You can buy savings bonds directly from the U.S. Treasury through TreasuryDirect, or through a bank or broker
The easiest route for most people is TreasuryDirect, the Treasury Department's online platform. You create an account, link a bank account, and buy bonds electronically. No fees, no middleman. Series EE and Series I bonds are sold this way, and the process takes about 15 minutes if you have your Social Security number and a valid email address.
If you prefer to work with a financial institution, you can buy savings bonds through most banks and brokerages — though they may charge a fee and the selection is sometimes limited. Some people choose this route because they already have an account there, or because they want a person to talk to. The trade-off is cost and sometimes fewer options.
Paper bonds are no longer sold at banks. The Treasury stopped issuing them in 2011, so if you see them offered anywhere, that's a resale market or a scam. All new bonds are digital.
Key Takeaways
- TreasuryDirect is free and the most direct way to buy from the U.S. Treasury, requiring only an online account linked to your bank.
- Banks and brokerages can sell you savings bonds but may charge fees and typically offer fewer bond types than TreasuryDirect.
- You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or resident alien to buy bonds through TreasuryDirect.
- Minimum purchase is $25 for Series EE bonds and $25 for Series I bonds when buying through TreasuryDirect.
- All new savings bonds are digital; paper bonds have not been issued since 2011.
Setting up a TreasuryDirect account
Go to treasurydirect.gov and click "Open an Account." You'll need your Social Security number, a valid email address, and a U.S. bank account (checking or savings). The site will ask you to create a username and password, then verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history.
Once your account is open, you link your bank account for purchases and redemptions. The Treasury uses this account to debit money when you buy and to deposit money when you cash bonds in. You can link multiple bank accounts if you want, though most people use one.
The whole process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. After that, you can buy bonds anytime during the purchase windows — Series EE and I bonds have specific dates each month when they go on sale.
Buying through TreasuryDirect step by step
Log into your account and select "BuyDirect." Choose the bond type (Series EE or Series I), the quantity, and the purchase date. The system will show you the current rate for that bond type. You can buy up to $10,000 per bond type per calendar year through TreasuryDirect.
Review your order, confirm the bank account you want to use, and submit. The Treasury will debit your account on the purchase date you selected. Your bonds appear in your account immediately after purchase, though they don't start earning interest until the issue date (usually the first of the month).
You can hold your bonds in TreasuryDirect indefinitely. When you want to cash them, you log in, select the bond, and request redemption. The money goes back to your linked bank account within a few business days. If you cash a bond before five years, you lose the last three months of interest as a penalty.
Buying through a bank or brokerage
Call your bank or log into your brokerage account and ask about savings bond purchases. Not all institutions offer them, so confirm first. If they do, you'll typically fill out a form with the bond type and amount you want.
Banks and brokerages often charge a transaction fee — anywhere from $25 to $100 or more, depending on the institution. Some waive fees for customers with certain account balances or account types. Ask about fees before you buy, because they can eat into your returns on smaller purchases.
The bond itself earns the same rate as if you bought it through TreasuryDirect, but the fee is yours to pay. The institution holds the bond in your account there, and you redeem it through them as well. This can be convenient if you already have a relationship with that bank or broker, but it's more expensive than going direct.
Who can buy savings bonds
You must be at least 18 years old and either a U.S. citizen or a resident alien with a valid Social Security number. If you're buying for a child, you can set up an account in their name once they turn 18, or you can buy bonds in your own name and gift them later.
Non-residents and non-citizens cannot buy through TreasuryDirect. If you fall into that category, some banks may still sell you bonds, but options are limited and fees may be higher. Check with your bank directly.
There's no upper age limit, and there's no income requirement. Anyone who meets the age and citizenship criteria can buy.
Annual purchase limits and how they work
Through TreasuryDirect, you can buy up to $10,000 in Series EE bonds per calendar year and up to $10,000 in Series I bonds per calendar year. That's $10,000 each, not $10,000 total. You can also buy up to $5,000 in paper I bonds with your tax refund, though this is a separate limit and requires filing through your tax return.
If you buy through a bank or brokerage, those purchases may count toward your TreasuryDirect limit or may not, depending on the institution and the Treasury's tracking. Ask before you buy to avoid hitting a limit unexpectedly.
The limits reset on January 1 each year. If you buy $8,000 in Series EE bonds in November, you can buy $2,000 more in December, and then your limit resets to $10,000 on January 1.
Comparing TreasuryDirect to banks and brokerages
| Feature | TreasuryDirect | Bank or Brokerage |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | No fees | Usually $25–$100+ per transaction |
| Bond types available | Series EE and I | Varies; often limited |
| Minimum purchase | $25 | Varies; often higher |
| Interest rate | Same as all issuers | Same as all issuers |
| Account setup time | 10–20 minutes | Depends on institution |
| Redemption | Online, 3–5 business days | Through institution, varies |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bank account to buy bonds through TreasuryDirect?
Yes. TreasuryDirect requires a U.S. bank account (checking or savings) linked to your account for purchases and redemptions. You cannot buy bonds without one. If you don't have a bank account, you'll need to open one first, or buy through a bank or brokerage that may have different requirements.
Can I buy savings bonds as a gift for someone else?
You can buy bonds in your own name and give them to someone later, but you cannot open a TreasuryDirect account in someone else's name unless they are 18 and set it up themselves. If you want to buy bonds for a child, wait until they turn 18, or buy them in your name and transfer them as a gift.
What happens if I need my money before the bond matures?
You can redeem a savings bond anytime after you own it for one year. If you cash it before five years, you lose the last three months of interest as a penalty. After five years, you can redeem without penalty. The money goes to your bank account within a few business days.
Are there any taxes on savings bonds?
Yes. The interest you earn is subject to federal income tax. You can choose to pay taxes each year as interest accrues, or wait and pay all the tax when you redeem the bond. State and local taxes do not apply to savings bond interest. Talk to a tax professional about the best strategy for your situation.
What's the difference between buying through TreasuryDirect and a bank?
TreasuryDirect is free and direct from the Treasury, while banks charge fees. The interest rate is the same either way. TreasuryDirect is usually the better choice unless you already have a relationship with a bank and they waive fees, or you prefer working with a person instead of online.