Maturity timelines depend on the bond type and purchase date

A savings bond reaches maturity — the point where it stops earning interest — at a fixed date set when you buy it. For Series EE bonds, maturity is 30 years from the issue date. Series I bonds also mature in 30 years. Series HH bonds (no longer sold) matured in 20 years. The issue date is printed on the bond itself or shown in your TreasuryDirect account if you own electronic bonds.

You can cash in a bond before maturity, but you will lose the last three months of interest if you do so within five years of purchase. After five years, you get all accrued interest with no penalty. Most people hold bonds past maturity because they continue to earn interest for up to 30 years total, even after the initial maturity date passes — though the rate may change.

Key Takeaways

  • Series EE and Series I bonds mature in 30 years from the issue date, which is printed on the bond or visible in your TreasuryDirect account.
  • Cashing in a bond within five years costs you the last three months of interest; after five years you receive full value with no penalty.
  • Bonds continue earning interest after the 30-year maturity date, though at a new rate set by the Treasury Department.
  • The final maturity date — when a bond stops earning interest entirely — is 30 years after issue for both EE and I bonds.

Why the five-year holding period matters

The Treasury Department imposes a penalty on early redemption to discourage people from treating savings bonds like regular savings accounts. If you redeem a bond within five years of purchase, you forfeit the last three months of interest you earned. This is not a small amount — on a bond earning 5% annually, three months of interest can be several dollars per $100 face value.

After five years have passed, you can redeem the bond at any time without losing interest. You will receive the full value it has accumulated to that point. This is why financial advisors often recommend treating savings bonds as a five-year minimum commitment, even though the stated maturity is 30 years.

Series EE bonds and the 20-year doubling feature

Series EE bonds purchased after May 2003 have a special may provide: if the bond has not doubled in value by 20 years, the Treasury will add money to bring it to exactly double the purchase price. A $50 EE bond purchased for $25 is may provide to be worth at least $50 at the 20-year mark, regardless of interest rates.

This may provide does not mean the bond matures at 20 years — it still matures at 30 years and continues earning interest. The doubling feature is simply a floor: your bond will never be worth less than double what you paid, as long as you hold it for 20 years. After 20 years, the bond continues to earn interest at whatever rate the Treasury sets for the next 10-year period.

What happens after the 30-year maturity date

When a bond reaches its 30-year maturity date, it stops earning interest. At that point, you should redeem it because holding it longer produces no additional value. The bond will not lose value — it simply becomes inert.

You can redeem a matured bond at any bank or through TreasuryDirect. If you own paper bonds, bring them to a bank with your ID. If you own electronic bonds in TreasuryDirect, you can initiate the redemption online and receive the funds in your linked bank account within a few business days.

How to find your bond's maturity date

For electronic bonds held in TreasuryDirect, log into your account and view your portfolio. The issue date appears next to each bond. Add 30 years to that date to find the maturity date. For example, a bond issued on June 15, 2020 matures on June 15, 2050.

For paper bonds, the issue date is printed on the front. You can also contact TreasuryDirect at 1-800-553-2663 if you have lost a paper bond or need to verify its details. They can look up the bond by serial number and tell you the exact maturity date and current value.

Interest rates change at maturity milestones

The interest rate on a savings bond is set by the Treasury Department and changes every six months (on May 1 and November 1). When your bond reaches certain milestones — typically at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 years — the rate resets for the next period.

This means a Series EE bond purchased in 2015 earning 0.10% for its first five years might earn a different rate from 2020 to 2025, and yet another rate from 2025 to 2030. The rate is always set by the Treasury, not by your choice. You cannot lock in a rate or shop for a better one — you get whatever rate applies during each period you hold the bond.

Redeeming bonds before maturity

You can redeem a bond at any time after you own it for one year. Redeeming within the first five years costs you three months of interest. After five years, there is no penalty — you receive the full accumulated value.

Most banks will redeem paper bonds during business hours. Electronic bonds can be redeemed through TreasuryDirect at any time. The funds typically arrive in your bank account within one to three business days. Keep in mind that redeeming a bond before maturity means you lose the future interest it would have earned, so this is a decision to make only if you need the money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash in a savings bond before it matures?

Yes, you can redeem a bond one year after purchase. If you redeem within five years, you lose the last three months of interest. After five years, you get the full value with no penalty. The bond continues earning interest until the 30-year maturity date, so early redemption means giving up future growth.

What is the difference between maturity and final maturity?

Maturity (30 years) is when the bond stops earning interest at its current rate. Final maturity is also 30 years — the point when the bond stops earning interest entirely and you should redeem it. Some older bond types had different timelines, but all bonds sold today stop earning interest at 30 years.

Do I have to redeem my bond when it matures?

No, but you should. Once a bond reaches 30 years, it earns no more interest. Holding it longer does not increase its value. You can redeem it at any bank or through TreasuryDirect whenever you choose after maturity.

How do I know the exact maturity date of my bond?

Add 30 years to the issue date printed on the bond or shown in your TreasuryDirect account. For example, a bond issued June 2020 matures in June 2050. If you cannot find the issue date, call TreasuryDirect at 1-800-553-2663 with the bond's serial number.

What happens if I lose a savings bond before it matures?

Contact TreasuryDirect immediately with the serial number or as much information as you have. They can place a stop on the bond to prevent someone else from cashing it. You can request a replacement or a refund of the purchase price. Paper bonds can also be reported to your bank if you purchased them there.