk of working with ECA is that they reinvest into advisors by providing extra marketing dollars above standard commissions without any production requirements.
Proprietary Resources: ECA has developed its own unique tools, like the Firelight e-app system and the Annuity Rate Watch, to give its agents a competitive edge.
Upfront Release Policy: ECA doesn’t hold advisors captive. If your path changes, ECA doesn’t lock you down—they’ll release your contracts so you can move without any hassle.
Sales Strategies: Their team helps you with advanced sales strategies to convert more annuity leads into sales. They’ll guide you through designing and presenting creative solutions to your clients.

Since 2006, ECA Marketing has produced over $25 billion in fixed annuity and target life premiums. Their track record speaks for itself!

Despite the high track record, they are a family business and give you excellent level of care and support.

With their service-focused model, wide product selection, and agent-friendly policies, it’s easy to see why ECA Marketing is a top choice for advisors looking to ramp up their annuity sales.

They truly want to be a collaborative partner in your success.

Click here to schedule a call with ECA Marketing.

2. Safe Money Resource

Safe Money Resource is another reliable IMO to help you sell annuities by connecting you to carriers. But they’re not only about that. They’re also focused on helping you build a business and really connect with clients who need retirement security.

One big reason Safe Money Resource stands out is its commitment to supporting advisors of all sizes. Whether you’re a big player or just starting, they’ve got your back.

Here are a few other reasons they’ve made my list:

Pre-Qualified Lead Program: Safe Money Resource doesn’t just leave you searching for clients. They’ve got a lead generation program that puts you in touch with people who are already looking for annuity solutions. This means you’re talking to people who are serious about securing their retirement—not just tire-kickers.
Marketing & Branding Support: Need some help establishing your brand? Safe Money Resource has your back. They’ll help you with things like building a website and creating content that positions you as the go-to expert in retirement planning. It’s like having a personal marketing team ready to boost your presence.
Ongoing Education: The annuity market changes fast, and it can be hard to keep up. Safe Money Resource makes it easy by offering training that keeps you in the loop on industry changes, plus they emphasize ethical selling.

They’re big on helping you build trust with clients who value long-term security.

With Safe Money Resource, you’re not just getting access to annuity products—you’re getting a full toolkit to help grow your business and nurture lasting client relationships.

If you’re looking for more tips on building your annuity business, don’t forget to check out my free masterclass training here.

3. AmeriLife

Next on the list is AmeriLife, a well-established IMO with a strong support system tailored to help advisors sell annuities effectively.

They’re all about providing comprehensive resources, so you’re not just getting product access—you’re joining a network designed to build up your business and simplify client acquisition.

With AmeriLife as your IMO, you get:

Training and Development: AmeriLife offers ongoing training and mentorship to keep you up-to-date with industry changes. They provide personalized coaching and access to a broad training network, which is invaluable when you’re looking to sharpen your skills or understand new products in the market.
Marketing Resources: AmeriLife takes marketing support seriously, offering branding solutions and lead generation strategies to help you connect with clients. They can help build your digital presence, giving you tools to engage clients directly—whether through online content, targeted campaigns, or customized branding.

Extensive Carrier Partnerships: AmeriLife has built relationships with many top carriers, giving you access to a wide range of annuity products. This flexibility makes it easier to find the right fit for each client’s unique needs rather than feeling limited to a small selection.
Administrative and Compliance Support: The back-end support AmeriLife provides can help you manage paperwork, streamline contracting, and ensure compliance. So, you can focus more on sales and client relationships, knowing the administrative side is handled.

Overall, AmeriLife gives you everything you need to build a solid annuity business. They’re there to help you work smarter, reach more clients, and grow your business the right way.

4. LTA Marketing Group

LTA Marketing Group stands out as an IMO dedicated to providing highly customized support for annuity agents.

As such, they’re not about a one-size-fits-all approach; they focus on giving advisors the flexibility and tools they need to grow their business.

If you’re looking for targeted marketing assistance, LTA helps you reach prospects more effectively with strategies that work for your unique client base.

Even better, they handle everything–from branding to lead generation, giving you more time to meet your client’s needs.

Here’s how LTA Marketing serves financial advisors and annuity agents:

Comprehensive Training and Development: Whether you’re new to annuities or a seasoned pro, LTA keeps you up-to-date on products and sales techniques. Their support team knows their stuff and is always there to help with complex cases.
Wide Carrier Access: LTA partners with lots of carriers, giving you plenty of annuity options to match your client’s goals. You won’t feel limited when trying to find the right fit for your clients.
Simplified Back-End Support: They handle all the time-consuming stuff like compliance and paperwork so you can focus on growing your business. This is especially helpful when you’re looking to scale up without getting buried in administrative tasks.

For agents who want an IMO that provides personal attention and solid support across all areas of annuity sales, LTA Marketing Group delivers.

If you want to go the DIY route, check my free masterclass training for insights on annuity lead generation strategies that work.

5. Advisors Excel

The last IMO on the list is Advisors Excel, a powerhouse IMO designed to give annuity advisors a complete support system.

Their offers go beyond traditional sales assistance–they combine marketing, training, and technology with a clear focus on empowering advisors to grow their businesses.

Here’s why Advisors Excel is one of the top picks for anyone looking for an IMO to work with:

Lead Generation: Advisors Excel provides high-quality leads. Instead of just giving you names, they connect you with people actively looking for retirement solutions. This way, you spend less time searching for clients and more time closing deals.
Training and Support: They offer ongoing training to keep you updated on industry trends and sales techniques. Whether you need workshops or one-on-one coaching, they ensure you have the tools to succeed.
Back-Office Help: Their team handles the paperwork and compliance issues. This means you can focus on building relationships with clients instead of getting bogged down in admin tasks.
Technology Tools: Advisors Excel offers a suite of tools to help you manage your business more effectively. From CRM systems to performance tracking, these resources help you stay organized and efficient.

For a streamlined experience in annuity sales, Advisors Excel covers all the bases so you can focus on growth.

If you’re looking for more strategies on selling annuities, check out my free masterclass training here.

Which IMO is Right for You?

Picking the right IMO really comes down to what you need and what fits your business goals. Think about the kind of support you want, the variety of products, and how they can help you find leads and market yourself.

ECA Marketing stands out because it checks all these boxes. They offer top-notch service, with a team ready to support you at every step.

For even more insights on selling annuities and finding the right partners, join my free masterclass training here.

What’s an IMO?

An IMO, or Independent Marketing Organization, is a support organization that helps independent annuity agents. IMOs work with a variety of insurance carriers and act as a partnership between the agents and the carriers.

They provide agents and advisors with in-depth knowledge about various types of annuities, such as fixed annuities, variable annuities, and indexed annuities. In turn, agents use this knowledge to assist their clients in selecting the most suitable annuity products.

Why Partner with an IMO?

When you’re start selling annuities as an insurance agent, you basically have two options: you can either go directly to insurance carriers or partner with an IMO.

Going direct might seem simpler, but here’s why IMOs often make more sense:

They give you access to multiple carriers and products through one relationship – instead of having to build separate relationships with each carrier.
IMOs handle all the paperwork and contracting hassles for you. They also help you navigate regulatory requirements and compliance issues. Trust me, this saves you tons of time and headaches.
They assist you in contracting with multiple insurance carriers offering annuities, thereby expanding the range of annuity products you can offer.
IMOs often provide marketing materials, sales tools, and guidance on the best strategies for selling annuities.

I’ve seen agents try to go at it alone, and honestly—they usually end up working twice as hard for less money. With an IMO, you get built-in support, better commissions, and a team invested in your success.

With that out of the way, let’s get to the main talking point of the article–the best IMOs you can use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I just work directly with the insurance carriers?

While you can work directly with insurance carriers, it limits your options and support. IMOs offer access to multiple carriers, streamlined processes, and valuable resources, making it easier for agents to serve clients effectively.

What should I look for in an IMO?

Look for an IMO with a strong track record, excellent support services, access to multiple carriers, unbiased recommendations, and a collaborative approach that aligns with your business goals.

What is the difference between IMO and FMO?

An IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) typically focuses on life insurance and annuities, while an FMO (Field Marketing Organization) may have a broader focus, including health insurance and other products.

Do agents need to pay to join an IMO?

Generally, agents do not have to pay to join an IMO. IMOs typically earn commissions from the products they sell, so their success is aligned with yours.

Can agents work with multiple IMOs?

Yes, agents can work with multiple IMOs. This allows you to access a broader range of products and services, helping you better meet your client’s needs.

Are IMOs regulated?

IMOs are not regulated in the same way as insurance carriers, but they must comply with state and federal insurance laws. They operate under industry guidelines to ensure fair practices and protect agents and clients.

Ashley Davis

Ashley Davis (or ‘Ash’ for short) is the CEO & Founder of Skyline Social. For over 15 years, Ash has been helping business owners get high-quality leads, appointments, and clients each month. He has extensive experience working with B2B & B2C industries in finance, insurance, marketing, sales and beyond. Learn more about the author here.