American Equity BalanceShield 10 Annuity – Growth Protection With Index Flexibility
Growth Without Market Risk
At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we work with individuals who want the benefits of market-linked returns without the fear of losing principal. The BalanceShield 10 Fixed Index Annuity, issued by American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company, offers a reliable balance of growth potential, income security, and flexible access to your money.
This annuity is built for long-term savers seeking to grow their wealth while protecting it from market downturns—making it a versatile solution for retirement planning.
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Index Crediting Options With Control
The BalanceShield 10 offers a range of index strategies to align with your financial goals and risk preferences, including:
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BlackRock Adaptive U.S. Equity 7% Index – Designed to adapt to market shifts for steady equity exposure
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BNPP Patriot Technology Index – A tech-forward strategy with diversified growth potential
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S&P 500® Dividend Aristocrats® Daily Risk Control 5% ER Index – Focused on quality dividend-paying stocks with built-in risk controls
One standout feature is the Index Lock, which lets you secure your gains before the crediting term ends—an uncommon feature that gives you more control and reduces uncertainty.
Built-In Liquidity and Protection Features
After the first contract year, you can withdraw up to 10% of your contract value annually without penalty, giving you flexibility for planned expenses or emergencies.
The Enhanced Benefit Rider, included at no cost, allows for 100% penalty-free access to your full contract value in the event of qualifying nursing home confinement or terminal illness—helping you or your family avoid difficult financial decisions during a crisis.
Legacy Planning With Gains-to-Date Credit
The Gains-to-Date Credit Death Benefit ensures your loved ones receive not just your contract value, but accrued index interest (even if not yet credited), maximizing the financial legacy you leave behind.
Is BalanceShield 10 a Good Fit for You?
This annuity is a strong fit for:
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Individuals near or in retirement who want market growth without downside risk
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Families who value both income flexibility and enhanced health-related benefits
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Investors who want to lock in gains before a market cycle ends
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Those focused on maximizing legacy and death benefit value
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Talk to an Advisor or Request Your Annuity Quote
Ready to explore this annuity in more detail—or compare it with other carriers to see if even higher rates are available? With guaranteed income, principal protection, and long-term growth potential on the line, making the right choice is essential. The experienced advisors at Diversified Insurance Brokers will guide you through the options and design a strategy tailored to your retirement goals.
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FAQs: American Equity BalanceShield 10
What is American Equity BalanceShield 10?
BalanceShield 10 is a fixed indexed annuity with a 10-year surrender schedule. It’s structured to offer principal protection, tax-deferred accumulation, and index-linked growth potential — appealing to investors who want a conservative, long-term savings vehicle.
How is interest credited under BalanceShield 10?
Interest is credited based on the crediting option you select — which may include indexed strategies tied to market indexes or a fixed-rate option. Indexed crediting may use participation rates, cap rates, or spread-based calculations. Regardless of the chosen option, the principal and any previously credited interest are protected from market losses.
Does BalanceShield 10 offer a bonus or enhanced credit?
No. Unlike bonus-based annuities, BalanceShield 10 does not rely on upfront bonuses. Growth depends on credited interest and your selected crediting strategy over time.
Are annual penalty-free withdrawals allowed?
Yes. After the first contract year, BalanceShield 10 typically allows limited annual penalty-free withdrawals — often a set percentage of the contract value — subject to contract terms. For broader context, see our annuity free withdrawal rules.
Can this annuity be used for retirement income?
While BalanceShield 10 is primarily an accumulation annuity, you can convert the accumulated value later into a lifetime income stream — or pair it with other income-oriented solutions. For income-focused strategies, see our guide on best retirement income annuity options.
What are the potential drawbacks or limitations?
Because the contract carries a 10-year surrender schedule, withdrawing more than the penalty-free amount or surrendering early may trigger surrender charges or market-value adjustments. Additionally, credited returns under index strategies may be limited by caps, participation rates, or spreads — which can reduce upside potential in strong markets. Liquidity may be constrained during the surrender period.
Who is BalanceShield 10 best suited for?
BalanceShield 10 is well suited for conservative savers, pre-retirees, or retirees seeking a stable, tax-deferred accumulation vehicle with downside protection — ideal if you value security over aggressive growth and don’t need frequent withdrawals.
How do I compare BalanceShield 10 with other fixed indexed annuities?
Compare key features such as crediting methods (caps, participation rates, spreads), surrender schedules, withdrawal flexibility, and historical renewal rate performance. Use our current annuity rates page and income illustrations to help evaluate BalanceShield 10 side-by-side with competing annuities.
About the Author:
Jason Stolz, CLTC, CRPC, is a senior insurance and retirement professional with more than two decades of real-world experience helping individuals, families, and business owners protect their income, assets, and long-term financial stability. As a long-time partner of the nationally licensed independent agency Diversified Insurance Brokers, Jason provides trusted guidance across multiple specialties—including fixed and indexed annuities, long-term care planning, personal and business disability insurance, life insurance solutions, and short-term health coverage. Diversified Insurance Brokers maintains active contracts with over 100 highly rated insurance carriers, ensuring clients have access to a broad and competitive marketplace.
His practical, education-first approach has earned recognition in publications such as VoyageATL, highlighting his commitment to financial clarity and client-focused planning. Drawing on deep product knowledge and years of hands-on field experience, Jason helps clients evaluate carriers, compare strategies, and build retirement and protection plans that are both secure and cost-efficient.
