Athene Annuity and Life Company Review

Reviewed by Ryan Hart
Licensed Insurance Agent
Athene offers competitive annuity rates and solid financial stability. Their products can be customized to fit individual retirement goals.
FEATURED ANNUITY:
Athene Annuity and Life Company
Athene Agility 10
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Pros
  • Solid reputation and customer service.
  • Competitive interest rates.
  • Strong financial stability.
  • Wide variety of annuity options.
  • Flexible income payout options.
Cons
  • Long-term commitment required.
  • Early withdrawal penalties may apply.
  • Potentially low participation rates.

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Complete Review

Athene annuities offer a safe way to grow your savings with protection from market losses. Your money earns interest based on the performance of an index, like the S&P 500, but without the risk of losing money if the market drops. 

Fixed indexed annuities provide tax-deferred growth, flexible payout options, and guaranteed lifetime income. Athene occasionally offers bonuses on lump sum premium payments.

Athene may charge fees for early withdrawals, known as surrender charges, if you take money out before a certain time. 

Some contracts include annual fees for optional benefits, like income riders. Management fees may apply depending on the specific plan. If you withdraw more than the allowed amount each year, there could be additional penalties.

What We Like About Athene Annuities

Competitive interest rates: Athene fixed indexed annuity rates are based on the performance of popular market indexes like the S&P 500. This allows your money to grow more quickly without the risk of losing it if the market drops.

Protection from market losses: Your money is safe even if the stock market goes down. Athene guarantees you won't lose your original investment.

Guaranteed lifetime income options: Fixed indexed annuities can provide a steady income for the rest of your life. This helps make sure you have reliable money during retirement.

Tax-deferred growth: You don’t pay taxes on the money your annuity earns until you withdraw it. This helps your savings grow faster over time.

Strong financial backing and stability: Athene is financially strong and well-established. This means your money is in safe hands with a reliable company.

Death benefits: Athene Fixed Indexed Annuities can include death benefits. This ensures your beneficiaries receive money if something happens to you.

What We Dislike About Athene Annuities


Limited liquidity: Fixed indexed annuities usually restrict how much money you can withdraw each year. This can be a problem if you need access to more funds unexpectedly.

Early withdrawal penalties: If you take money out before the agreed time, you may face high surrender charges. This limits your access to your savings when you need it most.

Caps or participation rates: Athene may set limits on how much you can earn even when the market performs well. This can hold back your potential gains.

Athene Annuity Customer Reviews

As of October 2024, Athene has mixed reviews across various platforms. On WalletHub, Athene holds a relatively low score, with many complaints about slow customer service and difficulties withdrawing funds or processing claims. 

With the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Athene has a significantly lower average rating, currently at 1.1 out of 5 stars, with frequent complaints about slow processing times for payouts and poor customer service. Common grievances involve delays in accessing funds and long wait times for resolving issues.

Before you apply:

Here's the information you'll need before purchasing an annuity:

1. Proof of Identity: Bring a government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver's license, to verify your identity.

2. Financial Information
: Have details about your income, assets, and liabilities ready, such as your mortgage balance. You may also need recent bank statements.

3. Beneficiary Information
: Prepare the names, birthdates, and Social Security numbers of those you want to list as beneficiaries.

4. Tax Information
: Gather information about your current tax situation and any tax-deferred accounts you have, like IRAs or 401(k)s.

5. Existing Insurance
: Bring information on any life insurance policies or retirement investments you already own.

How to apply online:

1. Submit Personal Information: Fill out an online application with your personal details, financial information, and beneficiaries. Make sure to have all necessary documents ready, like proof of identity and income.

2. Follow Up Phone Call: After submitting your application, we will schedule an appointment with you to confirm receipt and ask any questions. This ensures the process is moving forward and gives you a chance to clarify any details.

3. Review and Sign the Contract
: Once your application is processed, review the contract carefully. If everything looks correct, sign the agreement electronically and finalize the purchase.

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