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. Paper bonds are no longer sold — the Treasury stopped issuing them in 2011, though you can still hold ones you own.

If you prefer working with a financial institution, you can buy savings bonds through most banks and brokers, though they may charge a fee for the service. Some people choose this route if they already have a relationship with a bank or want a person to talk to during the purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • TreasuryDirect is free and lets you buy bonds online with no fees or commissions.
  • You need a Social Security number, a valid email address, and a U.S. bank account to open a TreasuryDirect account.
  • Banks and brokers can sell you savings bonds but typically charge a fee for the transaction.
  • Bonds are issued electronically now; paper bonds have not been sold since 2011.

Setting up a TreasuryDirect account

Go to treasurydirect.gov and select "Open an Account." You will need your Social Security number, a valid email address, and a U.S. bank account. The site will ask you to create a username and password, then verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history.

Once your account is open, you link a checking or savings account from any U.S. bank. The Treasury uses this account to debit money when you buy bonds and to deposit money when bonds mature or you cash them in. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.

After your account is active, you can buy Series EE bonds, Series I bonds, or both. You choose the amount, the Treasury processes the purchase, and the bond appears in your account within one business day.

Buying through a bank or broker

Most banks and many brokerages offer savings bonds as part of their services. You walk in or call and ask to purchase a savings bond, provide the same basic information (Social Security number, identification), and complete the transaction. The bond is held in your account with them.

The downside is cost. Banks and brokers typically charge a commission or service fee ranging from $25 to $100 or more, depending on the institution and the bond amount. For smaller purchases, this fee eats into your return. For larger purchases or if you are already doing business with the bank, it may be worth it for the convenience.

Ask your bank or broker what they charge before you buy. Some institutions have stopped offering savings bonds altogether because the fees are small relative to the work involved, so call ahead to confirm they still sell them.

Minimum and maximum purchase amounts

Through TreasuryDirect, you can buy as little as $25 per bond. There is no upper limit per transaction, but you are capped at $10,000 per calendar year in Series EE bonds and $5,000 per calendar year in Series I bonds — this limit applies across all your accounts and all purchase methods combined.

If you buy through a bank or broker, the minimums and maximums may differ. Some institutions set their own minimums or may not offer both bond types. Check with your specific bank before you assume you can buy the amount you want.

What happens after you buy

Once you own a bond, it sits in your TreasuryDirect account (or your bank's account) and earns interest according to the bond's terms. Series EE bonds earn a fixed rate set at purchase. Series I bonds earn a combined rate of a fixed portion plus an inflation rate that adjusts every six months.

You can view your bonds anytime in TreasuryDirect and see their current value. If you need to cash in a bond before it matures, you can do so through TreasuryDirect or your bank, though there are penalties if you cash in a Series EE bond before five years have passed, or a Series I bond before one year has passed.

Buying bonds as a gift

TreasuryDirect lets you buy bonds as gifts for others. You set up the purchase in your account, provide the recipient's Social Security number and email address, and the Treasury sends them a notification. The recipient then creates their own TreasuryDirect account to take ownership of the bond.

This is a common way to give savings bonds to children or grandchildren. The bond is held in your account until the recipient claims it, so you maintain control until they are ready to take it over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use TreasuryDirect, or can I buy bonds anywhere?

You can buy through banks and brokers, but TreasuryDirect is the only free option. If cost matters to you and you are comfortable with online banking, TreasuryDirect saves you the commission fees that financial institutions charge.

What if I do not have a bank account?

TreasuryDirect requires a U.S. bank account to link to your account. If you do not have one, you would need to open a checking or savings account first, or buy bonds through a bank or broker in person — though they will likely require a bank account as well for the transaction to process.

Can I buy savings bonds for someone else?

Yes, through TreasuryDirect you can buy a bond as a gift. You provide the recipient's Social Security number and email, and they receive a notification to claim the bond. They then set up their own account to manage it.

Is there a fee to buy bonds through TreasuryDirect?

No. TreasuryDirect charges no fees for buying, holding, or cashing in bonds. Banks and brokers typically charge $25 to $100 or more per transaction.

How long does it take to buy a bond after I set up my account?

Once your TreasuryDirect account is open and verified, you can buy a bond immediately. The bond appears in your account within one business day and begins earning interest on the purchase date.