Can you use a life insurance policy as a bank?

Asked by: Florian Krajcik  |  Last update: October 16, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (11 votes)

It allows participants to build value in a life insurance policy that can then be loaned against without having to go to banks or lenders. They can then repay the loan to themselves, allowing the policy owner to become their own bank, says the Nelson Nash Institute.

Can you use life insurance as your own bank?

Steps to Becoming Your Own Banker
  1. Step 1: Choose the Best Whole Life Insurance Policy for Infinite Banking. ...
  2. Step 2: Build Up Your Policy's Cash Value. ...
  3. Step 3: Borrow Against Your Policy. ...
  4. Step 4: Repay the Loan at Your Own Pace. ...
  5. Step 5: Reap the Long-Term Benefits.

Are you allowed to borrow money from your life insurance policy?

The limit for borrowing money from life insurance is set by the insurer, and it's typically no more than 90% of the policy's cash value. When your policy has enough cash value (minimums vary by insurer), you can use it as collateral to request a loan from your insurance company.

Can I withdraw money from my life insurance?

You can withdraw money from a permanent life insurance policy, but not a term life insurance policy. If you're in need of quick cash, there may be better alternatives to explore that won't put your loved ones' financial health at risk once you're gone.

Can you use whole life insurance as a bank account?

Whole life insurance.

Think of it as an insurance policy with a saving account-like component. Your cash value will accumulate over time at a minimum guaranteed rate indicated by your policy. Just make sure you read the fine print of your policy to understand what that is.

When Can You Borrow Against Your Life Insurance Policy?

43 related questions found

Can I use my life insurance money while alive?

If you're in a permanent life insurance policy, then you're able to withdraw cash while you're alive through loans, withdrawals, or surrendering the policy.

What is the cash value of a $10,000 life insurance policy?

Say, for example, that you purchase an insurance policy with a face value of $10,000. Once the policy matures, the cash value of the policy should equal $10,000.

How to use life insurance to build wealth?

4 ways to use whole life insurance as an investment
  1. Withdraw or take a loan on the cash value. ...
  2. Create generational wealth. ...
  3. Collect dividends. ...
  4. Surrender the policy (but only if you no longer need it)

What is the cash value of a $25,000 life insurance policy?

Examples of Cash Value Life Insurance

An example is a cash value life insurance policy with a $25,000 death benefit. Assuming you don't take out a loan or withdraw, the cash value accumulates to $5,000. After the policyholder's death, the insurance company would pay out the full death benefit, which would be $25,000.

How much money can I borrow from my whole life insurance policy?

You typically can't borrow more than 90% of your policy's current cash value.

How long do you have to have life insurance before it pays out?

Insurance companies can delay payment for six to 12 months if the insured party dies within the first two years of the policy.

Will a bank take a life insurance policy as collateral?

Personal loans: If your life insurance policy has cash value, you might use it as collateral to secure a personal loan from a bank, credit union, or other lending institution.

Can a person borrow money from their life insurance policy?

Most insurers will allow you to borrow up to 90 percent of your policy's cash value, though you may be able to borrow more in some cases. You can even take out multiple loans as long as the total loan amount plus interest doesn't exceed the policy's cash value.

How do I create my own bank?

A Beginner's Guide to Starting Your Own Bank
  1. Determine a need.
  2. Appoint a board of directors.
  3. Make sure you have the starting capital.
  4. Create a business summary plan.
  5. Hire a legal team.
  6. Establish a risk management infrastructure.
  7. Hire a public face.
  8. Apply for all charters.

What life insurance acts like a savings account?

Universal life insurance is also referred to as "flexible premium adjustable life insurance." It features a savings element (cash value) that grows on a tax-deferred basis. The insurer invests a portion of your premiums. The return on the investment is credited to your policy tax-deferred.

How do you turn life insurance into cash?

There are three main ways to get cash out of your policy. You can borrow against your cash account typically with a low-interest life insurance loan, withdraw the cash (either as a lump sum or in regular payments), or you can surrender your policy.

How billionaires use life insurance?

The richest of the rich can use life insurance to avoid estate and income taxes. Private-placement life insurance is perfectly legal — unless a new bill passes. A financial advisor tells BI how the insurance saves the wealthy tens of millions of dollars.

How much cash is a $100 000 life insurance policy worth?

A typical life settlement is worth around 20% of your policy value, but can range from 10-25%. So for a 100,000 dollar policy, you would be looking at anywhere from 10,000 to 25,000 dollars.

Can you cash out life insurance before death?

Permanent life insurance, such as universal and whole life policies, comes with a death benefit and a cash value account that you may can cash out while you're still living.

How much tax will I pay if I cash out my life insurance?

Is life insurance cash value taxable? Fortunately, the cash value of life insurance grows tax-free. This means that, in many cases, you won't have to worry about paying taxes on it.

How to use your life insurance as a bank?

What is infinite banking? Infinite banking involves using permanent coverage, typically whole life insurance, as a personal line of credit. Whole life policies earn cash value at a guaranteed rate over time. Once you've accumulated enough, you can begin to borrow against your life insurance policy.

What is self-banking?

Self-service banking, often referred to as "digital banking" or "online banking," includes various electronic and online tools. These tools allow you to access your bank account, perform financial transactions, and manage your finances using your computer, smartphone, tablet, or ATMs.

Is there a downside to having lots of bank accounts?

The more accounts you have, the more you have to keep track of, which can complicate your finances. Depending on the number of banks you work with and the fees involved, you may have to pay a lot to keep your accounts open. You may also have to spend more time monitoring your accounts.