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 set up an account, link a bank account, and purchase bonds electronically. No fees, no middleman. The alternative is buying through a bank, credit union, or brokerage firm — they charge a fee, but some people prefer working with someone they already know.
The method you choose affects how quickly you can buy, what types of bonds are available to you, and whether you pay a commission. Most first-time buyers find TreasuryDirect simpler, but the bank route works if you want to hold the bond in a specific account or combine it with other investments.
Key Takeaways
- TreasuryDirect is free and lets you buy bonds online with a bank account, Social Security number, and email address.
- Banks and brokers charge fees but let you hold bonds alongside other investments and may offer guidance on which type suits your situation.
- Series EE and Series I bonds are sold through both routes, but some specialty bonds are only available through TreasuryDirect.
- Minimum purchase is $25 for electronic bonds through TreasuryDirect, and $100 for paper bonds through banks (though paper bonds are being phased out).
Setting up a TreasuryDirect account
Go to treasurydirect.gov and click "Open an Account." You will need a Social Security number, a valid email address, and a U.S. bank account (checking or savings). The site will verify your identity by asking questions about your credit history — this takes a few minutes and happens automatically.
Once your account is open, you link your bank account for purchases and redemptions. The Treasury pulls money from that account when you buy and deposits money back when you cash a bond. You can buy bonds immediately after your account is set up, though the first purchase may take a day or two to process.
TreasuryDirect also lets you set up accounts for minors and manage them until they turn 18. If you are buying bonds as gifts, this is the standard way to do it.
Buying through a bank or brokerage
Most banks and credit unions sell savings bonds over the counter or through their online banking platform. Call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch to ask whether they sell Series EE and Series I bonds. They will ask how much you want to buy and whether you want the bond registered in your name alone or jointly.
Brokerages like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and Vanguard also sell savings bonds. If you already have an investment account with one of them, you can buy bonds through that account and hold them alongside stocks, mutual funds, or other securities. Fees vary — some brokers charge a flat fee per transaction, others charge a percentage of the purchase amount. Ask before you buy.
The advantage of the bank route is convenience if you already do business there, and the ability to ask questions face-to-face. The disadvantage is the fee and slightly longer processing time compared to TreasuryDirect.
What you need before you buy
For TreasuryDirect: a Social Security number, a valid email address, and a U.S. bank account in your name. You will also need to verify your identity, which the site does automatically using information from your credit file.
For a bank or broker: a Social Security number and a government-issued photo ID. If you are opening a new account at the bank to buy bonds, bring the same documents you would bring to open any checking or savings account. If you already have an account there, you can often buy bonds without additional paperwork.
If you are buying a bond as a gift for someone else, you will need their Social Security number and permission to register the bond in their name or as a co-owner.
Minimum purchase amounts and denominations
Through TreasuryDirect, you can buy Series EE and Series I bonds in any amount from $25 up to $10,000 per calendar year per bond type. You can buy in $1 increments — so $25, $26, $27, and so on. This flexibility makes it easy to invest whatever amount makes sense for your situation.
Through a bank or broker, minimums vary. Many banks require a $100 minimum for paper bonds, though paper bonds are being phased out and will no longer be sold after January 1, 2024. Electronic bonds purchased through a bank may have lower minimums — ask your specific institution.
The annual purchase limit applies per person, per bond type, per calendar year. If you buy $10,000 in Series I bonds in January, you cannot buy more Series I bonds until January of the next year. Series EE bonds have a separate $10,000 limit, so you could buy $10,000 of each in the same year.
How long the purchase takes
Through TreasuryDirect, the bond is issued and added to your account within one to two business days. You can see it in your account immediately, though the Treasury may take a day or two to debit your bank account. Once it is issued, the bond starts earning interest right away.
Through a bank, the process is usually faster in person — you can walk out with a paper bond the same day. For electronic purchases through a bank's website, expect two to five business days. The bond starts earning interest on the issue date, not the date you receive it.
Comparing TreasuryDirect to banks and brokers
| Feature | TreasuryDirect | Bank or Broker |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Fee varies (typically $25–$100 per transaction) |
| Minimum purchase | $25 | $100 (paper) or varies (electronic) |
| Time to issue | 1–2 business days | Same day (in person) or 2–5 days (online) |
| Account setup | Online, 10 minutes | In person or online, varies |
| Holds bonds with other investments | No | Yes |
| Personal guidance | Self-service only | Can ask staff questions |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy savings bonds for someone else?
Yes. Through TreasuryDirect, you can register a bond in someone else's name or as a co-owner. You will need their Social Security number and permission. Through a bank, you can buy a paper bond and have it issued in another person's name as a gift. The recipient does not have to do anything — the bond is theirs once issued.
What if I do not have a bank account?
TreasuryDirect requires a U.S. bank account to link for purchases and redemptions. If you do not have one, you can open a basic checking account at most banks with minimal requirements. Alternatively, you can buy paper bonds through a bank in person, though paper bonds are being phased out.
Can I buy savings bonds through my employer?
Some employers offer payroll deduction programs for savings bonds, usually through a plan administrator. Ask your HR or payroll department whether this option is available. If it is, you can have money deducted from your paycheck and used to buy bonds automatically.
Do I have to buy the same type of bond each time?
No. You can buy Series EE bonds one month and Series I bonds the next, as long as you stay within the annual purchase limits for each type. You can also split your annual limit — buy $5,000 in Series EE and $5,000 in Series I in the same year, for example.
What happens if I lose my TreasuryDirect password?
Go to treasurydirect.gov and click "Forgot Password." The site will send a reset link to your email address. If you cannot access your email, contact TreasuryDirect customer service at 844-284-2676 or through the website's help section. They can verify your identity and help you regain access.