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. There are no fees, no middleman, and you own the bond from the moment you purchase it. The Treasury holds your bonds in electronic form — you never receive a paper certificate.

If you prefer to work with a financial institution, you can buy savings bonds through most banks and brokers. They charge a fee for the transaction, typically $25 to $50 per purchase. This route makes sense if you already have a relationship with a bank or broker and want to keep all your investments in one place, but it costs more than buying direct.

Paper savings bonds still exist but are no longer sold at banks or through the Treasury. The only way to get a paper bond now is to request that your tax refund be used to purchase Series I bonds, which the IRS will mail to you. This is a limited option and only works if you file taxes and receive a refund.

Key Takeaways

  • TreasuryDirect is free and the most direct way to buy savings bonds online with no fees or intermediaries involved.
  • Banks and brokers sell savings bonds but charge transaction fees ranging from $25 to $50 per purchase.
  • You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to open a TreasuryDirect account.
  • Paper savings bonds are no longer sold at banks; the only way to receive a paper bond is through a tax refund purchase of Series I bonds.
  • Once purchased, you can hold your bonds until maturity or cash them out early, though early redemption may result in a penalty if held less than five years.

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 to link for purchases and redemptions. The account setup takes about 15 minutes.

Once your account is open, you can buy bonds immediately. You choose the bond type (Series EE or Series I), the amount you want to purchase, and whether you want the bond registered in your name alone or jointly with another person. The Treasury deducts the purchase price from your linked bank account within a few business days.

TreasuryDirect also lets you set up a legacy contact — a person who can access your account if you die. This is useful if you hold bonds for a long time and want to make sure your heirs know where to find them.

Buying through banks and brokers

Most major banks — including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and others — sell savings bonds. You walk into a branch or call their investment department and ask to purchase a savings bond. They handle the transaction through their own systems and charge you a fee on top of the bond's purchase price.

Brokerages like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and Vanguard also sell savings bonds. If you already have an investment account with one of these firms, buying a bond is as simple as placing an order online or by phone. Again, you pay a transaction fee.

The advantage of buying through a bank or broker is convenience if you already do business there. The disadvantage is cost — you are paying $25 to $50 more than you would through TreasuryDirect for the same bond. Over time, that fee reduces your return.

Minimum purchase amounts and limits

Through TreasuryDirect, you can buy as little as $25 per bond and as much as $10,000 per bond type per calendar year. So you could buy $10,000 in Series EE bonds and $10,000 in Series I bonds in the same year, for a total of $20,000. This limit resets on January 1st each year.

Banks and brokers may have different minimums and maximums. Some require a minimum purchase of $100 or more. Check with your institution before you go in.

If you want to buy more than $10,000 of a single bond type in one year, you can use a tax refund. The IRS lets you buy up to $5,000 in Series I bonds with your refund, which does not count against your annual TreasuryDirect limit.

What you need before you buy

You must be at least 18 years old. You need a valid Social Security number or ITIN. If you are buying through TreasuryDirect, you need a U.S. bank account with routing and account numbers. If you are buying through a bank or broker, you need whatever identification and account information they require — usually a driver's license and your Social Security number.

If you want to buy a bond for a child or as a gift, the rules differ. A parent or guardian can open a TreasuryDirect account for a minor and buy bonds in the child's name. The adult controls the account until the child turns 18. Some banks and brokers have similar programs, but policies vary.

Comparing cost and convenience

TreasuryDirect wins on cost — zero fees. It also wins on transparency; you see exactly what you are buying and what it costs. The trade-off is that TreasuryDirect is online only, and the website can be slow during high-traffic periods.

A bank or broker wins on convenience if you already have an account there and prefer to manage everything in one place. You also get the option to speak to a person if you have questions. The trade-off is the fee, which eats into your earnings.

For most people buying their first savings bond or adding to an existing holding, TreasuryDirect is the better choice. The fee you save pays for itself quickly, especially on smaller purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy savings bonds for someone else?

Yes. You can buy a bond registered in another adult's name if you have their Social Security number and permission. Through TreasuryDirect, you set up an account in their name (they must authorize this) or buy the bond as a gift. Banks and brokers have similar options. For minors, a parent or guardian must open and control the account.

What happens if TreasuryDirect is down or slow?

The website occasionally experiences outages or slowdowns, especially around the first of the month when many people buy bonds. If you cannot access it, try again later. There is no deadline to buy a bond on any particular day, so waiting a few hours or days does not cost you anything.

Do I have to buy bonds online through TreasuryDirect?

No. You can buy through a bank or broker if you prefer not to use the internet or want to work with a person. You will pay a fee, but the bond itself works the same way. Some people also buy paper bonds through tax refunds, though this option is limited to Series I bonds only.

Can I change my mind after I buy a bond?

Once purchased, a bond is yours. You cannot cancel or return it for a refund. You can hold it until maturity or cash it out early, but early redemption before five years results in a penalty of the last three months of interest.

What if I lose access to my TreasuryDirect account?

Contact TreasuryDirect customer service through treasurydirect.gov. They can help you regain access or recover your account. Your bonds are safe — they are held by the Treasury, not by your account login. Even if you lose your password, the bonds still exist and belong to you.