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 purchase bonds electronically. There are no fees, no middleman, and you own the bonds outright. The alternative is buying through a bank, credit union, or brokerage firm — they charge a fee for the service, but some people prefer working with someone in person or over the phone.
Paper savings bonds still exist but are no longer sold to individual buyers. If you own paper bonds from years past, you can still hold them, but new purchases are electronic only.
Key Takeaways
- TreasuryDirect is free and requires only an online account linked to your bank account; you can buy bonds in as little as $25.
- Banks and brokers sell savings bonds for a fee, typically $25 to $100 per transaction, but offer phone or in-person service.
- You need a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open a TreasuryDirect account.
- Bonds purchased through TreasuryDirect are held in electronic form and cannot be converted to paper certificates.
- Series I bonds and Series EE bonds are the two types currently sold; the Treasury stops selling them periodically when rates change.
Setting up a TreasuryDirect account
Go to treasurydirect.gov and select "Open an Account." You will need your Social Security number or ITIN, 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 is instant and does not affect your credit score.
Once your account is open, you link your bank account for purchases and redemptions. The Treasury withdraws money from that account when you buy bonds and deposits money back when you cash them in. You can set up a login password and, if you want, add a second person to the account (useful for joint ownership or if you are buying bonds for a minor).
The whole process takes about 15 minutes. After that, you can buy bonds anytime the Treasury is selling them — which is not always. The Treasury pauses sales of Series I and Series EE bonds periodically when interest rates change, usually for a few weeks at a time.
Buying through a bank or brokerage
Most banks and credit unions sell savings bonds over the counter or by phone. You walk in with cash or a check, tell them which type of bond you want and how much, and they handle the purchase through their own Treasury account. The bank charges a fee — typically $25 to $100 per transaction — and adds it to your cost.
Brokerage firms like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and Vanguard also sell savings bonds. The process is similar: you place an order through your brokerage account, they buy the bond from the Treasury, and you own it within your brokerage account. Fees vary by firm but are usually comparable to bank fees.
The advantage of using a bank or broker is that you can speak to a person, especially useful if you have questions or prefer not to set up an online account. The disadvantage is the fee and the fact that your bonds are held by the institution rather than directly in your name at the Treasury.
Minimum purchase amounts and denominations
Through TreasuryDirect, you can buy Series I and Series EE bonds in amounts as small as $25, in $1 increments. So you could buy a $47 bond if you wanted. There is no maximum per purchase, though the Treasury does set annual limits on how much one person can buy in a calendar year (currently $10,000 per series per person, though this can change).
Banks and brokers typically sell bonds in larger denominations — often $100, $500, $1,000, or $5,000 — because they are handling the transaction manually. Ask your bank what denominations they offer before you go in.
What happens after you buy
If you bought through TreasuryDirect, the bond appears in your account immediately. You can see its current value, the interest rate it is earning, and when it matures. You can also set up a "SmartExchange" to automatically reinvest the money when the bond matures, or you can let it sit and cash it in whenever you choose (after holding it for at least one year).
If you bought through a bank or broker, they will give you a confirmation and the bond will be registered in your name. Some institutions send you a statement; others require you to log into an account to see your holdings. Ask what to expect before you buy.
Bonds purchased through TreasuryDirect are held electronically and cannot be converted to paper. If you need a record for your will or estate planning, TreasuryDirect lets you name a beneficiary directly in your account, which is simpler than paper certificates ever were.
When the Treasury stops selling bonds
The Treasury pauses sales of Series I bonds and Series EE bonds when interest rates change — usually for a few weeks, sometimes longer. During these pauses, you cannot buy new bonds through TreasuryDirect or through banks. You can still hold and redeem bonds you already own; the pause only affects new purchases.
You can check the current status of bond sales on treasurydirect.gov. The site shows whether each series is currently on sale and what the current interest rate is. If a bond is not on sale, the Treasury typically announces when sales will resume, though the exact date can shift.
If you want to buy but the bond you want is not on sale, you have two choices: wait for sales to resume, or buy a different series if it is available. Series I and Series EE bonds have different interest structures, so they are not interchangeable — but if one is on sale and the other is not, you can choose based on which fits your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bank account to buy bonds through TreasuryDirect?
Yes. TreasuryDirect requires a U.S. bank account (checking or savings) linked to your account for purchases and redemptions. You cannot buy bonds with a credit card or pay by mail.
Can I buy savings bonds as a gift for someone else?
Through TreasuryDirect, you can register a bond in someone else's name if you have their Social Security number or ITIN, but you must own the account yourself. Some banks let you buy a bond and give it as a gift, though the process varies. Ask your bank about their gift bond options.
What if I want to buy bonds but TreasuryDirect is not selling them right now?
You can buy through a bank or broker while you wait for TreasuryDirect sales to resume. You will pay a fee, but you will own the bond immediately. Alternatively, you can wait — sales typically resume within a few weeks.
Can I buy savings bonds for a child or grandchild?
Yes. Through TreasuryDirect, you can add a minor to your account and register bonds in their name. You control the account until they reach the age of majority (18 or 21, depending on your state). Banks can also register bonds in a child's name, though the process varies by institution.
Is there a difference between buying a bond through TreasuryDirect and through a bank?
The bond itself is identical — same interest rate, same maturity date, same rules. The difference is cost (TreasuryDirect is free; banks charge a fee) and where it is held (TreasuryDirect holds it directly; banks hold it in their system). Both are safe and legitimate.