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

The simplest route is TreasuryDirect, the Treasury's own online platform. You create an account, link a bank account, and purchase bonds electronically. No fees, no middleman. This works for Series EE bonds and Series I bonds — the two types most people buy. You can purchase as little as $25 per bond and as much as $10,000 per bond type per calendar year through TreasuryDirect.

If you prefer to work with a financial institution, you can buy savings bonds through a bank, credit union, or brokerage firm. These dealers charge a fee for the service, but some people find it easier to manage alongside other accounts. Not all banks offer this service, so you'll need to call ahead or check their website.

Paper bonds — the physical certificates — are no longer sold to individual buyers. The Treasury stopped issuing paper EE bonds in 2012. If you own paper bonds from before that date, they're still valid and earning interest, but new purchases must be electronic.

Key Takeaways

  • TreasuryDirect is free and lets you buy bonds directly from the U.S. Treasury with no fees or commissions.
  • You can also purchase through banks, credit unions, and brokers, though they charge a fee for handling the transaction.
  • The annual purchase limit is $10,000 per bond type (EE or I) per person per calendar year through TreasuryDirect.
  • Paper savings bonds are no longer sold; all new purchases are electronic and held in an online account.
  • You need a Social Security number, a valid email address, and a U.S. bank account to open TreasuryDirect.

Setting up a TreasuryDirect account

Go to treasurydirect.gov and select "Open an Account." You'll provide your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and address. The site will verify your identity using information from credit bureaus — this usually takes a few minutes, though sometimes it takes longer.

Once your identity is confirmed, you link a checking or savings account from a U.S. bank. The Treasury uses this account to debit money when you buy bonds and to deposit interest payments or redemption proceeds. You'll need your bank's routing number and your account number.

After your account is active, you can buy bonds immediately. The money is deducted from your linked bank account, and the bonds appear in your TreasuryDirect portfolio within one business day. You can view your bonds, check their current value, and manage redemptions all through the same account.

Buying through a bank or broker

Call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch and ask whether they sell savings bonds. If they do, ask what the fee is — it typically ranges from $25 to $50 per transaction, though this varies by institution. Some credit unions offer the service at no cost to members.

When you buy through a dealer, the bonds are still registered in your name and held electronically, just as they are through TreasuryDirect. The dealer handles the paperwork and submits your order to the Treasury. You receive confirmation of the purchase, and the bonds appear in your account within a few business days.

The main reason to buy through a dealer is convenience if you already have a relationship with that bank or broker and prefer to manage all your investments in one place. The fee is the trade-off for that convenience.

Understanding annual purchase limits

Through TreasuryDirect, you can buy up to $10,000 in Series EE bonds and up to $10,000 in Series I bonds per calendar year. That's $10,000 per bond type, not $10,000 total. If you buy $10,000 in EE bonds in January, you can still buy $10,000 in I bonds before December 31.

If you buy through a bank or broker, the same annual limit applies. The Treasury tracks your purchases across all channels, so buying $5,000 through TreasuryDirect and $5,000 through your bank counts as $10,000 toward your EE bond limit for that year.

The calendar year resets on January 1. Any bonds you buy in December count toward that year's limit, and you start fresh on January 1 with a new $10,000 allowance per bond type.

What happens after you buy

Once your bonds are purchased, they begin earning interest immediately. Series EE bonds earn a fixed rate set by the Treasury and announced every six months. Series I bonds earn a combined rate of a fixed portion plus an inflation rate that also changes every six months.

You can view your bonds' current value anytime by logging into TreasuryDirect. The site shows the purchase price, the current value, the interest earned to date, and the maturity date. You can also download statements for your records.

If you need to cash in a bond before it matures, you can redeem it through TreasuryDirect. Series EE and I bonds can be redeemed anytime after one year of ownership, though you'll forfeit the last three months of interest if you redeem before five years. After five years, you keep all interest earned.

Minimum purchase amounts and denominations

Through TreasuryDirect, the minimum purchase is $25 per bond, and you can buy in $1 increments above that. So you could buy a $25 bond, a $50 bond, a $100.50 bond — whatever amount you choose, up to the $10,000 annual limit per bond type.

Banks and brokers may have different minimums. Some require you to buy a full $100 denomination, or they may have a higher minimum purchase amount. Ask when you contact them about their service.

The flexibility of TreasuryDirect's $25 minimum and $1 increments makes it easier to invest smaller amounts or to reach a specific savings goal without overspending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have a certain amount of money to start?

No. Through TreasuryDirect, you can buy a single $25 bond. There's no minimum account balance, no monthly fee, and no requirement to buy multiple bonds. You can start with $25 and add more whenever you want, up to the annual limit.

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

Through TreasuryDirect, you can only buy bonds registered in your own name. However, you can give someone money to buy bonds themselves, or you can purchase bonds through a bank or broker that may offer gift options. Check with your bank about whether they allow gift purchases.

What if I forget my TreasuryDirect password?

You can reset your password on the login page using your email address and Social Security number. The Treasury will send you a password reset link to your registered email. If you can't access your email, you'll need to contact TreasuryDirect customer service by phone or mail to verify your identity and regain access.

Can I buy savings bonds through my employer's payroll?

Some employers offer a payroll savings plan for Series EE bonds, though this is less common than it once was. Ask your HR or payroll department whether your employer participates. If they do, you can have a portion of each paycheck deducted and used to purchase bonds automatically.

Is there a fee to redeem a savings bond?

No. Redeeming a bond through TreasuryDirect is free. The money is deposited into your linked bank account within one business day. If you redeem through a bank or broker, they may charge a fee, so ask before you redeem.