Carrier Review

Athene Annuity: rates, ratings, and product lineup.

Athene Annuity & Life Company is one of the largest U.S. issuers of fixed and fixed-indexed annuities, with an AM Best rating of A+ (Superior). Owned by Apollo Global Management, Athene is a regular feature at the top of MYGA and FIA rate tables. Here's what to know before buying.

Athene at a glance

  • AM Best rating: A+ (Superior)
  • Parent: Apollo Global Management
  • Total assets: Over $300 billion
  • Headquarters: West Des Moines, Iowa
  • Primary lines: MYGA, FIA, group annuities

Current Athene annuity rates

Rates below reflect Athene's headline offers across major product categories as of our most recent rate refresh. For the full Athene rate table see our Athene annuity rates page.

ProductTypeTermRate
MaxRate 5MYGA5 years6.05%
MaxRate 7MYGA7 years6.00%
Performance Elite PlusFIA w/ income rider10 years10.50% roll-up

Athene's main annuity products

MaxRate (MYGA)

A traditional multi-year guaranteed annuity offering a fixed rate of return for terms of 3, 5, or 7 years. Best for buyers who want predictability and a higher-than-CD rate.

Performance Elite (FIA)

A fixed indexed annuity tied to market indices with downside protection. Optional income riders provide a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit. Best for retirees seeking growth potential without market loss.

Agility (FIA with no-fee income rider)

A streamlined FIA with a built-in lifetime income benefit and no separate rider fee. Best for income-focused buyers who want simplicity.

Pros and cons

Pros
  • Consistently competitive MYGA and FIA rates
  • A+ AM Best financial strength rating
  • Backed by Apollo Global Management's investment expertise
  • Broad state availability
  • Strong income-rider options on FIA products
Cons
  • ×Surrender schedules are standard length (5–10 years)
  • ×FIA caps and participation rates change frequently
  • ×Not available in every state for every product

Who Athene is best for

Athene tends to be a strong fit for retirees and pre-retirees prioritizing competitive guaranteed rates and lifetime income riders. It is less optimal for buyers who specifically want the highest-possible AM Best rating (in which case New York Life at A++ may be preferable) or for very short MYGA terms (Aspida and Oceanview often lead 3-year MYGA tables).

Compare Athene side-by-side with other carriers on our live rates page, or learn how Athene's MYGAs stack up against bank CDs in our annuity vs CD comparison.

Frequently asked questions

Is Athene a good annuity company?
Athene Annuity & Life carries an AM Best rating of A+ (Superior) and is one of the largest fixed and fixed-indexed annuity issuers in the United States. It is owned by Apollo Global Management. Athene is consistently competitive on MYGA and FIA rates and is widely available through independent brokers.
What types of annuities does Athene offer?
Athene's primary annuity products include MaxRate (multi-year guaranteed annuities / MYGAs), Performance Elite and Ascent Pro (fixed indexed annuities with optional income riders), and Agility (FIA with a no-fee income rider). Specific products and rates vary by state.
Is my money safe with Athene?
Athene's claims-paying ability is rated A+ by AM Best. Annuity contracts are also backed by state guaranty associations up to state-specific limits (commonly $250,000 of annuity value per insurer per owner). Annuities are not FDIC-insured.
What are Athene's current MYGA rates?
Athene's headline MYGA rates change frequently with market conditions. As of the most recent update, Athene's MaxRate 5 offers approximately 6.05% APY for a 5-year guarantee. See our Athene rates page for the current snapshot.

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