What Is the Athene Performance Elite 7?
The Athene Performance Elite 7 is a fixed index annuity with a 7-year surrender period, no annual fees on the base contract, and access to some of the highest participation rates in the FIA market. With optional fee-based crediting strategies offering participation rates up to 235% and backtested annualized returns above 12%, the Performance Elite 7 is one of Athene’s most competitive accumulation-focused products.
Product Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Carrier | Athene Annuity and Life Company |
| Product Type | Fixed Index Annuity (FIA) |
| Surrender Period | 7 years |
| Minimum Premium | $25,000 |
| Maximum Issue Age | 80 |
| Free Withdrawal | 10% of accumulation value annually (after year 1) |
| Guaranteed Minimum Interest Rate | 0.00% (floor protects against losses) |
| AM Best Rating | A (Excellent) |
Surrender Charge Schedule
| Year | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charge | 8.50% | 8.00% | 7.00% | 6.00% | 5.00% | 4.00% | 3.00% | 0% |
A market value adjustment (MVA) applies during the surrender period. The MVA can increase or decrease your surrender value based on interest rate changes since purchase. Free look period applies per your state’s requirements.
Index Crediting Strategies and Current Rates
The Performance Elite 7 offers both fee-based and no-fee crediting strategies. Fee-based options charge 1.25% annually but offer significantly higher participation rates. All strategies use an annual point-to-point crediting method with participation rates (no caps).
1-Year Reset Strategies (Current as of March 2026)
| Index | Fee | Participation Rate | Backtested Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI Powered Global Opportunities PTP | 1.25% | 175% | 18.81% |
| AI Powered Global Opportunities PTP | None | 140% | 15.22% |
| Nasdaq FC PTP | 1.25% | 145% | 13.92% |
| UBS Innovative Balanced PTP | 1.25% | 175% | 13.27% |
| S&P 500 FC PTP (0.50% Decrement) | 1.25% | 110% | 12.84% |
| Nasdaq FC PTP | None | 115% | 11.17% |
| BNP Paribas Multi-Asset PTP | 1.25% | 245% | 10.86% |
| UBS Innovative Balanced PTP | None | 140% | 10.73% |
| S&P 500 FC PTP (0.50% Decrement) | None | 88% | 10.35% |
| BNP Paribas Multi-Asset PTP | None | 195% | 8.69% |
2-Year Reset Strategies (Current as of March 2026)
| Index | Fee | Participation Rate | Backtested Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI Powered Global Opportunities PTP | 1.25% | 235% | 23.21% |
| AI Powered Global Opportunities PTP | None | 185% | 18.97% |
| Nasdaq FC PTP | 1.25% | 225% | 15.91% |
| UBS Innovative Balanced PTP | 1.25% | 235% | 14.90% |
| S&P 500 FC PTP (0.50% Decrement) | 1.25% | 150% | 14.30% |
| Nasdaq FC PTP | None | 175% | 12.77% |
| UBS Innovative Balanced PTP | None | 185% | 12.09% |
| S&P 500 FC PTP (0.50% Decrement) | None | 118% | 11.52% |
| BNP Paribas Multi-Asset PTP | 1.25% | 335% | 11.26% |
| BNP Paribas Multi-Asset PTP | None | 260% | 8.90% |
Rates shown are for a 63-year-old male in Texas with a $100,000 Traditional IRA premium. Participation rates and backtested returns vary by age, state, premium amount, and account type. Backtested returns are hypothetical and do not guarantee future performance. Data sourced from Annuities Genius illustration system, March 2026.
Historical Backtested Performance: BNP Paribas Multi-Asset Strategy
The following table shows hypothetical 10-year performance for the 1-Year BNP Paribas Multi-Asset PTP strategy at 100% allocation, using current participation rates applied to historical index data (inception 01/26/2016):
Best 10-Year Period (Annualized: 12.99%)
| Year End | Credited Rate | Accumulation Value |
|---|---|---|
| 12/31/2010 | 15.49% | $115,494 |
| 12/31/2011 | 8.78% | $125,640 |
| 12/31/2012 | 20.12% | $150,922 |
| 12/31/2013 | 19.60% | $180,496 |
| 12/31/2014 | 19.16% | $215,086 |
| 12/31/2015 | 0.12% | $215,339 |
| 12/31/2016 | 11.58% | $240,280 |
| 12/31/2017 | 12.64% | $270,654 |
| 12/31/2018 | 0.00% | $270,654 |
| 12/31/2019 | 25.35% | $339,276 |
Worst 10-Year Period (Annualized: 7.27%)
| Year End | Credited Rate | Accumulation Value |
|---|---|---|
| 12/31/2015 | 0.12% | $100,118 |
| 12/31/2016 | 11.58% | $111,714 |
| 12/31/2017 | 12.64% | $125,835 |
| 12/31/2018 | 0.00% | $125,835 |
| 12/31/2019 | 25.35% | $157,740 |
| 12/31/2020 | 6.40% | $167,840 |
| 12/31/2021 | 7.71% | $180,785 |
| 12/31/2022 | 0.00% | $180,785 |
| 12/31/2023 | 9.22% | $197,447 |
| 12/31/2024 | 2.13% | $201,656 |
Most Recent 10-Year Period (Annualized: 8.69%)
| Year End | Credited Rate | Accumulation Value |
|---|---|---|
| 12/31/2016 | 11.58% | $111,582 |
| 12/31/2017 | 12.64% | $125,687 |
| 12/31/2018 | 0.00% | $125,687 |
| 12/31/2019 | 25.35% | $157,554 |
| 12/31/2020 | 6.40% | $167,642 |
| 12/31/2021 | 7.71% | $180,572 |
| 12/31/2022 | 0.00% | $180,572 |
| 12/31/2023 | 9.22% | $197,215 |
| 12/31/2024 | 2.13% | $201,419 |
| 12/31/2025 | 14.28% | $230,174 |
These are hypothetical backtested returns. They show what would have happened if current rates were applied to historical index data. Actual future performance will differ. The annualized credited rate does not reflect any rider fees or contract charges. Source: Annuities Genius illustration system.
Key takeaway: even in the worst 10-year period, the BNP Paribas strategy more than doubled the initial $100,000 investment, and in zero-credit years (2018, 2022), the account value stayed flat rather than declining. This is the power of the 0% floor in a fixed index annuity.
Fee-Based vs. No-Fee Strategies: Which Is Better?
The Performance Elite 7 offers both options for most indexes. Here is how to think about the trade-off:
| Fee-Based (1.25%/year) | No-Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Participation rates | Higher (e.g., 175% on AI Powered Global) | Lower (e.g., 140% on same index) |
| Backtested returns | Higher gross, net of fee still usually ahead | Lower gross, but no drag |
| Best for | Long-term accumulation (7+ years) | Shorter holding periods or conservative buyers |
| Risk | Fee charged even in 0% credit years | No fee drag in flat years |
In most backtested scenarios, the fee-based strategies outperform their no-fee counterparts after the fee is deducted. However, in a prolonged flat market with multiple zero-credit years, the 1.25% annual fee creates a drag that the no-fee version avoids.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Industry-leading participation rates on multiple indexes (up to 335% on BNP Paribas 2-year)
- No annual fees on the base contract. The 1.25% fee only applies if you choose fee-based crediting strategies
- 10+ index options across 1-year and 2-year reset periods, giving you broad diversification within one contract
- Strong carrier backing. Athene holds an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best and is one of the largest fixed annuity issuers in the U.S., with over $300 billion in assets
- 0% floor protects your principal from market losses in every crediting period
Cons
- 7-year surrender period with charges up to 8.50% in year 1. Not suitable if you may need full access to your money within 7 years.
- MVA applies. Interest rate changes can increase or decrease your surrender value if you withdraw early.
- Participation rates are not guaranteed for the life of the contract. Athene can adjust them at each anniversary, subject to contractual minimums.
- Backtested returns are hypothetical. The proprietary indexes (AI Powered Global Opportunities, UBS Innovative Balanced) do not have long live track records. Their backtested performance uses reconstructed data.
- Complexity. With 10+ crediting strategies, fee-based vs no-fee options, and 1-year vs 2-year resets, the product requires careful analysis.
Who Is the Athene Performance Elite 7 Best For?
- Accumulation-focused buyers who want growth potential with downside protection and do not need income rider features
- IRA and 401(k) rollover money where tax deferral is already in place and the goal is safe growth
- Investors comfortable with a 7-year commitment who can use the 10% annual free withdrawal for any liquidity needs
- Buyers who want to diversify across multiple indexes within a single contract rather than buying multiple annuities
How to Buy the Athene Performance Elite 7
- Request a personalized quote to see exact participation rates for your age, state, and premium
- Compare strategies. Use the illustration data to compare 1-year vs 2-year resets and fee-based vs no-fee options
- Review the contract during your free look period (10-30 days depending on your state)
For independent ratings and complaint data on Athene, visit the NAIC Consumer Information Source.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum investment for the Athene Performance Elite 7?
The minimum premium is $25,000. This applies to both qualified (IRA/401k rollover) and non-qualified funds.
Are the participation rates guaranteed?
The current declared participation rates can change at each contract anniversary. However, the contract includes guaranteed minimum rates that Athene cannot go below. Always check the guaranteed minimums in addition to the current declared rates.
Can I add an income rider to the Performance Elite 7?
The Performance Elite 7 is primarily designed for accumulation. Athene offers other products (like the Athene Agility 10) that pair better with income riders. Check with your agent for current rider availability on this specific product.
What happens if the index returns 0% in a given year?
Your account value stays flat for that crediting period. You do not lose money. However, if you selected a fee-based crediting strategy, the 1.25% annual fee is still deducted, which would slightly reduce your accumulation value.
How does the Performance Elite 7 compare to other Athene FIAs?
The Performance Elite 7 has a shorter surrender period (7 years vs 10) compared to products like the Athene Ascent Pro 10 or Athene Performance Elite 10. Shorter surrender periods typically come with slightly lower participation rates but offer earlier liquidity.
