You can usually start taking money from a 401(k) at age 59½ without a 10% early-withdrawal penalty, but there are a few key age milestones and exceptions to know.

Key ages for 401(k) withdrawals

  • Before 55
    • You can sometimes withdraw, but it’s generally considered an “early” withdrawal.
    • Most of the time you’ll owe: ordinary income tax on what you take out, plus a 10% early withdrawal penalty.
  • Age 55–59½ (“Rule of 55”)
    • If you leave your job in or after the calendar year you turn 55, you may take penalty‑free withdrawals from that employer’s 401(k) (you still owe income tax).
    • This only applies to the plan of the job you just left, and you typically must leave the money in that plan to use this rule.
  • Age 59½ and older
    • You can withdraw from your 401(k) without the 10% early‑withdrawal penalty.
    • You will still owe ordinary income taxes on withdrawals from a traditional 401(k).
  • Early 50s for certain public safety workers
    • Some public safety workers (police, firefighters, certain federal or state workers) can access their government plans penalty‑free starting at 50 if they separate from service, under a version of the “Rule of 55.”
  • Required minimum distributions (RMDs)
    • Eventually, you must start taking required minimum distributions from most 401(k)s, typically starting in your early 70s (current rules put this around age 73 for many people, with 75 for some younger cohorts, based on birth year).

Simple takeaway

  • The most common answer to “what age can you withdraw from 401k without penalty?” is 59½ for standard penalty‑free access.
  • You may qualify as early as 55 if you separate from your employer in or after the year you turn 55 and leave the funds in that employer’s plan (the “Rule of 55”).

This is general information, not personal tax or investment advice. A financial planner or tax pro can help apply these rules to your specific situation.