The only place to buy new savings bonds is TreasuryDirect

TreasuryDirect is the official U.S. Department of the Treasury website where you buy new savings bonds directly from the federal government. You cannot buy them from banks, brokers, or investment apps. If a financial institution claims to sell you a new savings bond, they are either selling you a used bond on the secondary market or misrepresenting what they offer.

TreasuryDirect is free to use. There are no fees to open an account, buy bonds, or hold them. You manage everything online — purchases, redemptions, and reinvestment — through your account dashboard.

You can buy Series EE bonds and Series I bonds through TreasuryDirect. Both are issued in electronic form only; paper bonds are no longer sold. You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien with a Social Security number to open an account.

Key Takeaways

  • TreasuryDirect.gov is the only official source for new savings bonds; banks and brokers do not sell them.
  • You need a TreasuryDirect account, which requires a Social Security number and a valid email address.
  • Bonds are purchased in electronic form and held in your account; you can buy them anytime the market is open.
  • Series I bonds can only be purchased through TreasuryDirect, while Series EE bonds are also available through some payroll savings plans.
  • You can set up automatic monthly purchases or buy bonds one at a time whenever you choose.

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 for deposits and withdrawals. The account itself is free.

During setup, you will create a username and password, verify your identity, and link a checking or savings account. The verification process typically takes a few minutes. Once your account is active, you can buy bonds immediately.

If you already have a TreasuryDirect account from a previous purchase, you simply log in and buy more bonds. You do not need to create a new account each time.

Buying bonds through payroll deduction

Series EE bonds only can be purchased through your employer's payroll savings plan, if your employer offers one. This route lets you buy bonds automatically from each paycheck without logging into TreasuryDirect.

Ask your employer's human resources or payroll department whether they offer a savings bond program. If they do, you complete a form authorizing them to deduct a set amount from your pay and purchase bonds on your behalf. The bonds are then held in a TreasuryDirect account registered to you.

Payroll deduction is optional and does not change the bond terms or cost. You pay the same price and earn the same interest rate as if you bought the bond directly through TreasuryDirect.

Understanding the purchase process on TreasuryDirect

Once you log into your TreasuryDirect account, click "Buy Direct" and select the bond type — Series EE or Series I. You then choose the purchase amount. The minimum purchase is $25, and you can buy in any amount above that (in whole dollars).

You can set up a one-time purchase or schedule recurring monthly purchases. If you choose recurring purchases, TreasuryDirect will automatically deduct the amount from your linked bank account on the same day each month.

After you confirm your purchase, the money is withdrawn from your bank account and the bond is issued immediately. You receive a confirmation number, and the bond appears in your account dashboard. You can view the current value, interest earned, and maturity date anytime you log in.

What happens if you want to buy used bonds

Used savings bonds — bonds issued in the past and now being resold — trade on the secondary market through brokers and investment platforms. You cannot buy them through TreasuryDirect. If you want to purchase a used bond, you work with a brokerage firm that handles Treasury securities.

Used bonds cost more than face value if interest rates have fallen since the bond was issued, and less than face value if rates have risen. The price depends on current market conditions and the bond's remaining term. You will also pay a commission or markup to the broker.

Most individual savers do not buy used bonds. They buy new bonds directly through TreasuryDirect because there are no fees and the terms are straightforward.

Redeeming bonds and accessing your money

When you want to cash in a bond, you log into TreasuryDirect, select the bond, and request a redemption. The money is deposited into your linked bank account within a few business days. There is no fee.

Series EE bonds can be redeemed anytime after one year. If you redeem before five years, you lose the last three months of interest. Series I bonds must be held for at least one year, and if redeemed before five years, you also lose the last three months of interest.

You can redeem part of a bond or the entire amount. The redemption is processed through your TreasuryDirect account, and you control when the money is withdrawn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy savings bonds for someone else?

You can buy a bond registered to someone else if you have their Social Security number and permission. The bond is held in their TreasuryDirect account, not yours. They must have their own account to receive and manage the bond.

What if I forget my TreasuryDirect password?

Click "Forgot Password" on the TreasuryDirect login page. You will be asked to verify your identity using your Social Security number and other personal information. A password reset link will be sent to your registered email address.

Can I buy savings bonds on my phone?

Yes. TreasuryDirect works on mobile browsers. You log in the same way as on a computer, and the purchase process is identical. The site is designed to work on phones and tablets.

What if my bank account information changes?

Log into TreasuryDirect, go to "Manage Account," and update your bank account details. If you have recurring monthly purchases scheduled, they will continue using the new account information.

Are there any limits to how many bonds I can buy?

You can buy up to $10,000 in Series EE bonds per calendar year through TreasuryDirect, and up to $10,000 in Series I bonds per calendar year. If you also buy through payroll deduction, that counts toward your annual limit.