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. No fees, no middleman. The alternative is buying through a bank, credit union, or brokerage firm — they charge a fee but handle the paperwork for you. Which one makes sense depends on whether you want to do it yourself or pay someone else to manage it.

The choice also affects how you hold the bond. TreasuryDirect keeps your bonds in an electronic account you access online. A bank or broker delivers a physical paper bond or holds it in a brokerage account. Both are legitimate; the difference is convenience and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • TreasuryDirect is free and lets you buy bonds directly from the Treasury with no fees or commissions.
  • Banks, credit unions, and brokers charge fees to buy bonds on your behalf, typically $25 to $100 per transaction.
  • TreasuryDirect requires an online account and a U.S. bank account; you cannot buy paper bonds there anymore.
  • Paper bonds purchased through banks are mailed to you and can be held in a safe deposit box or at home.
  • Series I bonds and Series EE bonds are available through both routes, but rates and purchase limits differ slightly.

Buying through TreasuryDirect: the no-fee option

TreasuryDirect is a website run by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, part of the Treasury Department. You go to treasurydirect.gov, create an account with your Social Security number, and link a checking or savings account. Once approved, you can buy bonds whenever you want, up to the annual purchase limits.

The account is entirely electronic. Bonds appear as entries in your online account; there are no paper certificates. You can view your balance, track interest accrual, and manage redemptions all through the website. If you lose internet access or forget your password, you can call TreasuryDirect customer service, but most transactions happen online.

One limitation: you cannot buy paper bonds through TreasuryDirect anymore. If you want a physical certificate to hold or give as a gift, you have to buy through a bank or broker. TreasuryDirect is electronic-only.

Buying through banks and brokers: paying for convenience

Most banks and credit unions offer savings bonds as a service to customers. You walk in or call, tell them which bond you want, and they handle the purchase through their own Treasury accounts. They then either mail you a paper bond or hold it in an account they manage for you.

The cost varies. A typical bank charges $25 to $100 per bond purchase, though some charge a flat fee and others charge a percentage of the purchase price. Ask before you buy. The fee comes out of your account or is added to the purchase price.

Brokerages — firms like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, or Vanguard — also sell savings bonds. Their fees are often lower than banks, sometimes $10 to $25 per transaction, but they may require you to have an existing brokerage account. Bonds bought through a broker sit in that account alongside stocks and mutual funds if you own them.

Paper bonds versus electronic bonds: what you actually receive

A paper bond is a physical certificate with a serial number, issue date, and face value printed on it. It arrives in the mail. You can keep it in a safe deposit box, a home safe, or a drawer. If you lose it, you can file a claim with the Treasury to replace it, but the process takes time. Paper bonds are only available through banks and brokers, not TreasuryDirect.

An electronic bond exists only in your TreasuryDirect account. You cannot hold it in your hand or put it in a safe. If your account is hacked or you forget your login, you can recover it through customer service, but you depend on the website being available. Most people find electronic bonds more convenient because you can check the balance anytime and redeem them online without mailing anything.

Both types earn interest at the same rate. The difference is purely how you store and access them. Paper bonds appeal to people who want a tangible asset or who distrust online accounts. Electronic bonds appeal to people who want simplicity and don't want to worry about losing a certificate.

Annual purchase limits and how they work

The Treasury sets an annual limit on how much you can buy in each series. For Series I bonds and Series EE bonds, the limit is $10,000 per series per calendar year. That means you can buy up to $10,000 in Series I bonds and up to $10,000 in Series EE bonds in the same year — $20,000 total if you buy both.

The limit resets on January 1 each year. If you buy $5,000 in Series I bonds in November, you can buy another $5,000 in January. The limit applies to you as an individual; if you are married, your spouse has their own $10,000 limit.

TreasuryDirect enforces this limit automatically. If you try to buy more than $10,000 in a series in one year, the system will reject the transaction. Banks and brokers are supposed to track it too, but mistakes happen — if a bank sells you more than the limit, you may have to return the excess bond.

How to get your free guide with TreasuryDirect

Go to treasurydirect.gov and click "Open an Account." You will need your Social Security number, a valid email address, and a U.S. bank account (checking or savings). The site will ask you to create a username and password and set up security questions.

Once your account is set up, you link your bank account for funding. TreasuryDirect will make two small test deposits to your bank account — usually a few cents each — and you have to confirm the amounts to prove you own the account. This takes a few days.

After that, you can buy bonds. You choose the series (I or EE), the amount, and the purchase date. The money is withdrawn from your linked bank account. The bond appears in your account immediately, though the interest rate is locked in on the issue date, which may be the first or 15th of the month depending on when you buy.

How to buy through a bank or broker

Call or visit your bank and ask if they sell savings bonds. Not all do — smaller banks and credit unions may not offer them. If they do, ask which series they carry (most carry both Series I and Series EE), what the fee is, and whether they deliver paper bonds or hold them electronically.

You will need to provide your Social Security number and proof of identity. The bank will fill out a purchase order, take your money, and process the transaction through their Treasury account. Paper bonds arrive in the mail within one to two weeks. Electronic bonds held by the bank appear in an account statement.

For a brokerage, log into your account or call your broker and ask about savings bonds. They will walk you through the purchase the same way. The bond will appear in your brokerage account, and you can view it alongside any other investments you hold there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy savings bonds as a gift for someone else?

Yes, but only as paper bonds through a bank or broker. TreasuryDirect does not allow you to buy bonds in someone else's name. You can purchase a paper bond and give it to them, or you can buy it in their name if they are present and provide their Social Security number. Paper bonds make popular gifts because they arrive as a physical certificate.

What if I want to buy a bond but do not have a bank account?

You cannot use TreasuryDirect without a U.S. bank account. You would have to buy through a bank or broker instead. Some banks offer second-chance checking accounts if you have been denied in the past, so it may be worth asking your local bank or credit union whether they have options for you.

Do I have to buy a full $10,000 bond, or can I buy smaller amounts?

You can buy in smaller amounts. Series EE bonds come in denominations as low as $25. Series I bonds have a $50 minimum. Both TreasuryDirect and banks allow you to buy these smaller amounts, so you do not have to commit $10,000 at once.

Can I change my mind after I buy a bond?

You can redeem a bond and get your money back, but there is a penalty if you redeem before five years have passed. If you hold it for five years or longer, you get the full value plus all interest earned. Redemption is easier through TreasuryDirect — you do it online — but you can also redeem paper bonds through a bank.

Which option is better for me, TreasuryDirect or a bank?

TreasuryDirect is better if you are comfortable with online accounts and want to avoid fees. A bank or broker is better if you want a paper certificate, prefer face-to-face service, or do not have reliable internet access. The bonds themselves earn the same interest either way, so the choice is about how you want to buy and hold them.