FAQ Image Questions and Answers
Custom User ID

You can now create a Custom User ID to use instead of your 13-digit TSP account number to access your account on the Web site. To do this, log into Account Access using your account number and Web password, then choose “Create/Modify Custom ID” from the Account Access menu.  Your custom ID can be used only on the Web site, together with your Web password.  (You will still need your TSP account number (and PIN) to access your account on the ThriftLine.)   The following questions and answers should address any specific questions you have about Custom User IDs.

  1. I already have an account number and a password.  Why do I need another ID?
  2. Will I still need a password? 
  3. Will my password change?
  4. Where can I use my custom ID?
  5. How do I create a custom ID?
  6. Will I be able to change my custom ID?
  7. What if I forget my custom ID?
  8. If I have both civilian and uniformed services accounts, will I need to create two different IDs?

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1I already have an account number and a password.  Why do I need another ID? Return to Top of this Page

The custom ID is not a requirement—you can continue to log into your account on the Web site using your account number and password as you have always done.  Many participants have told us that the 13-digit TSP account number is difficult to remember and makes logging into their accounts difficult.  With a custom ID, you will no longer need to use your TSP account number when accessing your account on the Web site.   When you create a custom ID, you can use as few as 6 characters and any combination of letters, numbers, and special characters to design an ID that you can easily remember.  You can even use your e-mail address. 

2Will I still need a password? Return to Top of this Page

Yes.  You must still use your Web password, along with your custom ID, to access your TSP account on the Web site. 

3Will my password change? Return to Top of this Page

No.  Your Web password has not been affected by the new option to create your own custom ID.  Your password remains the same, until you decide to change it. 

4Where can I use my custom ID? Return to Top of this Page

You can use your custom ID only on the TSP Web site.  You will still need to use your TSP account number and Personal Identification Number (PIN) when accessing your TSP account on the ThriftLine.

5How do I create a custom ID? Return to Top of this Page

To create a custom ID, select the Account Access icon from the Home page and log in using your account number and Web password.   You will be taken to the Account Access menu, which will include the following new option:  Create/Modify Custom ID.  On this page, you will be given the specifications for your new custom ID:  a minimum of 6 characters (maximum 60), using any combination of letters, numbers, or symbols.  The custom ID you create will not be case sensitive. You will enter the custom ID of your choice in the box provided.  Then, you will be asked to re-enter the custom ID.  Be sure to key in your custom ID the second time; do not copy and paste it.  An immediate message will appear to confirm that your custom ID has been processed.

If you have chosen a custom ID that is already in use for another TSP account, you will be asked to enter a different series of letters, numbers, or symbols.

6Will I be able to change my custom ID? Return to Top of this Page

Yes. You will be able to change your custom ID as often as you wish.  To do this, simply follow the procedure outlined in the question above.  Once you have changed your custom ID, you must use the new ID (or your 13-digit TSP account number) the next time you log into your account. 

7What if I forget my custom ID? Return to Top of this Page

If you forget your custom ID, you will still be able to log into your account using your TSP account number.  After you have logged in, simply choose the “Create/Modify Custom ID” option from the menu, and you will be taken to a page that displays your current custom ID.  At that time, you should change your custom ID to one that you can more easily remember. 

8If I have both civilian and uniformed services accounts, will I need to create two different IDs? Return to Top of this Page

No.  Because your civilian and uniformed services accounts share the same TSP account number, you can use the same custom ID for both accounts. 

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