Chase will cash Series EE and Series I savings bonds, but not all branches do it, and you'll need the bond itself plus ID

Yes, Chase Bank can cash U.S. savings bonds, but the process depends on which type of bond you hold and whether your branch handles bond redemptions. Series EE bonds (issued after 1974) and Series I bonds are the most common types held by individuals, and Chase will redeem both. However, not every Chase location offers this service — smaller branches or those in rural areas may decline, and you may need to visit a branch that handles securities transactions.

The key requirement is that you bring the physical bond certificate itself. Chase cannot redeem bonds held in electronic form through TreasuryDirect, the U.S. Treasury's online system. If your bonds are digital, you'll need to redeem them directly through TreasuryDirect or contact the Treasury.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase can redeem Series EE and Series I savings bonds if you have the paper certificate and valid ID, but not all branches offer this service.
  • You cannot cash electronic bonds held in TreasuryDirect through any bank — you must redeem them through the Treasury's website or by mail.
  • Call your local Chase branch before visiting to confirm they redeem savings bonds, since smaller branches often do not.
  • Bring the bond certificate, your ID, and be prepared to sign the back of the bond in front of a Chase employee.
  • Chase will not cash bonds that are not yet mature, though some banks make exceptions for bonds owned by minors or in hardship situations.

What you need to bring to Chase

Bring the physical bond certificate itself — this is non-negotiable. Chase cannot process redemptions based on a photo, a copy, or information you provide verbally. You'll also need a valid government-issued ID such as a driver's license or passport. If the bond is registered in your name, you sign it. If it's registered to someone else or jointly owned, the rules change, and you may need that person present or documentation of their authorization.

The bond must be in your possession. If you've lost it, you cannot simply tell Chase the serial number and have them look it up. Lost bonds require a claim through the Treasury, which is a separate process handled by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service.

Not all Chase branches redeem bonds

This is the most common obstacle. Large Chase branches in urban areas and those with a securities or investment department are more likely to handle bond redemptions. Smaller branches, particularly in rural areas or inside grocery stores, often do not have the staff or systems to process them. Some branches will tell you they can do it but then refer you to another location when you arrive.

Call ahead. Ask specifically whether the branch redeems U.S. savings bonds and whether you need an appointment. If your local branch cannot help, ask which nearby Chase location can. If no Chase branch in your area handles bonds, you have two alternatives: redeem through TreasuryDirect if your bonds are electronic, or mail the certificates to the Treasury's Bureau of the Fiscal Service with a redemption form.

Bonds that are not yet mature

Savings bonds have a maturity date. Series EE bonds issued after May 2003 reach final maturity after 30 years. Series I bonds reach final maturity after 30 years as well. You can redeem bonds before maturity, but you forfeit the last three months of interest. Chase will typically refuse to cash a bond that has not yet reached its first anniversary, though some banks make exceptions for bonds owned by minors or in documented hardship situations.

Check your bond's issue date before you visit. If it was issued less than a year ago, Chase will likely decline. If it's older than one year but you want to avoid the interest penalty, you can still redeem it, but understand what you're giving up — the last three months of accrued interest.

Bonds registered to someone else

If the bond is registered in your name only, you sign it and you're done. If it's registered to someone else, Chase will not cash it without that person's presence or written authorization. If it's registered jointly (such as "John Smith or Jane Smith"), either person can redeem it alone. If it's registered as "John Smith and Jane Smith" (with "and" rather than "or"), both owners must be present or one must have a power of attorney.

If the original owner has died, the bond becomes part of their estate. You'll need to provide Chase with a death certificate and proof that you're authorized to act on behalf of the estate — typically a will, trust document, or court order. Chase may require you to work with their trust and estate department rather than a regular teller.

What happens after Chase cashes it

Chase will give you a check or deposit the funds directly to your account, depending on the amount and the branch's procedures. For large bonds, they may issue a check rather than deposit it immediately. Ask before you sign the bond whether they can deposit it directly, since once you sign it, it's considered negotiated and must be processed quickly.

The redemption is reported to the IRS. The interest you've earned on the bond is taxable income in the year you redeem it, unless the bond was a may have access to education savings bond and you meet specific requirements. Keep your redemption receipt for your tax records.

If Chase cannot help you

If your local Chase branches cannot redeem your bonds, you have options. If your bonds are in TreasuryDirect (the Treasury's online system), log in and redeem them there — the funds go to your linked bank account within a few business days. If you have paper certificates, you can mail them to the Bureau of the Fiscal Service with Form PD 1522 (for Series EE bonds) or Form PD 1523 (for Series I bonds). Include a letter explaining what you're doing, and mail everything to the address listed on the Treasury's website. This takes longer — typically two to four weeks — but it works if no bank in your area will help.

Some credit unions also redeem savings bonds, so if you're a member of one, call and ask. The process is the same as at Chase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a savings bond at Chase if I don't have the original certificate?

No. Chase requires the physical bond certificate. If you have electronic bonds in TreasuryDirect, you must redeem them through the Treasury's website. If you've lost a paper certificate, contact the Bureau of the Fiscal Service to file a claim for a replacement.

What if I want to redeem a bond but it hasn't been a year yet?

Most Chase branches will decline to redeem bonds less than one year old. Some make exceptions for minors or hardship situations, but this is not standard. If you wait until the one-year mark, you can redeem it, though you'll forfeit the last three months of interest if you do so before the bond's maturity date.

Do I have to pay taxes on the interest when I cash a savings bond?

Yes. The interest earned on the bond is taxable income in the year you redeem it. The only exception is if the bond qualifies as an education savings bond and you meet specific requirements — you'll need to report this to your tax preparer or the IRS when you file.

Can someone else cash my savings bond if I give them permission?

Not at Chase. The person redeeming the bond must be the registered owner or have legal authority (such as a power of attorney or guardianship). If the bond is registered jointly with "or" between the names, either owner can redeem it alone.

What if the savings bond is in a deceased person's name?

You'll need to provide Chase with a death certificate and proof that you're authorized to handle the estate — such as a will, trust, or court order. Chase will likely direct you to their trust and estate department. The process takes longer than a standard redemption.