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

The easiest route for most people is TreasuryDirect, the Treasury's official online platform. You create an account, link a bank account, and purchase bonds electronically. Paper bonds are no longer sold, so TreasuryDirect is now the primary way to own them. You can also buy savings bonds through most banks and brokerages, though they typically charge a fee for the service and may have minimum purchase amounts.

The choice between TreasuryDirect and a bank or broker depends on whether you want to avoid fees and handle everything yourself, or whether you prefer working with an institution you already use. TreasuryDirect has no fees and no minimums beyond the bond's face value, but it requires setting up a separate account and managing it online.

Key Takeaways

  • TreasuryDirect is free and lets you buy bonds directly from the Treasury with no fees or account minimums.
  • Banks and brokerages can sell you savings bonds but typically charge a fee and may require a minimum purchase amount.
  • You need a Social Security number, a valid email address, and a U.S. bank account to open a TreasuryDirect account.
  • Bonds are issued and held electronically; paper bonds are no longer available for purchase.
  • You can buy Series EE and Series I bonds through TreasuryDirect, but availability and terms vary by bond type.

How to set 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 will verify your identity using information from your credit file, so the process is instant in most cases.

Once your account is open, you link your bank account for purchases and redemptions. The Treasury uses ACH transfers, so the process is the same as linking an account to any other online service. You can then purchase bonds whenever you want, and they appear in your account electronically.

Buying through TreasuryDirect step by step

Log into your TreasuryDirect account and navigate to "Buy Securities." Select the bond type you want—usually Series EE or Series I—and enter the amount. The minimum purchase is $25, and you can buy in $1 increments above that. The Treasury will debit your linked bank account and issue the bond to you electronically.

Bonds are issued on the first business day of each month. If you buy before that date, your purchase is processed on the next issue date. If you buy after the issue date has passed, your purchase is held and processed on the following month's issue date. This timing matters if you are trying to lock in a specific interest rate, since rates change monthly for Series I bonds.

Buying through banks and brokerages

Most major banks—including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase—can sell you savings bonds. Many brokerages, including Fidelity and Charles Schwab, also offer them. Call your bank or log into your brokerage account and ask whether they sell savings bonds and what their fee is. Fees typically range from $25 to $50 per transaction.

Banks and brokerages hold the bonds in your account with them, so you do not need a separate TreasuryDirect login. However, you lose the advantage of buying directly from the Treasury at no cost. This route makes sense if you already have a relationship with the institution and want to manage everything in one place, or if you prefer talking to a person rather than using an online platform.

What you need before you buy

You will need a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you are buying for a minor, you can set up a TreasuryDirect account in their name, but you will need their Social Security number and you will be the account manager until they turn 18.

You also need a U.S. bank account for TreasuryDirect purchases. The account can be checking or savings, and it does not need to be at the same bank where you buy the bond. If you are buying through a bank or brokerage instead, you will need an account with that institution.

Understanding bond issue dates and interest rates

Savings bonds are issued on the first business day of each month. Series I bonds have interest rates that change every six months—on May 1 and November 1. If you want to lock in a particular rate, you need to buy before the rate changes. Series EE bonds have fixed rates that do not change, so timing is less critical.

When you buy a bond, it earns interest from the first day of the month in which it was issued, not from the day you purchased it. This means buying on the last day of the month gives you the same start date as buying on the first day. The bond continues to earn interest for 30 years, though you can redeem it after one year (with a penalty if you redeem before five years).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy savings bonds as a gift?

Yes. Through TreasuryDirect, you can designate a recipient, and the bond will be issued in their name. You can also buy through a bank or brokerage and have it registered to someone else. The recipient becomes the owner and can manage or redeem the bond once they reach adulthood or you transfer ownership to them.

What is the minimum amount I can buy?

Through TreasuryDirect, the minimum is $25, and you can buy in $1 increments above that. Banks and brokerages may have higher minimums—often $100 or more—so check with your institution before you try to purchase.

How long does it take to buy a bond through TreasuryDirect?

Your account can be set up in minutes. Once you purchase, the bond is issued on the first business day of the following month if you buy after the current month's issue date, or on the current month's issue date if you buy before it. You can see the bond in your account immediately, but it does not start earning interest until the official issue date.

Can I buy savings bonds if I do not have a bank account?

TreasuryDirect requires a linked U.S. bank account. If you do not have one, you can open a basic checking account at most banks with minimal requirements. Alternatively, you can buy through a bank or brokerage that holds the bond for you, though you will pay a fee.

Do I have to buy bonds through TreasuryDirect, or can I use my bank?

You can use either. TreasuryDirect is free and has no minimums, making it the cheapest option. Banks and brokerages charge fees but may be more convenient if you already have an account with them and prefer managing everything in one place.