You can buy savings bonds in person at most banks and credit unions, or through the U.S. Treasury's TreasuryDirect website

The easiest in-person option is your own bank or credit union. Most financial institutions that hold deposit accounts will sell you paper Series I and Series EE savings bonds over the counter. You walk in, tell them you want to buy a bond, show your ID, and complete a brief form. They handle the paperwork and the Treasury transaction on your behalf. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

If you want to buy bonds in person but your bank does not offer them, you can visit a Federal Reserve Bank branch. There are 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks across the country, and most have public windows where you can purchase bonds directly. You will need to find the one nearest you and confirm their hours before you go — not all branches maintain public sales windows.

Paper savings bonds are no longer issued for new purchases through any in-person channel. All new bonds sold today are digital and held in TreasuryDirect accounts. If you want to buy bonds in person at a bank, you are actually purchasing digital bonds that the bank then registers in your name through TreasuryDirect. The bank charges no fee for this service.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank or credit union can sell you Series I and Series EE bonds over the counter with no fee, and the transaction takes 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Federal Reserve Bank branches also sell bonds in person, but you need to locate the nearest one and confirm they maintain a public sales window.
  • All new bonds are digital and held in TreasuryDirect accounts, even when you buy them in person at a bank.
  • You will need a valid ID and Social Security number or tax ID to purchase bonds in person.

What to bring when you visit your bank

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need your Social Security number or tax identification number. The bank uses this to register the bond in your name with the Treasury.

Decide in advance how much you want to spend. Savings bonds come in denominations from $25 to $10,000. You can buy multiple bonds in a single transaction. The bank will ask whether you want the bond registered in your name alone, or in your name and another person's name (joint ownership). If you are buying a bond as a gift, you can register it in the recipient's name, though some banks require the recipient to be present.

Bring a checkbook or debit card if you plan to pay by check or card. Some banks require payment at the time of purchase; others allow you to pay later. Call ahead to confirm your bank's payment policy.

How to find a Federal Reserve Bank near you

The Federal Reserve maintains a directory on its website listing all 12 regional banks and their branch locations. Search for "Federal Reserve Bank near me" or visit the Federal Reserve's official site and use their branch locator. Not every branch sells bonds to the public, so you must call ahead to confirm that the location you plan to visit has a public sales window and what their hours are.

Federal Reserve branches are typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some locations close for lunch. Bring the same documents you would bring to a bank: a valid photo ID and your Social Security number or tax ID.

Why some people prefer buying bonds in person

Buying in person gives you a receipt and confirmation on the spot. You can ask questions face-to-face and have a staff member walk you through the process. This matters if you are unfamiliar with how bonds work or if you are buying a bond as a gift and want to understand the registration options.

Some people also prefer in-person purchases because they do not want to set up an online account or provide personal information through a website. If you are uncomfortable with TreasuryDirect's digital platform, buying through your bank is a legitimate alternative.

The TreasuryDirect option if in-person buying is not convenient

If you cannot visit a bank or Federal Reserve branch, you can buy bonds directly through TreasuryDirect, the Treasury's online platform. You create an account, link a bank account for payment, and purchase bonds electronically. There is no fee, and you can buy bonds any day the financial markets are open. Bonds appear in your account immediately after purchase.

TreasuryDirect is open to anyone with a Social Security number and a U.S. bank account. You can manage your bonds, check their current value, and set up automatic purchases through the same account. Many people find this more convenient than visiting a bank, especially if they plan to buy bonds regularly.

What happens after you buy a bond in person

The bank or Federal Reserve branch registers your bond with the Treasury and provides you with a confirmation receipt. This receipt shows the bond's series, denomination, issue date, and the name it is registered under. Keep this receipt in a safe place — you will need it if you ever need to replace a lost bond or prove ownership.

Your bond is now held in a TreasuryDirect account created in your name. You can log into TreasuryDirect online to view your bond's current value and redemption options. You do not receive a physical certificate in the mail. The digital record in TreasuryDirect is your proof of ownership.

When you are ready to cash the bond, you can redeem it through TreasuryDirect online, or you can return to your bank and ask them to process the redemption for you. Series EE bonds must be held for at least one year before you can redeem them. Series I bonds also require a one-year holding period, and if you redeem them before five years, you forfeit the last three months of interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy savings bonds for someone else in person?

Yes. You can register a bond in another person's name, though policies vary by bank. Some banks require the recipient to be present with ID; others allow you to buy on their behalf if you provide their name and Social Security number. Call your bank first to confirm their policy on gifts.

Do banks charge a fee to sell me savings bonds?

No. Banks and credit unions do not charge a fee to sell you savings bonds. The Treasury does not charge a fee either. The price you pay is the face value of the bond — a $100 Series EE bond costs $100.

What if my bank says they do not sell savings bonds?

Not all banks offer bond sales. If yours does not, locate the nearest Federal Reserve Bank branch using the Federal Reserve's website and call to confirm they sell bonds to the public. Otherwise, TreasuryDirect online is your only option.

Can I buy bonds in person with cash?

Most banks prefer payment by check or debit card. Some may accept cash, but policies vary. Call your bank ahead of time to confirm what payment methods they accept for bond purchases.

How long does it take to get a savings bond after I buy it in person?

You receive confirmation immediately. The bond is registered with the Treasury the same day and appears in your TreasuryDirect account within one business day. You do not receive a physical certificate — your digital account record is your proof of ownership.