Why it earned this rating
Our assessment
The Strategy Indexed Annuity Plus 10 is a traditional two-strategy FIA — S&P 500 point-to-point with cap, plus declared rate. It does what it promises: no downside from negative S&P 500 years, potential upside up to the annual cap. The Good Option rating reflects solid execution of a simpler design, offset by annual discretionary cap renewal and fewer index options compared to newer American National products.
The short version
I think the Strategy Indexed Annuity Plus 10 is best suited for buyers who want a simple S&P 500 linked FIA from a trusted carrier without the complexity of choosing among seven indices. The optional Return of Premium rider (no fee but lower rates), Enhanced Death Benefit rider, and Lifetime Income Rider give buyers three specific planning tools to layer on. For buyers who want the kitchen sink approach, the Smart Start Accumulator or Select Focus products offer more.
Key facts
American National Insurance Company, founded 1905, A (Excellent) A.M. Best. The Strategy Indexed Annuity Plus 10 is a single-premium FIA with S&P 500 indexed and declared rate crediting, three optional riders, and a 10-year surrender schedule. Issue ages not specified in brochure — similar to other products, likely 0–80 or 0–85. Not specified as unavailable in any specific state but confirm state availability.
The full review
Is American National Strategy Indexed Annuity Plus 10 a Good Annuity?
Yes, for the right buyer. Simple two-strategy FIA from a carrier with 120 years of history. The optional riders — particularly the Return of Premium (free) and Lifetime Income Rider — give planning flexibility. The cap resets annually, which is the key variable to manage.
Why Someone Would Buy This Annuity
A conservative buyer who wants a simple FIA — no index menus to navigate, no preset portfolios, just a straightforward S&P 500 cap strategy or declared rate, with optional riders for specific planning needs. They're comfortable with a single-carrier, single-index approach over ten years.
Who This Annuity Is Best For
Conservative accumulators who want a simple 10-year FIA with S&P 500 participation and no downside, optional income guarantee, or optional return of premium protection. Not well-suited for buyers who want index diversification, uncapped strategies, or flexible premiums.
What You're Really Buying Here
A single-premium 10-year FIA with two crediting choices: S&P 500 annual point-to-point with cap (cap declared annually), and a declared interest rate. Three optional riders: Return of Premium (no explicit fee but lower rates), Enhanced Death Benefit (annual fee charge from AV), and Lifetime Income Rider (annual fee from AV). Annual reallocation between strategies.
How the Core Feature Works
Indexed Interest Crediting Method: Each year, interest equal to the S&P 500 gain from the beginning to the end of the contract year is credited, subject to a declared cap. If the S&P 500 is negative, no interest is credited (0% floor — principal protected). The cap rate is declared at the beginning of each contract year and can change annually.
Declared Interest Crediting Method: A fixed declared rate applies for the contract year. Can be reallocated to on each anniversary.
Minimum $5,000 (qualified) or $5,000+ (non-qualified, as noted in brochure as "at least $5,000"). MGSV: 90% of premium accumulated at minimum guaranteed rate.
Why the Secondary Feature Matters
The Return of Premium rider is unusual — it's included at no explicit premium charge, but the declared rate on the declared interest method and the cap on the indexed method will be lower than without the rider. It guarantees that if you ever surrender, you will never receive less than your original premium less any withdrawals. For buyers who are worried about receiving less than they put in under any scenario, this addresses that concern without an explicit fee.
Liquidity and Surrender Schedule
10-year surrender: 9,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1,0. Free withdrawal: 10% of AV per year after year one (or RMD if greater). No free withdrawal in year one. Emergency waivers: confinement (60+ days), disability (prior to age 65). No terminal illness waiver mentioned in brochure. Maturity: owner's age 95 (can be changed by owner request).
Fees and Tradeoffs
Return of Premium rider: no explicit fee, but lower cap and declared rates. Enhanced Death Benefit rider: annual charge from AV. Lifetime Income Rider: annual charge from AV. Single premium only.
Product snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Single Premium Fixed Index Annuity |
| Surrender Period | 10 Years |
| Issue Ages | 0–80 (est.) |
| Minimum Premium | $5,000 |
| Crediting Strategies | S&P 500 Indexed (annual cap, resets annually); Declared Rate |
| MGSV | 90% of premium at minimum guaranteed rate |
| Free Withdrawal | 10% of AV after year 1 (or RMD); none in year 1 |
| Surrender Schedule | 9, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 |
| Optional Riders | Return of Premium (no fee, lower rates); Enhanced Death Benefit (annual fee); Lifetime Income Rider (annual fee) |
| Waivers | Confinement (60+ days), Disability (prior to 65) |
| Death Benefit | Greater of AV or CSV |
| Maturity | Age 95 |
Carrier snapshot
American National Insurance Company, founded 1905, Galveston, Texas. A.M. Best: A (Excellent). Part of Brookfield Reinsurance since 2022.
Final take
The Strategy Indexed Annuity Plus 10 is a solid traditional FIA that has served buyers well over many years. It's not the most feature-rich product in the American National lineup, but it executes the core FIA proposition cleanly — S&P 500 upside participation, 0% floor, and principal protection over ten years. The three optional riders give buyers flexibility to add specific planning features. For buyers who want this simple approach from a well-established carrier, it's a reasonable choice.