Athene Annuity and Life Insurance Company has been the #1 seller of fixed annuities in the United States for three consecutive years. With an AM Best rating of A+ (Superior), over $300 billion in assets, and a product lineup that spans MYGAs, fixed index annuities, and SPIAs, Athene is a carrier worth serious consideration for anyone shopping annuities in 2026.
This review covers everything you need to know: Athene’s financial strength, current product offerings, live MYGA rates, and how to contact them directly.
Athene Annuity at a Glance
Here are the key facts about Athene before we go deeper:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Legal Name | Athene Annuity and Life Insurance Company |
| Headquarters | West Des Moines, Iowa |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Parent Company | Apollo Global Management |
| AM Best Rating | A+ (Superior) |
| S&P Rating | A+ (Strong) |
| Moody’s Rating | A1 |
| Comdex Score | 93 out of 100 |
| Total Assets | $300+ billion |
| Annuity Sales Rank | #1 in fixed annuity sales (2022–2024) |
| Products Offered | MYGAs, Fixed Index Annuities, SPIAs, RILAs |
| States Available | All 50 states (product availability varies) |
| Minimum Premium | $10,000 (most products) |
Athene’s Financial Strength Ratings
Athene holds an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best — the second-highest possible designation. AM Best evaluates balance sheet strength, operating performance, and business profile. An A+ rating means Athene has a superior ability to meet its ongoing insurance obligations.
S&P Global also rates Athene A+, and Moody’s assigns an A1 rating. The company’s Comdex score — a composite of all major rating agencies — sits at 93 out of 100, placing it in the top tier of all U.S. annuity carriers.
Athene’s financial position is reinforced by its parent, Apollo Global Management, one of the world’s largest alternative asset managers with over $700 billion in assets under management. Apollo completed its acquisition of Athene in January 2022, giving Athene access to sophisticated investment strategies and additional capital support.
For context: Susan, age 64, placed $200,000 into an Athene 5-Year MYGA. Her primary concern was whether the company would be around in five years. Athene’s A+ rating, $300B+ asset base, and state guaranty association coverage of up to $250,000 gave her confidence before signing.
What Types of Annuities Does Athene Offer?
Athene sells three main categories of annuities, each serving a different retirement goal:
- Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) — Fixed interest rates locked in for 3, 5, or 7 years. Best for conservative savers who want a predictable, tax-deferred return similar to a CD but typically higher.
- Fixed Index Annuities (FIAs) — Interest credits linked to a market index (S&P 500, NASDAQ, etc.) with a guaranteed floor of zero. You can participate in market growth without risking your principal. Available with optional income riders for lifetime withdrawals.
- Single Premium Immediate Annuities (SPIAs) — Convert a lump sum into immediate, guaranteed monthly income. Payments typically begin within 30 days and can last a lifetime.
Athene also offers Registered Index-Linked Annuities (RILAs), which accept a defined amount of downside risk in exchange for higher upside potential. RILAs are best suited for investors comfortable with some market exposure.
Athene MYGA Products and Current Rates
Live rates from AnnuityRateWatch · Rates updated April 2, 2026
| Product | Term | Rate (APY) | Min Premium | Last Rate Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Athene Max Rate 3
AM Best A+ |
3 Years | 4.9% | $100,000+ | Mar 27, 2026 | View Details → |
|
Athene Max Rate 3
AM Best A+ |
3 Years | 4.65% | $10,000+ | Mar 27, 2026 | View Details → |
|
Athene Max Rate 5
AM Best A+ |
5 Years | 5.1% | $100,000+ | Mar 27, 2026 | View Details → |
|
Athene Max Rate 5
AM Best A+ |
5 Years | 4.85% | $10,000+ | Mar 27, 2026 | View Details → |
|
Athene Max Rate 7
AM Best A+ |
7 Years | 5.2% | $100,000+ | Mar 27, 2026 | View Details → |
|
Athene Max Rate 7
AM Best A+ |
7 Years | 4.9% | $10,000+ | Mar 27, 2026 | View Details → |
Rates apply to standard products. State availability varies. Not an offer or solicitation. Always verify current rates before purchasing.
Athene’s Max Rate MYGA series offers a straightforward locked rate for your chosen term — no moving parts, no market exposure, no surprises at renewal. All three terms carry the same free withdrawal provision: up to 10% of contract value annually beginning in year one.
Athene Max Rate 3
Best for savers who want access to funds within a few years. Minimum premium $10,000. Download the Max Rate Brochure (PDF)
Athene Max Rate 5
The most popular term among our clients — typically the best balance of rate and flexibility. Minimum $10,000; rate improves for premiums of $100,000 or more.
Athene Max Rate 7
For savers who won’t need access for the full term and want to maximize guaranteed growth. Rates are competitive with the 5-year on most offer dates. Download the MYGA Brochure (PDF)
Athene Fixed Index Annuity Products
Athene’s FIA lineup is one of the most well-developed in the industry, offering multiple index crediting options and optional income riders for lifetime withdrawal benefits (GLWBs).
Athene Agility 10
A 10-year FIA with a wide selection of index strategies, including the S&P 500, multi-index, and volatility-controlled options. The Agility 10 is designed for clients who want growth potential alongside principal protection. Read our full Athene Agility 10 review or download the product brochure (PDF).
Athene Ascent Pro 10
A 10-year FIA that includes a premium bonus of up to 10% and an optional guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit (GLWB) rider. The Ascent Pro is popular with clients who want a guaranteed income stream in retirement. Read our full Athene Ascent Pro 10 review or download the product brochure (PDF).
Athene Performance Elite 7
A 7-year FIA designed for clients who want a shorter commitment with flexible index crediting strategies. Includes the Performance Elite+ rider option for enhanced income benefits. Read our full Athene Performance Elite 7 review or download the product brochure (PDF).
Athene AccuMax
An older FIA product still held by many clients. Features point-to-point crediting with multiple index options. Download the AccuMax brochure (PDF).
Athene Amplify (RILA)
A Registered Index-Linked Annuity that offers higher upside potential in exchange for accepting a defined buffer against losses (e.g., the first 10% of losses are absorbed by Athene). Suitable for accumulation-focused clients with a moderate risk tolerance. Download the Amplify brochure (PDF).
Who Is Athene Best For?
Athene is a strong fit for most annuity buyers, but it’s especially well-suited for:
- Conservative savers aged 55–72 who want a guaranteed rate on a MYGA and plan to leave the funds untouched for 3–7 years.
- Pre-retirees seeking lifetime income who want an FIA with a GLWB rider and at least 10 years before withdrawals begin. The Ascent Pro 10 and Agility 10 are well-designed for this use case.
- Rollover clients moving 401(k) or IRA funds into a tax-deferred annuity. Athene’s qualified minimum premiums start at $10,000, making it accessible for smaller rollovers as well as large ones.
- Clients in all 50 states — Athene’s distribution footprint covers the entire country, unlike some smaller regional carriers.
Athene may not be the best fit if you need the absolute highest MYGA rate in every term. Athene is highly competitive but not always #1 on any given day. If your only priority is the maximum rate, use our live rate comparison table to see all carriers side by side.
Contact Athene Annuity
You can reach Athene Annuity directly for customer service, policy questions, or general information:
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | www.athene.com |
| Customer Service Phone | 1-888-266-8489 |
| Mailing Address | Athene Annuity and Life Insurance Company 7700 Mills Civic Parkway West Des Moines, IA 50266 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. CT |
Working with My Annuity Store: My Annuity Store is an independent annuity marketplace — not affiliated with Athene. We can compare Athene products against 20+ other carriers to help you find the best fit. Request a free quote or call us at 855-583-1104.
More Athene Product Reviews
We have published in-depth reviews of specific Athene annuity products:
- Athene Performance Elite 7 Annuity Review — An independent review of this 7-year FIA with uncapped index crediting options, designed for accumulation.
- Registered Index Linked Annuity (RILA) Guide — Athene offers RILA products alongside its traditional FIA lineup. Learn how RILAs differ and when they make sense.
Related: FIA Sales Leaders: Complete Indexed Annuity Market Data (2015-2025)
