How soon can I borrow money from my IUL?

Asked by: Mr. Ervin Mertz Jr.  |  Last update: October 5, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (73 votes)

You can generally borrow money from your life insurance policy once the cash value component has met a certain minimum threshold. However, to take the loan you want, the cash value balance must also reach an adequate level to provide collateral for the loan size you want.

How long before you can borrow from IUL?

You can typically take a loan against your index universal life insurance policy's cash value component as soon as it exceeds your insurer's minimum requirement, making borrowing against the policy's cash a flexible option.

When can you take money out of an IUL?

You can take money from your IUL anytime, but fees and surrender charges may be associated with doing so. If you need to access the funds in your IUL policy, weighing the pros and cons of a withdrawal or a loan is essential. A withdrawal will reduce the cash value in your policy and may trigger surrender charges.

How soon after getting life insurance can I borrow money?

Generally you have to wait 30 days after funding the policy before taking a loan from it - will vary from carrier to carrier.

How does an IUL loan work?

A: An Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy loan lets you borrow against the cash value you've built up within your policy. The maximum loan amount depends on your accumulated cash value. The key advantage is that policy loans offer easy access to cash when you need it.

How Borrowing From Your IUL ACTUALLY Works (Updated 2023)

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What is the downside of IUL?

Con: Index Growth Options Are Capped or Diluted

Generally, an IUL product will capture only a portion of the stock market's annual gains, since the market usually moves up violently in spurts. Oftentimes, your IUL's annual growth will get cutoff wherever your IUL's cap happens to be (around a 9-10% cap in 2023).

What is the interest rate on an IUL loan?

This cash value serves as collateral for loans that (when using a top carrier) usually charging 5% to 6% interest (Some insurance companies offer participating loans at a lower current rate - say 4.4% - with a higher rate cap - say, 7.5%.)

What life insurance can you borrow from immediately?

Life insurance loans are only available on permanent life insurance policies — such as whole life and universal life — that have a cash value component. You likely can't borrow against a term life insurance policy since it probably doesn't have cash value. Learn more about term vs. whole life insurance.

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.

What is a max funded Iul?

A max-funded Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy is designed to build maximum cash value by funding the policy up to legal premium limits. This structure enhances cash growth potential without triggering tax penalties, making it a strategy for those seeking life insurance with significant tax-advantaged savings.

How much money do I need to open an IUL?

The minimum amount you need to start an IUL life insurance policy varies between insurers and depends on your chosen coverage amount and premium payment method. Annual payments for an internationally indexed universal life policy start at around US$20,000 yearly and rise to $100,000 or more in premiums.

When can I take money out of my index fund?

There are hundreds of funds, tracking many sectors of the market and assets including bonds and commodities, in addition to stocks. Index funds have no contribution limits, withdrawal restrictions or requirements to withdraw funds.

Can you do infinite banking with an IUL?

The infinite banking concept is a financial strategy that utilizes the cash value component of a permanent life insurance policy, like an IUL, to create a personal banking system. Policyholders can borrow against the accumulated cash value for various needs, repaying the loan on their own terms.

Can you take money from your IUL anytime you want?

Most IUL insurance policies offer a host of optional riders, from death benefit guarantees to no-lapse guarantees. Easier distribution: The cash value in IUL insurance policies can be accessed at any time without penalty, regardless of a person's age.

Who has the best IUL?

The Best IUL Companies of 2024 & Why
  • IUL with the Best S&P Strategies + Guarantees: Penn Mutual.
  • IUL with the Best Company Strength: Nationwide.
  • IUL with the Widest Selection of Strategies: Allianz Life.
  • IUL with the Best Response to Rising Rates: Columbus Life.
  • IUL with the Best Chronic Illness Rider: National Life Group.

How long does it take to build cash value on life insurance?

How fast does cash value build in life insurance? Most permanent life insurance policies begin to accrue cash value in 2 to 5 years. However, it can take decades to see significant cash value accumulation. Consult a licensed insurance agent to understand the policy's cash value projections before applying.

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.

What disqualifies life insurance payout?

Life insurance proceeds can be denied. Some denials are legitimate, like in case of policy lapses, material misrepresentations, or exclusions in the form of illegal activities or war. In other cases, bad-faith insurers use elaborate methods to reject claims so they do not have to pay the proceeds.

What is the cash value of a $25,000 whole 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 soon can you borrow from an IUL policy?

With a properly structured max-funded IUL, you can typically borrow 92-93% of your surrender value within the first few years. Loans are the smart way to access funds, it's not a traditional loan. The insurance company charges interest but credits the same or higher rate on your cash value.

How long do I have to wait to borrow from my life insurance?

With each subsequent premium payment, a portion of your premium can grow tax deferred over time as part of the cash value component4 Policies typically don't accrue a meaningful amount of cash value – in other words, enough to borrow against — for the first two to five years of the policy.

What life insurance kicks in immediately?

Instant life insurance is a type of guaranteed issue policy that allows you to get approved shortly after you apply. You can apply with no medical exam. You won't have to wait days, weeks, or months for a decision and your coverage typically begins almost immediately if there is no waiting period.

What is the bad side of IUL?

There are several drawbacks associated with IUL insurance policies that critics are quick to point out. For instance, someone who establishes the policy over a time when the market is performing poorly could end up with high premium payments that don't contribute at all to the cash value.

How do you pay back an IUL loan?

If you repay all or a portion of the loan, options include periodic payments of principal with annual payments of interest, paying annual interest only, or deducting interest from the cash value. “Loans have an interest rate like any other type of loan," says Reich.