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, the following insurers are the top ten indexed annuity carriers by sales volume:
- Athene USA
- Allianz Life
- Corebridge Financial
- American Equity Companies
- Sammons Financial Companies
- Nationwide
- Delaware Life
- Fidelity & Guaranty Life
- Global Atlantic Financial Group
- Massachusetts Mutual Life Companies
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 accepted with 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
- Strong carrier reputation
Cons
- Long surrender period
- Upside is limited in strong bull markets
- Income rider costs reduce flexibility
- Complexity compared to simpler options
Bank Leader: American General Power Index 5 Plus Annuity
American General Power Index 5 Plus Annuity
Product Details
- Issue Age: Up to 90 years
- Minimum Premium: $25,000
- Maximum Premium: $1,000,000
- Free Withdrawal Schedule: Year 1 = 0% free withdrawal, Year 2 and later = up to 10% annually penalty-free withdrawals
Our Take
American General Power Index 5 Plus is not built to compete on aggressive growth projections. It has become a leading product in the bank channel because it offers a conservative, familiar entry point into fixed index annuities.
The five-year structure appeals to savers who want protection and modest growth without committing to a longer contract. For many consumers, especially those accustomed to CDs or fixed-rate accounts, the product provides a middle ground: the opportunity to earn index-linked interest while avoiding market losses.
Rather than emphasizing complexity or multiple layers of strategy, Power Index 5 Plus leans into simplicity. Its appeal lies in its approachability and predictability. In the fixed index annuity market, products that feel accessible and easy to understand often resonate most with conservative investors.
Pros
- Shorter five-year surrender period
- Designed for conservative savers
- Predictable withdrawal feature
- Lower entry barrier than some competitors
Cons
- No built-in lifetime income focus
- Less suited for long-term growth maximization
- Surrender charges apply in the early years
- May reset at renewal
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 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
- 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
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 surrender charges
- 10% annual free withdrawals
- Interest-rate sensitivity through MVA
- Advisory-fee friendly design
Cons
- Market Value Adjustment risk
- Higher minimum premium
- Five-year declared rate option limited to first year
- Limited to one-year index terms (except declared rate)
