Athene Performance Elite 10 FIA Review (2026)
Quick take: Athene Performance Elite 10 is the standard 10-year accumulation FIA in Athene's PE family — higher caps and participation rates than the PE 7 in exchange for 3 more years of surrender lock. A+ rating, top of the FIA pack on carrier strength.
TL;DR — Athene Performance Elite 10
- Current 1-yr S&P 500 cap (estimate): 8.5-10.0%
- Current 2-yr S&P participation rate: 100-130%
- BNP Custom indices: 60-80% participation, uncapped
- AM Best: A+ (Superior), Stable outlook
- Surrender period: 10 years declining
- Premium bonus: None on PE 10 (vs bonus variants)
- Best for: A+ rated FIA accumulation, willing to commit 10 years for higher caps
- Verdict: Standard A+ 10-year FIA. Higher caps than PE 7; well-positioned for accumulation.
Live Rate Snapshot — June 2026 (estimated)
| Crediting Strategy | Current (est.) | Minimum Guaranteed |
|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 1-yr point-to-point cap | 8.5-10.0% | 1-2% |
| S&P 500 2-yr participation rate | 100-130% | 10-20% |
| BNP Custom indices participation | 60-80% | 5-10% |
| Fixed account 1-yr rate | ~3.5-4.0% | 1.0% |
Term-specific mechanics — 10-year contract
Surrender schedule (10-year)
| Year | Surrender Charge |
|---|---|
| 1 | 9.2% |
| 2 | 9.1% |
| 3 | 8.1% |
| 4 | 7.1% |
| 5 | 6.0% |
| 6 | 5.0% |
| 7 | 4.0% |
| 8 | 3.0% |
| 9 | 2.0% |
| 10 | 1.0% |
| 11+ | 0% |
Free withdrawal
10% of accumulation value per contract year after year 1. RMDs penalty-free.
MVA
Two-way MVA above the 10% free band.
Minimum guaranteed values
Cap floor 1-2%, participation floor 5-20%, fixed account floor 1.0%.
Why the 10-year version vs other Athene PE terms
- PE 10 vs PE 7: +50-100 bps cap, +10-20% participation, +3 years lock-in.
- PE 10 vs PE 15 Plus: PE 15 Plus has higher caps still + income rider option, but 5 more years of lock.
- Pick PE 10 if: you want the standard accumulation FIA sweet spot — full upside without 15-year lock or premium-bonus complexity.
What we like
- A+ AM Best rating. Top-tier carrier strength.
- Higher caps than PE 7. Standard tradeoff: longer lock = more upside.
- Pure accumulation FIA. No income rider fees eating returns.
- Multiple crediting strategies. S&P 1-yr cap, 2-yr participation, BNP Custom uncapped, fixed.
- Athene renewal-rate integrity above average.
What we don't
- 10-year surrender is long. Buyers in their 70s should think hard about duration.
- Cap renewal risk. Minimum 1-2% cap could mean essentially 0% real returns in worst case.
- No premium bonus on PE 10. Bonus variants offer 5-10% upfront credit.
- Caps mid-pack vs A- competitors. F&G Power Accumulator 10 may pay slightly higher caps.
Who this 10-year version is best for
Persona: 55-68 year old placing $100K–$1M who wants A+ carrier accumulation FIA at standard 10-year duration, no income rider, no bonus complexity.
Not a fit: Buyers who want income riders (Allianz 222, Athene PE 15 Plus). Buyers who want premium bonus (Ascent Pro Bonus). Buyers over 75 (10-year lock too long).
vs other Athene FIA terms (sibling pages)
- Athene PE 7 — 7-year surrender, lower caps
- Athene Ascent Pro Bonus 7 — 7-year + bonus, lower caps
vs competitor 10-year FIAs
| Product | AM Best | S&P 1yr Cap (est) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athene PE 10 | A+ | 8.5-10.0% | This product |
| F&G Power Accumulator 10 | A- | 9.0-11.0% | F&G yield leader 10-yr |
| F&G Prosperity Elite 10 | A- | 8.0-10.0% | F&G with premium bonus |
| SILAC Denali 10 | B+ | 7.5-9.5% | B+ tier 10-yr |
| NA Charter Plus 10 | A+ | 7.5-9.5% | North American A+ peer |
| Allianz Benefit Control (10) | A+ | varies | Allianz hybrid w/ income rider |
Scoring frameworks
DBQS
Full accumulation value at death. DBQS: 8/10.
IQS
No income rider. IQS: 3/10.
GPS
Higher caps than PE 7, multiple strategies, A+ carrier. GPS: 8/10.
Goldstein Complexity Index
A core part of every Goldstein review. The more complex an annuity, the worse the rating in this dimension — because complexity is where buyers get burned. Simple products (SPIAs, MYGAs) score low; products with stacked bonuses + income riders + MVA + multiple crediting strategies score high.
This product's score: 52/100 — Grade B (Moderate)
Standard FIA mechanics with multiple crediting strategies. Complexity is in choosing among them.
Score breakdown
| Dimension | Score | What this measures |
|---|---|---|
| Riders | 2/10 | Optional income riders available; PE 10 commonly sold rider-free. |
| Crediting strategies | 7/10 | S&P 1-yr cap, S&P 2-yr participation, BNP Custom indices, fixed account — multiple choices. |
| Surrender complexity | 5/10 | Standard 10-year declining + MVA. |
| Benefit-base separation | 2/10 | Single accumulation when rider-free. |
| Cap renewal risk | 6/10 | All FIA caps renew annually. Athene integrity above average. |
How to read this
- A+/A (0–40): You can understand what you bought. Low risk of mis-selling.
- B (41–60): Read the contract carefully and get a second-opinion review before signing.
- C (61–80): Many buyers don't fully understand what they own.
- D (81–100): Demands an independent producer second opinion before signing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources cited
- AnnuityRateWatch broker-channel synthesis, June 2026
- Annuity.org FIA leaderboards
- AnnuityAdvantage FIA listings
- Athene Annuity
- NOLHGA state guaranty coverage
Related Goldstein research
- Sibling: Athene PE 7
- Sibling: Ascent Pro Bonus 7
- Best FIA Caps 2026
- Renewal Rate Integrity
- DBQS Framework
- GPS Framework
Bottom line
The Athene PE 10 is the standard A+ accumulation FIA — higher caps than PE 7 in exchange for 10-year lock. For buyers who want top-tier carrier strength and no income rider complexity at standard FIA duration, this is a top pick. F&G Power Accumulator 10 at A- pays slightly higher caps if you'll trade carrier strength for marginal upside.
Get an independent quote on this product
Hans is licensed in CA and writes through multiple A-rated carriers.
Hans will pull side-by-side quotes from comparable alternatives, walk you through the surrender schedule and MVA in plain English, and answer the renewal-rate-integrity question for the carrier you're considering.
Drop your info — within 24 hours, you'll get a written independent comparison, two competing quotes at the same term, and a 15-minute call if you want one.
Hans Goldstein · 213-414-2808 · NPN 20602398, independent licensed insurance producer appointed with multiple A-rated carriers
By submitting, you agree to receive calls and texts from Hans Goldstein. Msg/data rates apply. Reply STOP to opt out. Privacy Policy.
Disclosure
This review reflects publicly available product materials and approximate rates as of the date stated above. Annuity rates, caps, participation rates, payout factors, and crediting methods change frequently — typically monthly. Always confirm current values against the most recent carrier disclosure document and the actual contract before purchasing. This article is general information for educational purposes; it is not a personalized recommendation, solicitation, or offer of any specific product. Hans Goldstein is an independent licensed insurance producer (NPN 20602398) appointed with multiple A-rated carriers; the producer's specific appointment status with the carrier discussed in this review may vary, and this review is not an endorsement or representation of carrier appointment. No compensation has been received from any carrier in connection with the publication of this review. Always read the actual contract and consult a licensed advisor before purchasing any annuity. Past index performance does not predict future credited interest. Annuities are long-term contracts with surrender charges; they are not suitable for funds you may need before the end of the surrender period. AM Best ratings and tax treatment are subject to change.