Athene Performance Elite 15
Athene Annuity and Life Company
9.5%
Best Cap
5%
Free W/D
34
States
A fixed indexed annuity designed to help accumulate retirement savings with downside protection, growth potential linked to market indices, and flexible withdrawal options. Suitable for retirees and near-retirees seeking guaranteed income with some market upside.
Free Withdrawal
5%/yr
Available In
34 states
Min Premium
$10,000
Surrender
15 years
Current Rates & Strategies
| Index | Crediting | Cap | Participation | Fixed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI Powered Global Opportunities Index | 2-Year | -- | 160% | -- |
| AI Powered Global Opportunities Index | Annual | -- | 155% | -- |
| AI Powered US Equity Index | 2-Year | -- | 230% | -- |
| AI Powered US Equity Index | Annual | -- | 130% | -- |
| BNP Paribas Multi Asset Diversified 5 Index | 2-Year | -- | 225% | -- |
| BNP Paribas Multi Asset Diversified 5 Index | Annual | -- | 165% | -- |
| Nasdaq FC Index | 2-Year | -- | 150% | -- |
| Nasdaq FC Index | Annual | -- | 127% | -- |
| S&P 500 FC TCA 0.50% Decrement Index (USD) ER | 2-Year | -- | 135% | -- |
| S&P 500 FC TCA 0.50% Decrement Index (USD) ER | Annual | -- | 75% | -- |
| S&P 500 Index | Annual | 9.5% | 100% | -- |
| UBS Innovative Balanced Index | 2-Year | -- | 160% | -- |
| UBS Innovative Balanced Index | Annual | -- | 155% | -- |
| Fixed Account | Daily | -- | -- | 3.7% |
Key Features
Premium Bonus
Varies by term and product; not available on Performance Elite 7Immediate increase to your annuity value at contract issue, credited upfront to your accumulated value
Fixed Crediting Strategy
Rate varies; subject to minimum guaranteesGuaranteed rate of interest declared annually by the insurance company, credited daily
Indexed Crediting Strategies
Higher rates available with optional strategy chargeInterest credits based on external market index performance, using Cap Rate or Participation Rate; locked in at end of term; never below 0%
Annual Free Withdrawals
10% annually (Performance Elite 7) or 5% annually (Performance Elite 10 & 15, or 10% with Plus rider)Penalty-free access to a portion of accumulated value each year without withdrawal charges or market value adjustments
Liquidity Rider (Plus only)
0.95% annual chargeOptional rider for enhanced flexibility with 20% free withdrawal access if no withdrawal taken prior year, return of premium benefit, and enhanced annuitization
Death Benefit
Automatic; no additional costGuarantees beneficiary receives full accumulated value, minimum guaranteed contract value, or return of premium (Plus only), whichever is greater, as long as contract not annuitized
Confinement & Terminal Illness Waivers
Available after first contract year; varies by stateAllows 100% penalty-free withdrawal if confined to care facility for 60+ days or diagnosed with terminal illness expected within one year
Strategy Preset
Exclusive Athene feature; not available in NHUnique hands-free option that automatically allocates premiums to a diversified blend of index strategies and rebalances annually
Tax Deferral
Qualified contracts receive no additional benefit; consider other annuity advantages like lifetime incomeGrowth compounds tax-deferred; no taxes owed on interest earnings until withdrawal
Minimum Guaranteed Contract Value
Guaranteed by Athene Annuity and Life CompanyYour annuity value never drops below the guaranteed minimum, protecting principal from market declines
Highlights
Fixed indexed annuity with guaranteed minimum contract value and market protection—no direct downside risk to your principal
Flexible interest crediting strategies including indexed options tied to market performance, plus a premium bonus at issue
Multiple liquidity options: annual free withdrawals, waiver of charges for confinement/terminal illness, and enhanced access with the Plus rider
Choice between standard 7, 10, or 15-year terms with optional liquidity rider for additional flexibility
Guaranteed lifetime income options at maturity and death benefit protection for beneficiaries
Surrender Schedule
Yr 1
15%
Yr 2
15%
Yr 3
14%
Yr 4
14%
Yr 5
13%
Yr 6
13%
Yr 7
12%
Yr 8
11%
Yr 9
10%
Yr 10
9%
Yr 11
8%
Yr 12
7%
Yr 13
6%
Yr 14
5%
Yr 15
4%
After
0%
Nursing home waiver, Terminal illness waiver
Best For
Retirees and near-retirees seeking guaranteed income, principal protection, and some market growth potential who can commit capital for 7–15 years and want flexibility to access funds for emergencies.
Consider Alternatives If
Investors needing immediate or frequent access to all their money, those in low tax brackets where tax deferral provides minimal benefit, or anyone unable to hold the annuity for the full withdrawal charge period.
Carrier Ratings
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