A 401(k) loan is exactly what it sounds like – borrowing from your own 401(k) account and paying yourself back over time. However, a 401(k) loan isn't a true loan since there's no lender or credit score evaluation. Your 401(k) company may have its own limits on loan amounts, but the IRS limits how much you can borrow to whichever is less: $50,000 or 50% of you vested 401(k) balance. You do, however, have to pay origination fees and interest — you'll just pay this back to yourself. To borrow money from your 401(k), you'd need to ask your employer about their 401(k) loan options and fill out the necessary paperwork.