Product review
Athene Performance Elite Review: Cap Rates, Fees, and Who It Fits (not live)
A review of the Athene Performance Elite fixed indexed annuity — crediting strategies, surrender schedule, fees, and the buyer profile it actually fits.
By Charlie Brothersen · Series 65
Published · Updated
- product review
- FIA
- Athene
- accumulation
Grade: B+
Best for: Accumulation buyers with a 10-year planning horizon who will actually hold past the surrender period.
- 10-year surrender schedule — not for buyers with liquidity needs inside a decade.
- Renewal cap history matters more than the teaser cap; always review it.
- A bonus on deposit typically comes with a vesting schedule — read the fine print.
Pipeline-computed data
pipeline v0.5.0 · generatedExample content created during the Phase 2 migration. Cap rates, participation rates, and fees shown in frontmatter are illustrative — not a live quote.
What it is
Athene Performance Elite is an accumulation-focused fixed indexed annuity with a 10-year surrender period, a premium bonus option, and multiple crediting strategies across a menu of indexes.
Crediting mechanics
Buyers can allocate among cap-rate, participation-rate, and spread strategies on a combination of a traditional index (S&P 500) and a volatility-controlled index. Allocation is elective at issue and reallocatable on anniversary.
The featured cap and participation rate on this review are illustrative. Real rates vary by state, issue age, premium band, and whether the contract carries a bonus option — always confirm on a signed rate sheet before quoting.
Fees and surrender schedule
- Base contract fee. Typically 0% on non-rider versions — the carrier earns its spread inside the crediting levers.
- Rider fees. Optional income rider carries a separate annual fee charged against the accumulation value.
- Surrender charges. Declining schedule over 10 years; a market value adjustment may apply.
Who it fits
- Good fit: An accumulation buyer who will hold past the surrender window, wants a 0% floor, and values the option menu.
- Think twice: A buyer with possible liquidity needs inside 10 years, or one who would prefer a shorter MYGA for simple certainty.
Bottom line
A competitive accumulation FIA from a strongly rated carrier, with the usual long-surrender, long-hold profile of the category. Underwrite the renewal history, not the launch cap.