What You Need to Know Before Buying
Company Background and Reliability
- Founded: 2009
- Years in Business: 18 years (as of 2025)
- Headquarters: West Des Moines, Iowa
- Company Overview: Athene is a leading retirement services company specializing in fixed annuities and fixed indexed annuities. Although younger than many legacy insurers, Athene has become one of the top issuers in the U.S. annuity market through rapid growth and strong capital backing.
- Why It Matters: Annuities are long-term contracts. Athene’s growth, size, and financial strength provide confidence that it can meet future obligations.
Financial Strength and Ratings (2025)
- A.M. Best: A (Excellent)
- S&P: A+
- Moody’s: A1
- Fitch: A+
- KBRA: A+
- Comdex Score: 89
- Why It Matters: These ratings reflect strong financial health and claims-paying ability. While Athene is not at the very top of the industry, it is considered a reliable, investment-grade insurer.
For a comprehensive look at Athene and how they stack up, check out our Athene company review.
Fixed Annuity Interest Rates
These are the current Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA) interest rates for October 2026. Comparing Athene’s guaranteed rates with those of all other insurers is essential to ensure your savings earn the maximum growth possible. Rates vary by company and contract length, so it’s essential to review Athene alongside other top-rated carriers before making a commitment.
Comparing Athene’s guaranteed rates with the best multi-year guaranteed annuity (MYGA) rates from all other insurers is essential to ensure your savings earn the maximum growth possible.
Fixed Income Payout Rates
These are the highest fixed income payout rates for October 2026 among all annuity companies. Since lifetime income payouts vary significantly from one company to another, you’ll want to compare Athene’s payout options with other insurers to make sure you’re getting the highest guaranteed income for life. The same deposit amount can generate very different results depending on the company chosen.
How to Compare Athene with Other Companies
- Look Beyond the Initial Rate: Renewal practices, caps, and spreads can affect real performance.
- Liquidity: Athene contracts typically allow annual penalty-free withdrawals, but review each product for exact terms.
- Understand Rider Trade-Offs: GLWBs provide income guarantees but reduce growth potential.
- Independent Review: Compare Athene against competitors with higher Comdex scores to ensure you’re getting the best mix of reliability and payout.
Why Use an Independent Annuity Broker
- Athene only shows its own products if you contact them directly.
- An independent broker can compare Athene with dozens of top-rated insurers.
- Brokers help avoid products with hidden trade-offs, ensuring the best fit for your goals.
- Working with a broker costs you nothing—the insurance companies pay commissions.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Get a Quote: Review Athene’s rates side by side with other carriers.
- Select a Product: Choose between growth-focused or income-focused annuities.
- Submit an Application: Provide financial and beneficiary information.
- Funding Options: Use non-qualified funds, IRAs, Roth IRAs, or 401(k) rollovers.
- Contract Issuance: Once funded, your annuity starts accumulating interest or generating income.
Other Insurance to Consider
- Life Insurance: Protects loved ones and can restore lost funds if you annuitize.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: Covers nursing home or in-home care costs.
- Disability Insurance: Secures income for working individuals before retirement.
Final Advice
Athene is a financially strong insurer with competitive annuity offerings. Although it has a shorter history than some of its peers, its ratings and growth make it a reliable choice. Always compare Athene’s products against other highly rated insurers to secure the best rates and payouts.
Why Choose The Annuity Expert
- Our service is free of charge, with no obligation.
- Access the largest selection of annuity products in the United States.
- Advisors guide you through every step for a stress-free experience.
Contact The Annuity Expert today for free quotes. We’ll help you find the highest fixed annuity interest rates to grow your savings or the strongest guaranteed income payouts for retirement.
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