TSP Loan — Borrow From Your Own Retirement Account

Active Duty
Verified
Last checked: 2026-05-14

The Thrift Savings Plan lets you borrow up to $50,000 (or 50% of your vested balance, whichever is less) from your own TSP. You pay yourself back via payroll deduction, including the interest — the interest goes back into your own account, not to a bank.

How to access

Restrictions

Two loan types — general purpose (5-year payback) and residential (15-year payback for primary home). You miss market gains on the borrowed amount while it's out. If you separate from service with an outstanding TSP loan, it converts to a taxable distribution within 90 days unless repaid in full. Useful for emergency liquidity but not free money.

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