Why it earned this rating
Our assessment
The Select Focus 5 stands out for the breadth of its crediting menu — seven index options including tech-heavy QQQ, international MSCI EAFE, and two volatility-managed options. The Performance Rate Rider adds a real tool for sophisticated buyers who want enhanced participation on uncapped strategies.
The short version
I think the Select Focus 5 earns its rating through genuine feature depth rather than marketing complexity. Seven crediting options is more than window dressing — savers who understand the indices can build a thoughtful allocation. The Performance Rate Rider is valuable for buyers who want uncapped upside on volatility-managed indices. Just make sure you understand what you're choosing before committing.
Key facts
American National Insurance Company, founded 1905, A (Excellent) A.M. Best. The Select Focus 5 is a flexible premium FIA with seven crediting strategies, an optional Performance Rate Rider, and a 5-year surrender schedule. Issue ages 0–80. Not available in New York.
The full review
Is American National Select Focus 5 a Good Annuity?
Yes. For accumulation-focused FIA buyers who want more than a single S&P 500 cap strategy, the Select Focus 5 offers genuine breadth. The carrier is financially strong, the product is well-designed, and the optional PRR is a thoughtful addition for buyers who want enhanced index participation.
Why Someone Would Buy This Annuity
A 58-year-old looking for a 5-year growth vehicle that's not in the market but wants more upside potential than a MYGA. They're drawn to the diverse index menu — particularly the QQQ 15 and BlackRock Adaptive options — and want to optimize index exposure without unlimited market risk. The PRR gives them enhanced participation without a cap on those uncapped strategies.
Who This Annuity Is Best For
Accumulation-oriented savers ages 45–75 who are comfortable evaluating multiple index options and want genuine diversification within their FIA. Buyers who plan to actively engage with their allocation and want the Performance Rate Rider to enhance uncapped strategy participation. Not suited for buyers who want the simplest possible product or who won't engage with the index selection.
What You're Really Buying Here
A 5-year flexible premium FIA with seven crediting strategies, 10% annual free withdrawal starting year two, the optional Performance Rate Rider (PRR) for enhanced uncapped participation, and 100% principal protection. Broad index exposure from tech-heavy (QQQ, QQQ 15) to international (MSCI EAFE) to volatility-managed (S&P 500 Advantage 15% VT TCA, BlackRock Adaptive US Equity 15%).
How the Core Feature Works
At each annual anniversary, you can allocate across seven crediting strategies:
1. Fixed Rate Strategy — declared rate, guaranteed for the year
2. S&P 500 Index — annual point-to-point with cap
3. Invesco QQQ ETF Index — annual point-to-point with cap
4. Russell 2000 Index — annual point-to-point with cap
5. Invesco QQQ 15 Index — uncapped (higher participation rate; PRR can boost further)
6. S&P 500 Advantage 15% VT TCA Index — uncapped volatility-managed
7. BlackRock Adaptive US Equity 15% Index — uncapped volatility-managed
The Performance Rate Rider (PRR), added at issue, increases participation rates on uncapped strategies for the length of the surrender period. The PRR fee is incorporated through a reduction in the cap rates on capped strategies — not a separate explicit charge.
Why the Secondary Feature Matters
The flexible premium feature allows additional contributions during the contract term, which is useful for savers who want to continue building their FIA position over the 5-year period. Most single-premium FIAs don't allow additions.
Liquidity and Surrender Schedule
5-year surrender (ages 0–80): 8,8,7,6,5,0. Free withdrawal: 10% of AV per year after year one. MVA applies on excess withdrawals (not in CA). MGSV: 87.5% of premium less withdrawals at minimum guaranteed rate. Emergency waivers: confinement (60+ days), disability (prior to age 65), terminal illness.
Fees and Tradeoffs
The PRR fee is embedded (lower cap rates when PRR is selected rather than a separate annual charge). Base contract has no explicit annual fee. Not available in New York.
Product snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Flexible Premium Fixed Index Annuity |
| Surrender Period | 5 Years |
| Issue Ages | 0–80 |
| Minimum Premium | $5,000 |
| Indices Available | S&P 500, QQQ, Russell 2000, QQQ 15, MSCI EAFE, S&P 500 Advantage 15% VT TCA, BlackRock Adaptive US Equity 15% |
| Performance Rate Rider | Optional; enhances participation on uncapped strategies; cost embedded in cap rates |
| Free Withdrawal | 10% of AV per year after year 1 |
| Surrender Schedule | 8, 8, 7, 6, 5 |
| MVA | Yes (not in CA) |
| MGSV | 87.5% of premium less withdrawals at min guaranteed rate |
| Waivers | Confinement, Disability, Terminal Illness |
| Death Benefit | Greater of AV or MGSV |
| State Availability | Not available in New York |
Carrier snapshot
American National Insurance Company, founded 1905, Galveston, Texas. A.M. Best: A (Excellent). Part of Brookfield Reinsurance since 2022.
Final take
The Select Focus 5 is a well-built accumulation FIA with genuine depth. Seven crediting options and the Performance Rate Rider give informed buyers real tools for optimizing their FIA allocation. For buyers who want more than a single S&P 500 cap strategy, this product is worth serious consideration. Understand the indices before choosing, and work with your agent to determine whether the PRR is appropriate for your strategy.