You can buy savings bonds directly from the U.S. Treasury through TreasuryDirect, or through a bank or broker

The easiest route is TreasuryDirect, the Treasury Department's online platform. You create an account, link a bank account, and purchase bonds electronically. No fees, no middleman. Series EE and Series I bonds are available this way, and the bonds are held in digital form only — you never receive a paper certificate.

If you prefer to work with a financial institution, most banks and brokers sell savings bonds, though they may charge a fee and the selection is sometimes limited. Some banks only sell paper bonds, which come as physical certificates you keep in a safe place. Paper bonds are no longer issued by the Treasury directly, so if you want them, a bank or broker is your only option.

Key Takeaways

  • TreasuryDirect is free, requires only an internet connection and a bank account, and lets you buy bonds in any amount from $25 up.
  • Banks and brokers charge fees but may be useful if you want paper certificates or prefer to work with a person rather than online.
  • You must be at least 18 years old and have a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to buy bonds through any channel.
  • Series EE and Series I bonds are the two types most commonly available to individual buyers.

How to set up a TreasuryDirect account

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 Treasury will verify your identity by asking questions about your credit history — this takes a few minutes and happens on the spot.

Once your account is open, you link your bank account and can purchase bonds immediately. You can buy as little as $25 at a time, and the money is withdrawn from your bank account. The bonds appear in your account within one business day and are held electronically — there is nothing physical to store or lose.

Buying through a bank or broker

Call your bank's investment or securities department and ask whether they sell savings bonds. Not all banks do. If yours does, they will walk you through the process, which usually involves filling out a form and providing the same basic information you would give TreasuryDirect: your name, Social Security number, and bank details.

Banks typically charge a flat fee per bond purchase, ranging from $25 to $100 depending on the institution. Some brokerages charge a percentage of the purchase amount. Ask about the fee before you buy. Paper bonds purchased through a bank arrive by mail, usually within two to three weeks, and you are responsible for storing them safely — many people keep them in a safe deposit box or home safe.

Paper bonds versus electronic bonds

Paper bonds are physical certificates with a face value printed on them. You own them outright once they arrive, and no one can access them without the certificate itself. If you lose a paper bond, you can file a claim with the Treasury to replace it, but the process takes time and requires proof of ownership.

Electronic bonds held in TreasuryDirect are safer in one sense: they cannot be lost, stolen, or damaged. They exist only in your online account, protected by your login and password. If someone gains access to your account, the Treasury can help you recover it. Most financial advisors recommend electronic bonds for this reason, and they cost nothing to buy.

Age and identification requirements

You must be at least 18 years old to buy savings bonds in your own name. If you are younger, a parent or guardian can buy bonds for you through TreasuryDirect, and the bonds will be registered in your name with the adult as the owner. When you turn 18, you can take control of the account.

You will need either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Both TreasuryDirect and banks verify this information before allowing a purchase. If you are buying a bond as a gift for someone else, that person's name and number go on the bond, not yours.

Minimum and maximum purchase amounts

Through TreasuryDirect, you can buy Series EE bonds in amounts from $25 to $10,000 per calendar year. Series I bonds have the same $10,000 annual limit. These limits reset on January 1 each year, so if you buy $10,000 in EE bonds in December, you can buy another $10,000 starting January 1.

Banks and brokers may have different minimums and maximums, so ask before you commit. Some require a higher minimum purchase, and some may not allow you to reach the annual limit through their platform. If you want to buy more than $10,000 in a single year, you can buy up to an additional $5,000 in paper Series EE bonds through TreasuryDirect or a bank, but only if you use your federal income tax refund to purchase them.

What happens after you buy

Once your bond is purchased, it begins earning interest immediately. With TreasuryDirect, you can log in anytime to see the current value of your bonds, the interest earned so far, and the maturity date. You can also set up a one-time or recurring purchase schedule so bonds buy automatically each month or quarter.

When you are ready to cash in a bond, the process depends on where you bought it. TreasuryDirect bonds can be redeemed online, and the money goes back to your linked bank account within one to three business days. Paper bonds must be taken to a bank or mailed to the Treasury, and the process takes longer. Series EE and Series I bonds have a minimum holding period — you cannot cash them in before one year, and if you cash them before five years, you lose the last three months of interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Through TreasuryDirect, you can register a bond in someone else's name and buy it with your money. The recipient's name and Social Security number go on the bond. You can also buy paper bonds through a bank and give them as a gift. The person receiving the bond can cash it in once they turn 18 or whenever they choose.

Do I need a brokerage account to buy savings bonds?

No. TreasuryDirect requires only a bank account and an internet connection. You do not need a brokerage account or any investment experience. If you prefer to work with a broker, you can, but it is not necessary and will cost you fees.

What if I want to buy more than $10,000 in a year?

You can buy up to $5,000 additional in paper Series EE bonds using your federal income tax refund. This is separate from the $10,000 annual limit. You purchase these through TreasuryDirect or a bank by designating your refund for the purchase when you file your taxes.

Can I change my mind after I buy a bond?

No. Once you purchase a bond, the transaction is final. You cannot cancel or return it. You can only hold it until maturity or cash it in early, though cashing in before one year is not allowed, and cashing in before five years costs you three months of interest.

Is TreasuryDirect safe?

TreasuryDirect uses the same security standards as banks. Your account is protected by a password and login, and the Treasury can help you regain access if your account is compromised. Because bonds are held electronically and not as physical certificates, they cannot be lost or stolen in the traditional sense.