You buy savings bonds directly from the U.S. Treasury through TreasuryDirect, their online platform

The only place to purchase new savings bonds is TreasuryDirect, a website run by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. You cannot buy them from a bank, a brokerage, or a financial advisor. You set up an account at treasurydirect.gov, link a bank account, and buy bonds directly there. The Treasury issues the bonds electronically — you never receive a physical certificate unless you request one for older bonds you already own.

You can buy Series EE bonds and Series I bonds through TreasuryDirect. Series EE bonds earn a fixed rate of interest for 30 years. Series I bonds earn interest that adjusts every six months based on inflation. Both have a minimum purchase of $25 and a maximum of $10,000 per person per calendar year (with a separate $5,000 limit if you buy with your tax refund).

Key Takeaways

  • TreasuryDirect (treasurydirect.gov) is the only place to buy new savings bonds directly from the U.S. Treasury.
  • You need a Social Security number, a valid email address, and a U.S. bank account to open a TreasuryDirect account.
  • Bonds are held electronically in your account; you do not receive a paper certificate unless you request one.
  • You can buy as little as $25 per bond, but you are limited to $10,000 per calendar year per person (or $15,000 if you include a tax refund purchase).
  • Bonds cannot be sold or transferred to someone else; you can only cash them in after holding them for at least one year.

Setting 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. The Treasury uses your email to send you account notifications and statements, so use an address you check regularly. Your bank account is where the Treasury will withdraw money when you buy bonds and where they will deposit money if you cash bonds in.

During signup, you create a username and password. The Treasury will ask you security questions to verify your identity. Once your account is open, you can log in and buy bonds immediately. The entire process usually takes less than 15 minutes.

How to buy a bond through TreasuryDirect

Log into your TreasuryDirect account and select "BuyDirect." Choose the type of bond you want (Series EE or Series I), enter the amount you want to spend (minimum $25, in any increment), and confirm your purchase. The Treasury withdraws the money from your linked bank account within a few business days and credits the bond to your account.

You can buy bonds any day the financial markets are open. The Treasury prices bonds on the first business day of each month, so the interest rate you receive depends on when you buy. For Series I bonds, the rate changes on May 1 and November 1 each year. For Series EE bonds, the rate is fixed when you buy, so the exact date matters less.

Understanding the purchase limits

You can buy up to $10,000 worth of bonds per calendar year through TreasuryDirect. This limit applies to each person individually — if you are married, your spouse can buy another $10,000. The limit resets on January 1 each year.

If you receive a federal tax refund, you can buy up to an additional $5,000 in Series EE bonds using that refund. This is a separate limit from the $10,000 annual cap. You make this choice when you file your taxes by filling out Form 8888 and submitting it with your return.

What happens after you buy a bond

Your bond appears in your TreasuryDirect account as soon as it is purchased. You can see the purchase date, the interest rate, and the current value. The bond earns interest automatically; you do not have to do anything. You can check your account anytime to see how much your bonds are worth.

You cannot sell a bond to someone else or transfer it to another person's account. You can only cash it in yourself, and only after you have held it for at least one year. If you cash it in before five years have passed, you lose the last three months of interest as a penalty. After five years, you can cash it in with no penalty.

Cashing in a bond through TreasuryDirect

Log into your account, select the bond you want to cash, and request a redemption. The Treasury deposits the money into your linked bank account within a few business days. You receive the full value of the bond plus all interest earned, minus the three-month interest penalty if you cashed it in before the five-year mark.

You can cash in bonds at any time after the one-year holding period. There is no deadline or expiration date. Bonds continue to earn interest for 30 years, but after 30 years they stop earning interest and you should cash them in.

If you need help with your TreasuryDirect account

TreasuryDirect has a customer service phone line at 1-844-284-2676. They can help you set up an account, troubleshoot login problems, or answer questions about your bonds. You can also contact them by mail through the address listed on their website.

If you have questions about whether savings bonds are the right choice for your situation, you may want to speak with a financial advisor or tax professional. They can help you understand how bonds fit into your overall savings plan and what the tax consequences are when you cash them in.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can buy a bond in your own name and later give it to someone, but you cannot open a TreasuryDirect account in someone else's name or buy a bond that belongs to them from the start. If you want to give bonds as a gift, buy them in your name first, then work with TreasuryDirect to transfer ownership after purchase.

What if I forget my TreasuryDirect password?

Go to treasurydirect.gov and click "Forgot Password" on the login page. The Treasury will send you a link to reset it. If you cannot access your email or have other account issues, call customer service at 1-844-284-2676 and they can help verify your identity and regain access.

Can I buy savings bonds through a bank or financial advisor?

No. Banks and financial advisors cannot sell you new savings bonds. TreasuryDirect is the only source. However, you may be able to buy older savings bonds that were issued before electronic sales began, but this is rare and not recommended for new purchases.

Do I have to pay taxes on the interest my bond earns?

Yes. The interest is subject to federal income tax. You can choose to pay taxes each year as interest accrues, or wait and pay all the taxes when you cash the bond in. State and local taxes do not apply to savings bond interest. Talk to a tax professional about which approach makes sense for your situation.

What if my bank account information changes after I open my TreasuryDirect account?

Log into your account and update your bank information in the account settings. The Treasury will use the new account for future purchases and redemptions. Make sure the new account is in your name and is a U.S. bank account.