Updated November 2026
Short answer: American Equity's top starting comp on our annuity carrier list is 7%, paid under Option U on IncomeShield, AssetShield and BalanceShield for issue ages 18-75 and on EstateShield for ages 40-75. Options A and B spread commission over later years, and the SPIA, GuaranteeShield and Guarantee Series pay 1.5% to 3% at the top.
Our job is to beat your current annuity commission.
Stuck at your current commission level, or simply want higher commission? Our sole purpose is to scale your business by beating your current commission levels. No matter your current commission level, if you meet our minimum requirements (solo producers have none), you automatically get higher commission than where you are today. Starting comp is for every producer, including new producers with no experience — there is no production minimum. If you have strong production to show, we contract you above our starting comp. Established agencies, financial advisors and financial firms, and healthcare agencies can earn much higher too. Submit your application, schedule a Zoom, and we review your current commission levels carrier by carrier and contract you above them — with full back office support, case management, carrier contracting and sales tools included.
American Equity starting comp by product
American Equity pays its top rate across four product lines: IncomeShield, AssetShield, EstateShield and BalanceShield all reach 7% under Option U. Its guaranteed and immediate products pay much less, from 1.5% on Guarantee Series to 3% on the SPIA. The table shows the top starting comp for each American Equity product on our annuity carrier list, with rates verified in October 2026. Starting comp is the level every producer starts at, with no experience requirement and no production minimum.
| Product | Top starting comp | Where the top rate applies |
|---|---|---|
| IncomeShield | 7% | 10 Yr · Option U · Age 18-75 |
| AssetShield | 7% | 10 Yr · Option U · Age 18-75 |
| EstateShield | 7% | 10 Yr · Option U · Age 40-75 |
| BalanceShield | 7% | Option U · Age 18-75 |
| SPIA | 3% | 10 Yr Certain |
| GuaranteeShield | 2.25% | 5 Yr · Age 18-80 |
| Guarantee Series | 1.5% | Age 18-75 |
See the full American Equity grid for every surrender period, issue-age band and payout option.
How to read the American Equity grid
American Equity grids are organized by compensation option, so read the option before the rate. On the 10-year IncomeShield for issue ages 18-75, our grid shows:
- Option U: 7% paid on the premium, with no later-year payments.
- Option A: 5% in year 1, 1.5% in year 2 and 1% in year 3.
- Option B: 4.25% in year 1, then 0.5% in year 2 and later (labeled Yr 2+ on the grid).
For issue ages 76-80 the same product pays 5.45% under Option U. BalanceShield also lists an Option C, which pays 1% in year 1 and 1% in later years for ages 18-75.
- Issue age: commission steps down in older age bands, so the same product pays less for an older client.
- Surrender period: longer surrender periods pay more than shorter ones. Never choose a longer period for the commission; it has to fit the client.
- Payout option: heaped options pay the full first-year commission at issue; trail options pay less up front and a percentage in later years. See heaped vs trail commissions.
- Chargebacks: if a contract is surrendered or the owner dies within the carrier's chargeback window, part of the commission can be recovered. Check the current terms in your contract.
How American Equity compares with other carriers
American Equity's 7% top rate puts it among the 28 carriers on our list whose top rate is exactly 7%, alongside North American and Corebridge. Eighteen carriers pay more at the top, led by Mountain Life (10%) and American National, EquiTrust and National Western (9%), so if you write mostly American Equity, compare the products your clients actually buy before switching. See our ranking of the highest-paying annuity carriers for how the top starting comp compares across all 68 carriers.
Getting contracted with American Equity through BetterAnnuityComp.com
We handle American Equity contracting and appointments, the carrier's product and AML training requirements, and case management from application to issue. If you already write American Equity business elsewhere, share your current level: our job is to beat your current commission level carrier by carrier. Producers with strong production to show are contracted above starting comp.
Frequently asked questions
What is American Equity's highest annuity commission?
On our carrier list, it is 7% starting comp under Option U on the 10-year IncomeShield and AssetShield and on BalanceShield for issue ages 18-75, and on EstateShield for ages 40-75. Rates were verified in October 2026 and can change.
What is Option U on American Equity's commission grid?
On our grid, Option U is the option that pays the full rate on the premium with no later-year payments, such as 7% on the 10-year IncomeShield for ages 18-75. Options A and B pay less in year 1 and add payments in later years.
Should I choose Option U or Option B with American Equity?
It depends on your cash flow and how long your clients keep their contracts. Option U pays the most up front. Option B pays 4.25% in year 1 on the 10-year IncomeShield for ages 18-75, then 0.5% in year 2 and later. See our guide to heaped vs trail commissions.
How do I get contracted with American Equity through BetterAnnuityComp.com?
Apply online. We handle the American Equity contracting paperwork and appointment, point you to the carrier's required product and AML training, and support your cases from application to issue. Starting comp has no experience requirement and no production minimum, and producers with strong production to show are contracted above it.
Can BetterAnnuityComp.com beat my current annuity commission?
That is our sole job: no matter your current commission level, if you meet our minimum requirements (solo producers have none), you automatically get higher commission than where you are today. Starting comp is for every producer, including new producers with no experience, and there is no production minimum. If you have strong production to show, we contract you above our starting comp, and established agencies, financial advisors and financial firms, and healthcare agencies can earn above it too. Submit your application, schedule a Zoom and share your current commission levels by carrier. We compare them carrier by carrier and contract you above them, with full back office support, case management, carrier contracting and sales tools included.
Sources
- BetterAnnuityComp.com annuity carrier list: American Equity grid
- NAIC Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation (#275)
Want to write American Equity above starting comp? BetterAnnuityComp.com, powered by BetterLifeQuotes.com, works to beat your current annuity commission — starting comp has no experience requirement and no production minimum, and strong producers are contracted higher — plus case management and carrier contracting. Solo producers and advisors can apply here, agencies can use the agency application, and anyone can browse the annuity carrier list. See how we beat your current commission.