Where Does TSP Loan Interest Go & How Does It Work?

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) serves as a defined contribution retirement savings and investment program for federal employees and members of the uniformed services. A key feature of the TSP is the ability for participants to borrow against their own contributions, providing access to funds when needed. This loan feature allows individuals to address short-term financial needs while keeping their retirement savings within the TSP structure.

How TSP Loans Work

Eligibility for a TSP loan requires participants to be in pay status and have at least $1,000 in their vested TSP account. Two types of TSP loans are available: general purpose loans and residential loans. A general purpose loan does not require documentation and must be repaid within one to five years. Residential loans, used for the purchase or construction of a primary residence, allow for a repayment period of up to 15 years and require supporting documentation.

The interest rate for a TSP loan is determined based on the G Fund’s interest rate at the time a loan application is received. This rate is fixed for the life of the loan, ensuring predictable repayment amounts. Loan repayments are typically made through payroll deductions, ensuring consistent and timely payments. These deductions include both principal and interest components.

The Destination of Loan Interest

A distinctive characteristic of a TSP loan is the destination of the interest paid on the borrowed funds. Unlike conventional commercial loans where interest payments are directed to an external bank or financial institution, TSP loan interest remains within the participant’s own retirement ecosystem. The interest component of each loan repayment is credited back to the participant’s individual TSP account. This means that, in essence, the participant is paying interest to themselves.

This mechanism ensures that the money paid as interest does not leave the TSP system. The interest paid on the loan effectively re-enters the participant’s TSP account, contributing to its overall balance. This unique arrangement contrasts significantly with traditional lending, where interest serves as revenue for the lender.

Impact on Your TSP Account

The practice of interest returning to the participant’s account has a direct bearing on the long-term trajectory of their retirement savings. When a participant repays a TSP loan, the interest portion does not represent a net loss to their overall retirement fund. Instead, these interest payments effectively recirculate back into the individual’s TSP balance. This recycling of funds helps to mitigate the potential negative impact of borrowing on the growth of the retirement account.

This structure means that the “cost” of borrowing from the TSP is not an external expense that diminishes the total value of one’s savings over time. The interest paid contributes to the compounding growth within the participant’s own account, assuming the loan is repaid as scheduled. While a portion of the account is temporarily inaccessible due to the loan, the interest paid on that loan helps to replenish and even enhance the account’s value upon repayment.