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's online platform. You create an account, link a bank account, and buy bonds electronically — no fees, no middleman. You can also buy paper Series I and EE bonds through your bank or a broker, though they typically charge a small fee for the transaction. If you want to buy bonds as a gift, you'll need to use TreasuryDirect's gift option or purchase paper bonds through a financial institution.

The method you choose depends on whether you want to buy online or in person, whether you're comfortable with digital accounts, and whether you're buying for yourself or as a gift. Each route has different timing and requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • TreasuryDirect is free and lets you buy bonds online with a bank account, but you need a Social Security number and a valid email address to set up an account.
  • You can buy Series EE and Series I bonds through TreasuryDirect; Series I bonds protect against inflation and are often the better choice for long-term savings.
  • Banks and brokers can sell you paper bonds in person, but they charge fees and the process is slower than buying online.
  • Bonds purchased through TreasuryDirect are held electronically and cannot be lost or stolen, and you can check their value anytime online.

Setting up a TreasuryDirect account

Go to treasurydirect.gov and click "Open an Account." You'll need a valid email address, a Social Security number, 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 will make two small test deposits to your bank account — typically less than a dollar each — which you'll need to confirm back in TreasuryDirect to prove you own the account. This verification usually takes one to two business days. After that, you can buy bonds immediately.

Buying bonds through TreasuryDirect

Log into your TreasuryDirect account and select "BuyDirect." You'll choose the bond type (Series EE or Series I), the amount you want to buy (in $25 increments, up to $10,000 per bond type per calendar year), and whether you're buying for yourself or as a gift. The money is drawn from your linked bank account, usually within one business day.

Your bonds appear in your account immediately, though they don't earn interest until the settlement date — typically the first business day of the following month. You can view your bonds anytime, check their current value, and see how much interest they've earned. If you need to cash them in before maturity, you can do that through your account as well, though there are penalties for redeeming before five years.

Buying paper bonds through a bank or broker

If you prefer to buy in person or want paper certificates, visit your bank or a brokerage firm. They can sell you Series EE and Series I bonds, though availability varies by institution. You'll fill out a purchase form, provide your Social Security number, and pay the purchase price plus a transaction fee — typically $5 to $25 depending on the institution.

Paper bonds take longer to arrive — usually one to two weeks — and you're responsible for keeping them safe. If they're lost or stolen, you'll need to file a claim with the Treasury to get replacements, which can take several months. Many financial advisors recommend TreasuryDirect instead because the electronic record is simpler and safer.

Annual purchase limits and timing

You can buy up to $10,000 in Series EE bonds and $10,000 in Series I bonds per calendar year through TreasuryDirect — a total of $20,000 if you buy both types. If you're buying paper bonds through a bank, the limit is $5,000 per bond type per year. These limits reset on January 1st each year.

Bonds purchased through TreasuryDirect settle on the first business day of the following month, so if you buy on June 15th, your bond's issue date is July 1st. This means the interest-earning date is the first of the next month, not the day you purchased it. Plan your purchases accordingly if you're trying to time when interest begins accruing.

Choosing between Series EE and Series I bonds

Series EE bonds have a fixed interest rate set by the Treasury and announced every six months. Series I bonds have a variable rate that combines a fixed portion with an inflation adjustment, also announced every six months. In a high-inflation environment, Series I bonds typically earn more; in a low-inflation environment, Series EE bonds may be competitive.

Both types require you to hold them for at least one year before cashing them in. If you redeem before five years, you lose the last three months of interest. After 30 years, they stop earning interest. Most financial advisors recommend Series I bonds for long-term savings because the inflation protection helps your money keep its purchasing power, but the choice depends on your expectations about future inflation and your timeline.

What happens after you buy

Your bonds earn interest monthly, though you don't see the payment until you cash them in or they mature. Through TreasuryDirect, you can check your bond's current value anytime by logging into your account — the value shown includes all interest earned to date. You can also download a statement for your records.

When you're ready to redeem, you request the redemption through your TreasuryDirect account and the money is deposited into your linked bank account within a few business days. If you own paper bonds, you'll need to take them to a bank or the Treasury to cash them in, which takes longer and requires more paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy savings bonds as a gift?

Yes. Through TreasuryDirect, you can buy bonds as a gift by selecting the gift option during purchase and entering the recipient's name and Social Security number. The bonds are held in your account until you transfer them to the recipient's account, which they can do anytime. You can also buy paper bonds as a gift through a bank and give the certificates directly.

What if I don't have a bank account?

TreasuryDirect requires a U.S. bank account to link for purchases and redemptions. If you don't have one, you can open a basic checking account at most banks with minimal requirements. Alternatively, you can buy paper bonds through a bank or broker, though you'll pay a fee and won't have the online tracking that TreasuryDirect offers.

Can I buy bonds for a child?

Yes, but the process depends on the child's age. For minors, you can buy bonds through TreasuryDirect using the child's Social Security number and your own account, or you can buy paper bonds in the child's name. Once the child reaches age 18, they can take control of their own TreasuryDirect account. Check TreasuryDirect's website for specific rules about custodial accounts.

What's the minimum amount I have to buy?

Through TreasuryDirect, the minimum purchase is $25 and you buy in $25 increments. Through a bank or broker, minimums vary by institution but are typically $25 to $100. There's no maximum per purchase, but annual limits apply — $10,000 per bond type per year through TreasuryDirect.

Can I cash in my bond early?

Yes, but there's a penalty. You can redeem anytime after one year, but if you redeem before five years, you lose the last three months of interest. After five years, you can redeem without penalty. This penalty structure encourages longer-term holding, which is why bonds are considered a savings tool rather than a short-term investment.