When consumers search for the best fixed index annuity, many expect a ranked list of products. What actually tells a more accurate story is sales performance — which carriers and products are being chosen right now.
This page highlights the most recent fixed index annuity sales data to show which carriers and products are leading the market and what these trends suggest about today’s rate environment.
Rather than declaring a single “best” annuity, this approach reflects real-world adoption across the industry.
Top Fixed Index Annuity Carriers This Quarter
Based on the most recent quarterly sales data available, the following insurers are the top 10 indexed annuity carriers by sales volume:
- Athene Annuity & Life
- Allianz Life of North America
- Corebridge Financial
- Sammons Financial Companies
- American Equity Investment Life
- Fidelity & Guaranty Life
- Nationwide
- Global Atlantic Financial Group
- Security Benefit Life
- Delaware Life
These carriers consistently compete on cap stability, index breadth, income rider design and financial strength — key factors driving advisor and institutional demand.
Overall Market Leader: Athene Ascent Pro 10
Athene Ascent Pro 10
Product Details
- Issue Age: 35-80 (minimum issue age in MD: 50)
- Minimum Premium: $10,000 in most states
- Maximum Premium: $1,000,000 (larger amounts may be available subject to company approval)
- Free Withdrawal Schedule: 10% of Accumulated Value per year
Our Take
Athene Ascent Pro 10 is not considered a leading fixed index annuity because it offers the highest return — it has become the top-selling product because it delivers consistent, clear value in today’s market.
Many retirees are drawn to the way the product combines growth potential, income flexibility and protection from market losses. Its longer-term structure allows the insurer to offer features that can be more competitive over time.
The product is not designed to chase trends or short-term performance. Instead, it focuses on reliability. In the fixed index annuity market, products that hold up consistently tend to earn the most long-term interest from consumers.
Pros
- Strong growth-linked potential without market losses
- Wide range of index strategies
- Competitive income rider for retirement planning
- High free-withdrawal flexibility
Cons
- Long surrender period
- Upside is limited in strong bull markets
- Income rider costs reduce flexibility
- Complexity compared to simpler options
Asset Growth: Corebridge Financial Power Select Plus Income
Corebridge Financial Power Select Plus Income
Product Details
- Issue Age: 18-85 (50-80 if purchasing a guaranteed living benefit rider)
- Minimum Premium: $25,000
- Maximum Premium: Subject to suitability review and carrier approval
- Free Withdrawal Schedule: Up to 10% of premium payments during the first contract year; up to 10% of contract value after the first year
Our Take
Corebridge Financial Power Select Plus Income stands out for its ability to support workers in the beginning or middle stages of their careers by building assets and income for retirement. With an issue age as young as 18, this product can provide a jump start on retirement preparations. Those approaching retirement years, however, may benefit from waiting until age 50 so they can qualify for the guaranteed living benefit (GLB) rider, which is only available for ages 50 to 80.
Power Select Plus Income offers two solutions for different financial mindsets. Investors who value simplicity can select a one-year fixed account strategy that earns a steady, guaranteed interest rate. This structure closely mirrors that of a traditional fixed annuity.
Seasoned investors who are slightly less risk averse and wish to take a more active approach, on the other hand, can choose to track four different indices, with options spanning from equity market indices to multi-asset indices. This product’s flexibility, combined with protection from downturns and a stable growth ability, can resonate with investing profiles across the board.
Pros
- Lower minimum issue age to support those in their working years
- Designed to grow retirement assets
- Choice to earn interest based on specific indices or a fixed rate
- Waived withdrawal charges and MVAs for terminal illness diagnoses or long-term care needs (subject to restrictions and state availability)
Cons
- Smaller issuing-age range for living benefits rider
- Withdrawal charges apply for 10 years
- Market Value Adjustment risk
- Growth choices may feel complicated to some investors
Large Independent Agent Network: American Equity IncomeShield 10
American Equity IncomeShield 10
Product Details
- Issue Age: 40–80
- Minimum Premium: Minimum premium is not listed in the product brochure
- Maximum Premium: Subject to suitability review and carrier approval
- Free Withdrawal Schedule: After the first contract year, you may withdraw up to 10% of the contract value annually, with no surrender charges
Our Take
American Equity IncomeShield 10 stands out for its focus on what many retirees value most: predictable lifetime income. It offers 10% simple-interest growth on the Income Account Value for up to 10 years, helping build a larger income base over time while protecting your principal from market losses.
The product appeals to pre-retirees who want to shield their savings from downturns while creating a guaranteed income stream they can’t outlive. With built-in, for-a-fee lifetime income features and enhanced benefits for certain health events, IncomeShield 10 is designed to provide clarity, protection and dependable retirement income in one structured solution.
Pros
- Strong income-growth focus
- Income can start relatively early
- Health-event income enhancement
- RMD-friendly structure
Cons
- 10-year surrender schedule
- Income Account Value is not the cash value
- Annual rider cost
- Limited liquidity beyond 10% free withdrawal
Growing Consumer Access: MassMutual Ascend Index Protector 5 MVA
MassMutual Ascend Index Protector 5 MVA
Product Details
- Issue Age: 0–89 (qualified and non-qualified), 0–75 (inherited IRA and inherited non-qualified)
- Minimum Premium: $50,000 initial purchase payment
- Maximum Premium: $1,000,000 – $2,000,000 based on age
- Free Withdrawal Schedule: During the first contract year, up to 10% of purchase payments may be withdrawn; after the first contract year, up to 10% of the account value
Our Take
MassMutual Ascend Index Protector 5 MVA offers a simple balance: protection from market losses with the opportunity for index-linked growth. Its five-year structure may appeal to investors who want stability without committing to a longer-term contract.
It works well as the steady, lower-risk portion of a retirement plan. For those seeking downside protection while maintaining flexibility within a diversified strategy, this product offers a practical middle ground.
Pros
- No early withdrawal charges
- 10% annual free withdrawals
- Interest-rate sensitivity through MVA
- Advisory-fee friendly design
Cons
- Market Value Adjustment risk
- Higher minimum premium
- Most strategies limited to one-year index terms
- Five-year declared rate option limited to first contract period
