Product Review: Athene Agility Fixed Indexed Annuity

Derek Notman |

Overview

Athene Agility is a Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) designed for individuals looking for long-term retirement solutions that offer growth, security, and flexibility. It provides policyholders with market protection, the ability to generate guaranteed lifetime income, and options for handling unexpected financial needs.

Key Features

✅ Market Protection & Growth Potential

  • Funds are not directly invested in the stock market, eliminating risks of market downturns.
  • Gains are locked in annually, ensuring that once credited, they cannot be lost.
  • Multiple index crediting strategies provide opportunities for growth based on market performance.
  • Includes a fixed interest crediting strategy that provides a guaranteed growth rate.

✅ Lifetime Income & Retirement Paychecks

  • Once eligible, policyholders can receive a guaranteed “retirement paycheck” for life.
  • Offers single or joint-life withdrawal options, ensuring financial security for both the individual and their spouse.
  • The income stream can increase over time, as it grows based on the annuity's credited interest.

✅ Liquidity & Accessibility

  • Free Annual Withdrawals: Allows up to 10% of the annuity’s value to be withdrawn annually without penalties.
  • Enhanced Income Benefit: If confined to a qualified care facility, policyholders can double their withdrawal amount for additional financial support.
  • Terminal Illness & Confinement Waivers: Withdrawals can be made without penalties in case of a terminal illness or long-term care needs.

✅ Strong Financial Backing

  • Issued by Athene Annuity and Life Company, a financially stable company with A+ ratings from S&P, Fitch, and A.M. Best.
  • Supported by Apollo Global Management, providing strong investment expertise.

✅ Legacy Planning & Death Benefits

  • If the policyholder passes away, beneficiaries can choose to receive either the annuity’s accumulated value in a lump sum or a structured payout over time.
  • The Benefit Base continues to grow, ensuring that even in retirement, there is a financial legacy left behind.

Considerations & Potential Downsides

⚠ Withdrawal Charges & Market Value Adjustments (MVAs)

  • Early withdrawals exceeding the free withdrawal amount are subject to withdrawal charges and MVAs.
  • MVAs can result in additional penalties if market interest rates have increased since purchasing the annuity.

⚠ Waiting Period for Lifetime Income Withdrawals

  • There is a waiting period before Lifetime Income Withdrawals can begin, and policyholders must be at least 50 years old to qualify.

⚠ Not Available in All States

  • Some benefits, such as confinement waivers, are not available in all states. Policyholders should check state-specific rules before purchasing.

Final Verdict

Athene Agility is a strong choice for individuals planning for retirement who want the benefits of market protection, guaranteed income, and financial flexibility. Its income and withdrawal benefits make it ideal for retirees who need steady payouts and potential long-term care assistance. However, withdrawal penalties and market value adjustments should be carefully considered before making early withdrawals.

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended for: Long-term retirement planning, individuals seeking guaranteed income, and those wanting market protection with growth potential.

We'll end with a note that we are an independent firm which gives us the advantage of being entirely objective when it comes to recommending a product or service, so if you feel like you would like a second opinion from us regarding this annuity, or something else, fell free to contact us for a nice chat.

Best Regards,

Derek Notman & Drew Faloon

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