Athene Performance Elite 15
Athene Annuity and Life Company
9.5%
Best Cap
5%
Free W/D
34
States
Athene Performance Elite is a fixed indexed annuity designed to help you accumulate retirement savings with downside protection and growth potential linked to market indices. It's ideal for people nearing or in retirement who want guaranteed income with the opportunity to earn more without direct market risk.
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 contractAn immediate credit applied to your initial deposit that increases your account value right away
Indexed Interest Crediting
0% minimum, cap/participation rate based on strategyYour interest is calculated based on the performance of external market indices (like the S&P 500) using Cap Rates or Participation Rates, with a floor of 0% — you never earn negative returns
Fixed Interest Crediting
Declared annuallyA guaranteed fixed rate declared annually by Athene that's credited daily to your account
Strategy Preset
Athene exclusive featureAn automated, hands-free allocation that diversifies your money across multiple index strategies and rebalances annually
Annual Free Withdrawals
10% (PE7) or 5% (PE10/15) annuallyPenalty-free access to a portion of your account each year without surrender charges or market value adjustments
Enhanced Free Withdrawals (Plus only)
10% annual, up to 20% if no prior withdrawalOn PE10 and PE15 Plus, increases penalty-free withdrawal to 10% per year, or up to 20% if you didn't withdraw the prior year
Return of Premium Benefit (Plus only)
After year 4After the fourth contract year, your cash surrender value is guaranteed to never be less than your original premium (minus taxes and withdrawals)
Confinement Waiver
After year 1, not available in CA, MAIf you've been confined to a qualified care facility for 60+ consecutive days, you can withdraw 100% of your account value penalty-free
Terminal Illness Waiver
After year 1, not available in CAIf diagnosed with a terminal illness expected to result in death within one year, withdraw 100% penalty-free
Death Benefit
100% of applicable valueYour beneficiary receives the greater of your account value, minimum guaranteed contract value, or return of premium (if applicable) — without annuitization
Annuitization Options
Multiple settlement optionsAt maturity, convert your account into guaranteed lifetime income with multiple payout options (lifetime, period certain, joint annuitant)
Tax Deferral
Tax-deferred growthYour interest earnings grow tax-deferred — you only pay taxes when you withdraw money
Minimum Guaranteed Contract Value
Guaranteed floorYour account is guaranteed to never fall below a stated minimum contract value, protecting your principal
Highlights
Fixed Indexed Annuity with guaranteed protection from market downturns — your money never loses value due to market risk
Premium Bonus credited at issue provides an immediate boost to your account value
Multiple interest crediting strategies including fixed rates and index-linked options with Strategy Preset for automated diversification
Annual free withdrawals (10% for 7-year, 5% for 10/15-year contracts) plus waivers for confinement and terminal illness
Optional Liquidity Rider adds enhanced flexibility with 20% penalty-free withdrawals and Return of Premium protection
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
Pre-retirees and retirees who want to accumulate savings for long-term retirement income with downside market protection and the flexibility to access funds when needed.
Consider Alternatives If
People who need immediate access to their full principal or who may need to surrender their contract early, as surrender charges and market value adjustments can reduce returns significantly.
Carrier Ratings
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