You can buy savings bonds directly from the U.S. Treasury or through your bank

The simplest route is TreasuryDirect, the federal government's online platform where you buy bonds straight from the U.S. Department of the Treasury with no middleman. You create an account, link a bank account, and purchase Series EE or Series I bonds in amounts from $25 to $10,000 per bond type per calendar year. The bonds are held electronically — you never receive paper certificates unless you request them later.

If you prefer to work with a person, most banks and credit unions sell savings bonds over the counter. You walk in, tell them which type and amount you want, and they process the order through TreasuryDirect on your behalf. The bank does not hold the bond; it goes into your TreasuryDirect account just as if you had bought it online yourself. Some banks charge a small fee for this service, so ask before you buy.

Paper bonds are no longer sold at most locations. The Treasury stopped issuing paper Series EE bonds to the general public in 2011, though you can still request paper certificates for bonds you buy electronically if you want a physical copy for safekeeping.

Key Takeaways

  • TreasuryDirect is free, requires only an internet connection and a bank account, and lets you buy bonds at any time without fees or commissions.
  • Banks and credit unions can sell you bonds in person, but they route the order through TreasuryDirect and may charge a service fee.
  • All savings bonds purchased today are held electronically in a TreasuryDirect account, whether you buy online or through a bank.
  • You can request paper certificates for bonds you own, but this is optional and does not change how the bond works.
  • The annual purchase limit is $10,000 per bond type (Series EE and Series I) per person per calendar year.

Setting up a TreasuryDirect account

To buy bonds online, you need a TreasuryDirect account at treasurydirect.gov. The sign-up process takes about 15 minutes and requires a Social Security number, a valid email address, and a U.S. bank account (checking or savings). You will need to verify your identity through a third-party service — the Treasury uses this step to prevent fraud.

Once your account is open, you link your bank account and can buy bonds immediately. The money is withdrawn from your bank on the purchase date. You can manage everything online: view your bond holdings, check current interest rates, and set up redemptions. If you forget your password or need to update your information, you can do that through the website without calling anyone.

Buying through banks and credit unions

Your bank or credit union can order bonds for you if you do not want to use TreasuryDirect online. Call ahead or visit a branch and ask whether they sell savings bonds — not all institutions do. Some larger banks have a dedicated bond desk; smaller branches may need to order through their main office, which can take a few business days.

The bank will ask you which type of bond (Series EE or Series I), the amount, and the registration (whose name it goes under). They submit the order to TreasuryDirect and the bond appears in your TreasuryDirect account. You still need a TreasuryDirect account to hold the bond, even if the bank places the order for you. Ask about fees before you commit — some banks charge $25 to $50 per transaction, while others do it free as a service to customers.

Understanding purchase limits and timing

The Treasury sets an annual limit of $10,000 per bond type per calendar year. That means you can buy up to $10,000 in Series EE bonds and up to $10,000 in Series I bonds between January 1 and December 31. The limit resets on January 1. If you reach the limit before the end of the year, you cannot buy more of that type until the new year begins.

Bonds purchased through TreasuryDirect are issued on the first day of the month following your purchase. If you buy on March 15, your bond is issued April 1 and begins earning interest from that date. Bonds bought through a bank may have different timing depending on when the bank submits the order, so ask when your bond will be issued.

Buying bonds as gifts or for minors

You can buy a savings bond registered in someone else's name as a gift. In TreasuryDirect, you specify the recipient's name and Social Security number during purchase. The bond is held in your account but belongs to the recipient — you cannot cash it without their permission (or a parent's permission if the recipient is a minor).

If you want to buy a bond for a child, you can register it in the child's name, but you will need their Social Security number. Some parents use this as a long-term savings tool because the bond cannot be cashed without the child's consent once they reach adulthood. For very young children, you may want to consult a tax professional about the tax implications of bonds held in a minor's name.

Comparing TreasuryDirect to other bond sellers

You might see savings bonds offered through investment brokers, financial advisors, or online investment platforms. These are secondary-market bonds — existing bonds that someone else is selling. Secondary-market bonds cost more than face value because the seller is passing along the accrued interest, and you may pay a commission to the broker. For most people, buying new bonds directly from the Treasury through TreasuryDirect or a bank is cheaper and simpler.

Some brokers also sell Treasury bonds and notes (different products with different terms). Do not confuse these with savings bonds. Treasury bonds and notes are traded on the secondary market and have different interest rates, maturity dates, and tax treatment. If you are looking specifically for savings bonds, stick with TreasuryDirect or your bank.

What happens after you buy

Once your bond is issued, you own it and it begins earning interest. You can view it anytime in your TreasuryDirect account. Series EE bonds earn a fixed rate set by the Treasury every six months. Series I bonds earn a combined rate of a fixed portion plus an inflation component that also changes every six months. Interest accrues monthly and is added to the bond's value.

You can redeem (cash in) a bond anytime after you own it for one year. If you redeem before five years have passed, you lose the last three months of interest as a penalty. After five years, you can redeem without penalty. Bonds continue to earn interest for up to 30 years, at which point they stop earning and you should redeem them. You redeem through TreasuryDirect by requesting a transfer to your bank account, which usually takes a few business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy savings bonds with a credit card?

No. TreasuryDirect requires you to link a bank account (checking or savings) for purchases. You cannot use a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. This is a security measure to prevent fraud and ensure the account holder's identity matches the bank account owner.

What if I do not have internet access or a bank account?

You can buy bonds through a bank or credit union in person. They will process your order and you will need a bank account for the bond to be held in TreasuryDirect. If you do not have a bank account, you may want to open one first — most banks offer free checking accounts and this is a requirement for owning savings bonds today.

Can I buy savings bonds for someone in another country?

No. Savings bonds can only be registered to U.S. citizens or U.S. residents with a valid Social Security number. If you want to give a bond as a gift to someone abroad, you would need to register it in your name and handle the redemption yourself, which defeats the purpose of a gift.

Do I have to buy a full $25 bond, or can I buy smaller amounts?

The minimum purchase is $25 per bond. You cannot buy a $10 or $15 bond. You can buy in $25 increments up to your annual limit — $25, $50, $75, $100, and so on.

Is there a difference between buying a bond on the first of the month versus the last day of the month?

Yes. All bonds are issued on the first day of the month following your purchase, regardless of when in the month you buy. A bond purchased on January 5 and one purchased on January 28 are both issued February 1 and begin earning interest from that date. If you want a bond issued sooner, buy earlier in the month.