Athene Annuity and Life Insurance Company is one of the most competitive fixed annuity providers in the United States — particularly in the MYGA market, where they consistently appear near the top of national rate tables. Founded in 2009 and acquired by Apollo Global Management in 2022, Athene manages over $200 billion in assets and serves more than 1.5 million policyholders.
Their AM Best A+ (Superior) rating reflects exceptional financial stability — one of the highest possible ratings in the industry. For savers shopping for the best MYGA rates, Athene belongs on any short list.
Key Takeaways
- AM Best A+ (Superior) — among the strongest ratings available
- Consistently offers some of the most competitive MYGA rates in the country
- Part of Apollo Global Management, with $200B+ in assets under management
- Wide product range: MYGAs, fixed indexed annuities, and immediate annuities
- Strong NAIC complaint index — below-average complaints for their size
Who Is Athene Best For?
Athene is an excellent fit for:
- Rate shoppers: Athene routinely competes for the top spot in 3, 5, and 7-year MYGA rate comparisons
- Safety-focused retirees: A+ AM Best rating offers some of the strongest guarantees available
- Large depositors: Athene accommodates premiums of $1 million+ and often has enhanced rates for larger deposits
- FIA buyers: Their indexed annuity lineup includes competitive caps and multiple index options
Athene Annuity Products
MYGAs (Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities)
Athene Accumulator — Athene’s flagship MYGA available in 3, 5, 7, and 10-year terms. Guarantees a fixed interest rate for the entire term with 10% annual free withdrawals. No annual fees. Minimum premium typically $10,000.
Best for: Savers who want the highest possible guaranteed rate with zero market risk and simple contract terms.
Athene MaxRate — A competitive short-term MYGA with enhanced rates for the first year and a guaranteed minimum for remaining years. Available in 2, 3, and 5-year terms.
Best for: Buyers who want to test the MYGA market with a shorter commitment before locking into a longer term.
Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs)
Athene Agility — Links interest credits to the S&P 500 (point-to-point), Bloomberg US Dynamic Balance Index, and other indices. Offers annual caps of 8%–14% (rates vary). 10% annual free withdrawals. 7-year surrender period.
Best for: Accumulation-focused buyers who want market-linked growth potential with 100% principal protection.
Athene Benefit 10 — FIA with an optional guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit (GLWB) rider. The income benefit base grows at a guaranteed 6% roll-up rate for up to 10 years of deferral. Lifetime withdrawal rates of 4.5%–6.5% depending on age.
Best for: Pre-retirees who want to maximize future guaranteed income and can defer income for 7–10 years.
Immediate Annuities (SPIAs)
Athene Secure Income Annuity — Single premium immediate annuity with payout options including life-only, life with period certain, and joint life. Competitive payout rates, especially for ages 70–80.
Best for: Retirees who need guaranteed income to start immediately and want to convert a lump sum to a lifetime income stream.
Athene Rate Comparison by Term
| Product | Term | Approx. Rate (Feb 2026) | Free Withdrawal | Min Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athene Accumulator | 3-Year MYGA | 4.50%–4.80% | 10%/yr | $10,000 |
| Athene Accumulator | 5-Year MYGA | 4.85%–5.20% | 10%/yr | $10,000 |
| Athene Accumulator | 7-Year MYGA | 4.95%–5.30% | 10%/yr | $10,000 |
| Athene Agility | 7-Year FIA | Up to 12% cap | 10%/yr | $15,000 |
Rates are approximate and change frequently. See live rate tables for current Athene rates from AnnuityRateWatch.
Athene Financial Strength & Ratings
| Rating Agency | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| AM Best | A+ (Superior) | Second-highest possible rating |
| S&P Global | A+ (Strong) | Strong financial security |
| Moody’s | A1 (Good) | Good financial strength |
| NAIC Complaint Index | Below average | Fewer complaints than expected for their size |
Athene Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A+ AM Best rating — superior financial strength | Products sold through agents only — not available direct |
| Consistently top-tier MYGA rates | Some products have higher minimum premiums than competitors |
| Wide product range across MYGA, FIA, and SPIA | Founded in 2009 — shorter track record than century-old insurers |
| Part of Apollo — $200B+ in assets under management | Surrender periods up to 10 years on some products |
| Below-average NAIC complaint index | Complex FIA products require agent explanation |
How to Buy an Athene Annuity
Athene products are sold exclusively through licensed independent annuity agents and brokers — not directly to consumers. To get an Athene annuity:
- Contact an independent annuity broker who works with Athene (most major independent agencies do)
- Request a current rate sheet and product illustration
- Compare Athene’s rate against other A-rated carriers on the same term
- Submit your application — funding can be completed by check, wire transfer, or 1035 exchange
Athene’s customer service: 888-266-8489. Policy management available at athene.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athene a good annuity company?
Yes. Athene holds an A+ rating from AM Best (Superior) and consistently ranks among the top providers for MYGA rates. With $200B+ in assets under management and backing from Apollo Global, their financial strength is among the strongest in the industry.
What is Athene’s AM Best rating?
Athene Annuity and Life Insurance Company holds an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best — the second-highest possible rating. They also carry A+ from S&P Global and A1 from Moody’s.
What types of annuities does Athene offer?
Athene offers multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs), fixed indexed annuities (FIAs), and single premium immediate annuities (SPIAs). Their MYGA lineup includes terms from 2 to 10 years. Their FIA lineup includes products with and without income riders.
Who owns Athene?
Athene was acquired by Apollo Global Management in 2022. Apollo is one of the world’s largest alternative investment managers, managing over $600 billion in assets. Athene remains operationally independent under Apollo’s ownership.
Can I buy an Athene annuity directly?
No. Athene products are sold exclusively through licensed insurance agents and independent brokers. You cannot purchase an Athene annuity directly from their website. Contact an independent annuity broker to access Athene’s current rates and product illustrations.
