You can buy savings bonds directly from the U.S. Department of the Treasury through TreasuryDirect, or through a bank or broker

The fastest and cheapest way is TreasuryDirect, the Treasury's online platform. You create an account, link a bank account, and buy bonds electronically with no fees. You can purchase Series EE bonds, Series I bonds, or both. The Treasury deposits them into your TreasuryDirect account instantly, and you manage them there for the life of the bond.

If you do not want to use an online account, you can buy bonds through a bank or brokerage firm. They charge a fee for the transaction — typically $25 to $50 — and the process takes longer. Most people choose this route only if they already have a relationship with that institution or prefer not to set up a separate online account.

You cannot buy savings bonds through a retail store, by mail, or through a financial advisor. TreasuryDirect and banks or brokers are your only options.

Key Takeaways

  • TreasuryDirect is free and the most direct way to buy bonds; you set up an account online, link your bank account, and purchase bonds immediately.
  • Banks and brokers can sell you bonds but charge transaction fees of $25 to $50 per purchase.
  • You need a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open a TreasuryDirect account.
  • Bonds are held in your account electronically; you do not receive a physical certificate unless you request one for an older bond you already own.
  • The minimum purchase is $25 for Series EE bonds and $25 for Series I bonds when buying through TreasuryDirect.

Setting up a TreasuryDirect account

Go to treasurydirect.gov and click "Open an Account." You will need a valid email address, a Social Security number or ITIN, and a U.S. bank account (checking or savings). The Treasury verifies your identity by asking questions about your credit history — this is instant and does not affect your credit score.

Once your account is open, you can buy bonds immediately. The Treasury transfers money from your linked bank account and deposits the bonds into your TreasuryDirect account within one business day. You can view your bonds, track their value, and manage redemptions all from your account dashboard.

If you already own paper savings bonds from years past, you can link them to your TreasuryDirect account to track them online. This does not convert them to electronic bonds, but it lets you see their current value and redemption date without leaving the website.

Buying bonds through a bank or broker

Contact your bank or brokerage and ask whether they sell savings bonds. Not all institutions do. If they do, you will typically fill out a form, provide your Social Security number, and authorize a transfer from your account. The bank or broker orders the bonds from the Treasury on your behalf and charges you a fee.

The bonds are held in an account at that institution. You receive a confirmation, and the bonds appear in your account statement. If you later want to redeem them, you contact the bank or broker, not the Treasury directly.

This route is slower — it can take several business days — and more expensive than TreasuryDirect. Use it only if you have a strong reason to keep all your investments in one place or if you are uncomfortable with online accounts.

What you need before you buy

Have your Social Security number or ITIN ready. The Treasury requires this to open an account and to issue bonds in your name. If you are buying bonds for a minor, you will need the child's Social Security number as well.

You also need a U.S. bank account — checking or savings — to link to TreasuryDirect. The account must be in your name. If you are buying through a bank or broker, you may be able to use an account at a different institution, but confirm this with them first.

Decide how much you want to spend. The minimum purchase is $25 per bond, and you can buy up to $10,000 in Series EE bonds and $10,000 in Series I bonds per calendar year through TreasuryDirect. If you buy through a bank or broker, the limits may differ — ask them.

Understanding purchase limits and timing

Through TreasuryDirect, you can buy a maximum of $10,000 in Series EE bonds and $10,000 in Series I bonds in a single calendar year. This limit resets on January 1. If you reach the limit in November, you have to wait until the new year to buy more.

Banks and brokers may have different limits. Some allow you to buy more than $10,000 per year because they are not subject to the same Treasury restrictions. Check with your institution.

Bonds are issued on the first day of each month. If you buy a bond on the 15th of the month, it is dated the 1st of that month. Interest accrues from the issue date, so buying early in the month gives you a slight advantage.

Choosing between Series EE and Series I bonds

Series EE bonds earn a fixed interest rate set by the Treasury every six months. The rate is the same for all buyers during that period. Series I bonds earn a combined rate: a fixed portion plus an inflation rate that changes every six months based on the Consumer Price Index.

Series EE bonds are predictable — you know exactly what rate you are earning for the life of the bond. Series I bonds protect you against inflation but are less predictable because the rate changes twice a year. If inflation is high, Series I bonds typically earn more. If inflation is low or negative, Series EE bonds may earn more.

You can buy both types in the same year, up to the $10,000 limit for each. Many people buy a mix to balance predictability and inflation protection.

What happens after you buy

Your bonds sit in your TreasuryDirect account and earn interest automatically. You do not have to do anything. The interest compounds semiannually — the Treasury adds it to the bond's value twice a year.

You can check your bond's current value anytime by logging into TreasuryDirect. The value increases as interest accrues. Series EE bonds take 20 years to reach face value; Series I bonds have no maturity date but can be redeemed anytime after one year.

If you need the money, you can redeem the bond through TreasuryDirect. The Treasury deposits the proceeds into your linked bank account within one business day. Series EE bonds redeemed before five years lose the last three months of interest as a penalty. Series I bonds redeemed before five years lose the last three months of interest as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use TreasuryDirect, or can I buy bonds anywhere?

TreasuryDirect is the primary way to buy new savings bonds directly from the Treasury with no fees. Banks and brokers can sell them, but they charge transaction fees. You cannot buy new savings bonds at retail stores or through the mail.

What if I do not have a bank account?

You need a U.S. bank account to buy bonds through TreasuryDirect. If you do not have one, you can open a basic checking account at most banks with minimal requirements. Alternatively, you can buy bonds through a bank or broker, though they may have their own account requirements.

Can I buy savings bonds as a gift for someone else?

Yes. Through TreasuryDirect, you can buy a bond and register it in someone else's name. You will need their Social Security number or ITIN. The bond is issued in their name, and they own it. You can also buy through a bank or broker and have the bond issued to the recipient.

How long does it take to receive a savings bond after I buy it?

Through TreasuryDirect, the bond appears in your account within one business day. Through a bank or broker, it typically takes three to five business days. The bond is dated the first of the month in which you purchased it, regardless of when you actually bought it.

Can I cancel a bond purchase after I buy it?

Through TreasuryDirect, you can cancel a purchase within two business days if the bond has not yet been issued. After that, you own the bond and can only redeem it (with a penalty if redeemed before five years). Contact TreasuryDirect customer service immediately if you need to cancel.