The Athene BCA 2.0 is a fixed indexed annuity that offers principal protection, potential interest crediting via fixed or index-linked strategies, and a first-year bonus credit on eligible premium contributions or rollovers. It’s designed for long-term retirement accumulation with the option to convert value into income or use other benefit features.

In the first contract year, a bonus credit — typically a percentage of your premium — is added to your account value under the “BCA 2.0” structure. That bonus increases your starting value and may boost potential credited interest or income base, though it may also affect surrender charges or bonus recapture rules if you withdraw early or surrender.

You may allocate funds between a fixed-interest account or one or more index-linked accounts. If you choose an index option, interest credits are based on index performance according to caps, participation rates, or spreads. The money is not directly invested in the stock market, so your account value is protected from negative index performance (though credited interest may be zero in underperforming years).

Yes. Because the BCA 2.0 is a fixed indexed annuity, your accumulation value (principal plus credited interest and bonus credit) is protected from market losses. Downside index performance does not reduce your value due to market volatility alone — assuming no withdrawals or contract lapses triggering penalties.

The contract typically includes a surrender-charge period during which early withdrawals above any free-withdrawal allowance — or a full surrender — may incur penalties or bonus recapture. That means liquidity is limited during the early years, so you should plan to hold the annuity for the full surrender period if possible.

After the first contract year, many versions permit a limited annual “free-withdrawal” allowance (for example, a fixed percentage of account value) without surrender charges. Withdrawals beyond that, or surrendering the contract early, may trigger surrender charges and may reduce bonus benefits, credited interest, or future income guarantees.

Yes. You may have the option to add benefit riders — such as a guaranteed lifetime income rider, death-benefit protection, or other optional features — to convert accumulation value into a steady retirement income stream, or to protect beneficiaries if you pass away before or after income begins.

Earnings inside the annuity grow tax-deferred. When you take withdrawals or begin income payments, the distributable portion is generally taxed as ordinary income. Withdrawals before age 59½ may also incur additional tax penalties under IRS rules, depending on your circumstances.

This annuity may suit individuals seeking principal protection, a first-year bonus boost, and long-term tax-deferred growth potential — especially those comfortable committing funds for the duration of the surrender period and who want flexibility to convert value into retirement income.

Important considerations include surrender-charge terms, bonus credit rules and potential recapture, withdrawal limitations, cost and details of optional riders, how index crediting formulas affect returns, and whether your liquidity and time horizon align with the annuity’s structure.