Chase Bank will cash Series EE and Series I savings bonds, but only if you have an account there and meet specific requirements

Chase can redeem savings bonds for you, but the process depends on the bond type and whether you're the registered owner. Series EE bonds (issued after 1974) and Series I bonds can be cashed at Chase branches. However, Chase will not cash bonds issued before 1974, and they won't process bonds registered to someone else — even if that person is deceased and you have legal authority.

The bank will charge you nothing to cash a bond, but you'll need to bring the physical bond certificate, a government-issued ID, and proof that you own the account where the proceeds will be deposited. If the bond is registered to a minor or if multiple people are listed as owners, the requirements change — and Chase may ask you to contact the Treasury Department instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase cashes Series EE and Series I savings bonds only at the branch where you hold an account, not over the phone or online.
  • You must bring the original bond certificate, a valid ID, and your Chase account information to the branch.
  • Bonds issued before 1974 cannot be cashed at any bank — you must contact the Treasury Department directly.
  • If the bond is registered to someone other than you, Chase will not cash it; you'll need to work with the Treasury or a probate attorney depending on the situation.
  • The Treasury will send you a check within four to six weeks if you mail in the bond, which is an alternative if your local Chase branch cannot help.

What to bring to a Chase branch to cash your bond

Bring the original bond certificate itself — a photocopy will not work. Chase needs to see the actual paper bond to verify the series, issue date, and serial number. You'll also need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Chase debit card or account number so the teller can confirm you own the account where the money will go.

If you don't have a Chase account yet, you cannot cash the bond there. You would need to open an account first, which requires an ID and typically a small deposit. Some Chase branches will let you open an account and cash the bond on the same visit, but call ahead to confirm your local branch can do both.

Bonds that Chase cannot cash

Series EE bonds issued before May 1974 and all Series A through D bonds cannot be redeemed at any bank. These older bonds must be sent directly to the Treasury Department's Bureau of the Fiscal Service. You'll mail the bond certificate along with a form (FS Form 1522) to the address listed on the Treasury website, and they'll send you a check four to six weeks later.

Series HH and Series H bonds also cannot be cashed at banks — they must be redeemed through the Treasury. If you're unsure which series your bond is, look at the top left corner of the certificate; it will say "Series" followed by a letter or two.

When the bond is registered to someone else

If the bond certificate shows a name other than yours, Chase will refuse to cash it. This includes bonds registered to a deceased spouse, parent, or child. The bank's policy is strict: only the registered owner or an authorized representative with legal documentation can redeem the bond.

If the owner is deceased, you'll need to contact the Treasury Department directly and provide a death certificate and proof of your legal authority (such as a will, power of attorney, or court order naming you executor). If the owner is alive but unable to come to the bank, they can sign a power of attorney form authorizing you to act on their behalf, but Chase will likely require the original signed document and may ask for additional verification.

Bonds registered to minors or co-owners

If a bond lists a minor as the owner, Chase may not cash it without the minor present and a parent or legal guardian also present with ID. Some branches will ask for a notarized letter of authorization instead. Call your local Chase branch before you go to find out what they require.

If two people are listed as co-owners on the bond, both may need to be present, or Chase may require written consent from the other owner. Again, policies vary by branch, so a phone call ahead saves a wasted trip.

Using the Treasury Department as an alternative

If Chase cannot help you — because the bond is too old, registered to someone else, or your branch is unable to process it — you can redeem the bond directly through the Treasury. Visit treasurydirect.gov or call the Bureau of the Fiscal Service at 844-284-2676 to request the correct form and mailing address.

Mail the bond certificate along with the completed form and a copy of your ID to the Treasury address. They'll verify ownership, process the redemption, and mail you a check. The entire process typically takes four to six weeks. This route costs nothing and works for any bond series, but it's slower than a bank visit.

What happens to the money after Chase cashes the bond

Chase will deposit the redemption amount directly into your account on the same day or the next business day. The funds are available immediately — there's no hold. You'll receive a receipt showing the bond series, issue date, face value, and the amount you received (which includes accrued interest).

Keep that receipt for your records. The Treasury will also send you a Form 1099-INT at tax time if the bond earned interest, because that interest is taxable income in the year you redeem the bond. If you cashed the bond in December, you may not receive the 1099-INT until January or February of the following year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a savings bond at a Chase ATM or online?

No. Savings bonds can only be redeemed in person at a Chase branch with a teller. You cannot cash them through ATMs, mobile banking, or online. You must visit a physical branch during business hours with your bond certificate and ID.

What if my Chase branch says they don't cash savings bonds?

Some smaller or newer Chase branches may not be equipped to process bonds. Ask to speak with a manager or call the branch manager directly and ask which nearby Chase locations handle bond redemptions. You can also contact the Treasury Department to redeem the bond by mail instead.

Do I have to pay taxes on the money I get from cashing a savings bond?

You'll owe federal income tax on any interest the bond earned, but not on the original purchase price. The amount of interest depends on how long you held the bond. Chase will provide documentation for tax purposes, and you'll report it on your tax return for the year you cashed the bond.

Can I cash a savings bond if I lost the certificate?

No. Chase requires the original certificate. If you've lost it, contact the Treasury Department at 844-284-2676. They can issue a replacement certificate if you provide proof of ownership, though the process takes several weeks.

What if the bond is damaged or the writing is faded?

Bring it to Chase anyway. If the serial number and series are still readable, the teller can usually process it. If the damage is severe and key information is illegible, Chase will likely refer you to the Treasury Department, which has more flexibility in accepting damaged bonds.