American Equity EstateShield 9
American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company
8.75%
Best Cap
10%
Free W/D
A fixed index annuity designed to protect retirement savings from market losses while providing opportunities for growth and guaranteed lifetime income that keeps pace with inflation. Ideal for retirees seeking income security and legacy planning.
Free Withdrawal
10%/yr
Available In
1 states
Min Premium
$5,000
Surrender
9 years
Current Rates & Strategies
| Index | Crediting | Cap | Participation | Fixed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BlackRock Adaptive US Equity 5% Index | 2-Year | -- | 160% | -- |
| BlackRock Adaptive US Equity 5% Index | Annual | -- | 110% | -- |
| S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Daily Risk Control 5% Index (USD) Excess Return | 2-Year | -- | 160% | -- |
| S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Daily Risk Control 5% Index (USD) Excess Return | Annual | -- | 110% | -- |
| S&P 500 Index | 2-Year | 8.75% | 100% | -- |
| S&P 500 Index | Annual | 4.25% | 100% | -- |
| S&P 500 Index | Monthly | 1.7% | 100% | -- |
| Fixed Account | Daily | -- | -- | 2% |
Key Features
35% Benefits Account Value Bonus
35% of year-one premiumsImmediate boost to your lifetime income calculation applied to all year-one premiums
Principal Protection
100% downside protectionYour money never loses value due to market declines; interest credited is never less than zero
Index-Linked Growth Options
Multiple crediting strategies availableEarn interest based on changes to S&P 500, BlackRock Adaptive Index, or Dividend Aristocrats indexes with annual caps
Lifetime Income Benefit Rider (LIBR)
Payout factors: 4.5%-6% depending on ageGuaranteed income payments for life starting after 10 years, with potential for annual increases
Free Annual Withdrawals
10% annual free withdrawalAccess to 10% of total premiums paid each year without surrender charges
Enhanced Death Benefits
Up to 250% of premiums (capped)Beneficiaries can receive 75% lump sum or 100% paid over 5 years, enhanced with bonus credits
Surrender Charge Schedule
Year 1-2: 8%, Year 10+: 0%Declining charges over 10 years, declining from 8% to 0%
Highlights
35% bonus on lifetime income benefits applied immediately in year one
Principal protection from market declines while earning growth linked to market indexes
Guaranteed lifetime income that can increase with positive market performance
Enhanced death benefit options providing up to 100% of accumulated benefits to heirs
Annual free withdrawals of up to 10% of premiums with no surrender charges
Surrender Schedule
Yr 1
8%
Yr 2
8%
Yr 3
7%
Yr 4
6%
Yr 5
5%
Yr 6
4%
Yr 7
3%
Yr 8
2%
Yr 9
1%
After
0%
Nursing home waiver, Terminal illness waiver
Best For
Retirees age 50+ seeking to balance growth opportunities with principal protection, generate guaranteed lifetime income, and leave an enhanced legacy to beneficiaries while mitigating market risk.
Consider Alternatives If
Investors who need immediate access to their full principal without surrender charges, or those seeking unrestricted market-linked upside without downside protection caps.
Carrier Ratings
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