How to Access Your TSP Account Online

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If you have a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account, you can access your account online.  However, that is often easier said than done.  What with crazy account numbers and special passwords that can't be reset online, many people tell me that the hardest part of getting into their TSP account is keeping track of the login information.  Having trouble?  Follow these steps to eventually gain access to your account.


  1. Go to www.tsp.gov.

  2. If you know your TSP account number, enter it in the blocks on the upper left hand side and press the Log In button.  Skip to step 7.

  3. If you do not know your TSP account number, click on the words "forgot your account number or user ID?"

  4. On the Request TSP Account Number page, enter your social security number and your TSP account number will be mailed to the address that is in your TSP account profile.  My experience shows that this usually takes 7-10 days.

  5. Not sure if you have a current address on file?  Make sure your address is current via the TSP section of MyPay or check with your admin folks to update your address.

  6. Now that you have account number, enter it on TSP home page in the blocks on the upper left hand side and press the Log In button.

  7. If you know your web password, enter it in the block on the page and press the Log In button.  You should be into your personal TSP account now.

  8. If you do not know your web password, click on the blue words Forgot your password at the bottom left of the sign-in box.

  9. On the Request a New Web Password page, enter your account number and select the button for New Password for My Uniformed Services Account.  Press the Submit button.  Again, my experience shows that this usually takes 7-10 days.

  10. Having trouble?  Check out the Troubleshooting Login Errors page for help figuring out the problem.


As you can see, it can take several weeks to get your account number and then your web password.  Once you've gotten this information, you will obviously need to figure out somewhere safe to keep them for next time.

Once you are into your TSP account, you can check your account balances, allocate new contributions, make inter-fund transfers, request a loan from your TSP account, and begin scheduling withdrawals.  You can also verify your mailing address, state of residence and beneficiary designations by clicking on Statements and opening the last quarterly statement.   All this information is listed in the top of the quarterly statement.  Find some things that need to be changed?  You will need to ask your admin people to update your mailing information and state of residence.  For beneficiary designations, you will need to fill and print out the TSP-3, Designation of Beneficiary.  The TSP-3, Designation of Beneficiary, must be physically mailed to the TSP at the address listed on the form.

Keep in mind that some TSP transactions can be done at the MyPay website, including updating your mailing address and making changes to your contribution levels.

This post is part of Week One of our Back to Basics series.  Not sure how to start planning your financial future?  Start with us!

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