Why it earned this rating
Our assessment
The Select Focus 7 earns a Strong Option rating for combining a competitive 7-year surrender period with the same broad 7-index crediting menu as the Select Focus 5, plus the optional Performance Rate Rider. The 7-year duration earns a better rate structure and the crediting menu is among the most diverse at this surrender length.
The short version
For buyers comparing 7-year FIAs, the Select Focus 7 stands out on feature depth. I think it's particularly well-suited for savers who want to diversify their FIA exposure across multiple indices — tech-heavy QQQ, small-cap Russell 2000, international MSCI EAFE, and volatility-managed options — within a single contract. The 7-year duration provides a meaningful rate advantage over the 5-year while keeping the commitment within a manageable window.
Key facts
American National Insurance Company, founded 1905, A (Excellent) A.M. Best. The Select Focus 7 is a flexible premium FIA with seven crediting strategies, optional PRR, and a 7-year surrender schedule. Issue ages 0–80. Not available in New York.
The full review
Is American National Select Focus 7 a Good Annuity?
Yes. For accumulation-focused FIA buyers at the 7-year duration, this is one of the more substantive products in the market. The carrier is strong, the index menu is genuinely diverse, and the flexible premium feature adds utility that most fixed-premium FIAs lack.
Why Someone Would Buy This Annuity
A 55-year-old who wants to move a meaningful portion of their retirement savings into a protected growth vehicle for seven years. They want exposure beyond just the S&P 500 — they're interested in the QQQ 15's tech-linked uncapped potential and the BlackRock Adaptive's volatility management. The Performance Rate Rider gives them enhanced participation on the uncapped strategies.
Who This Annuity Is Best For
Accumulation-oriented savers ages 45–73 with a 7-year horizon who want to actively optimize their index allocation. Buyers who plan to use the flexible premium feature to continue building the contract during the 7-year period. Not suited for simple product buyers or those who won't engage with the crediting strategy selection.
What You're Really Buying Here
A 7-year flexible premium FIA with seven crediting strategies (including four uncapped options), optional Performance Rate Rider, 10% annual free withdrawal, and 100% principal protection. The same index menu as the Select Focus 5 with a longer commitment period and better rate structure.
How the Core Feature Works
Seven crediting strategies with annual reallocation available:
1. Fixed Rate Strategy
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
6. S&P 500 Advantage 15% VT TCA Index — uncapped volatility-managed
7. BlackRock Adaptive US Equity 15% Index — uncapped volatility-managed
The optional Performance Rate Rider enhances participation on uncapped strategies. The free withdrawal provision is 10% of AV per year after year one. MVA applies on excess withdrawals (not in CA).
Why the Secondary Feature Matters
The 7-year duration typically earns a better crediting structure than the 5-year. Caps on capped strategies may be higher; participation rates on uncapped strategies may be more favorable. Over a 7-year period with annual reallocation, the additional two years of compounding at a better rate structure can produce meaningfully better outcomes compared to the 5-year version — assuming similar market performance.
Liquidity and Surrender Schedule
7-year surrender (ages 0–80): 8,8,7,6,5,4,3,0. CA schedule: 8,7.5,6.5,5.5,4.5,3.5,2.5,0. Free withdrawal: 10% of AV per year after year 1. MVA on excess withdrawals (not in CA). MGSV: 87.5% of premium less withdrawals. Emergency waivers: confinement (30+ days in licensed facility), disability (prior to age 65), terminal illness (expected death within 12 months).
Fees and Tradeoffs
No explicit annual fee on base contract. PRR cost embedded in reduced cap rates when selected. Not available in New York.
Product snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Flexible Premium Fixed Index Annuity |
| Surrender Period | 7 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 |
| Free Withdrawal | 10% of AV per year after year 1 |
| Surrender Schedule | 8, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 |
| MVA | Yes (not in CA) |
| MGSV | 87.5% of premium less withdrawals at min guaranteed rate |
| Waivers | Confinement (30+ days), 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 7 is a strong accumulation FIA with a breadth of crediting options that stands above most competitors at this duration. The 7-year term earns a better rate structure, the index menu is genuinely diverse, and the flexible premium feature allows continued contributions. For informed FIA buyers with a 7-year horizon, this deserves a spot on the shortlist.