You can buy savings bonds in person at most banks and credit unions, or directly from the U.S. Treasury

The easiest place to buy savings bonds in person is your own bank or credit union. Most financial institutions that hold deposit accounts will sell you Series EE and Series I bonds over the counter during regular business hours. You walk in, tell them how much you want to spend, complete a form, and leave with your bond. No appointment needed in most cases, though calling ahead during busy times can save you a wait.

If your bank does not sell bonds — some smaller institutions do not — the U.S. Treasury has a network of Federal Reserve Banks that sell them directly to the public. There are twelve Federal Reserve Banks across the country, each serving a region. You can walk in during business hours and buy bonds the same way you would at a bank. The Treasury website lists the address and phone number for each one, along with their hours and whether they require an appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank or credit union is the fastest option if they sell bonds; most do, and you can buy them during regular banking hours without an appointment.
  • Federal Reserve Banks sell bonds directly to the public and serve as a backup if your bank does not offer them.
  • You will need a valid photo ID and cash, a check, or a debit card to complete the purchase in person.
  • Series EE bonds cost half their face value (you pay $50 for a $100 bond), while Series I bonds are sold at face value.
  • The Treasury also sells bonds online through TreasuryDirect, which is faster and available 24/7 but requires setting up an account.

What to bring when you go to buy bonds in person

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank or Federal Reserve Bank needs to verify your identity before they can sell you bonds. You will also need to bring payment: cash, a personal check, or a debit card. Most institutions accept all three, though some may have limits on cash purchases or require a check to be drawn on an account at that institution.

If you are buying bonds for a minor or as a gift, bring the recipient's Social Security number or Tax ID. The bond will be registered in their name, and the Treasury needs that number on file. If you are buying bonds for a trust or business, bring documentation showing you have authority to make the purchase — a trust document or corporate resolution, depending on the entity type.

How much you can buy and what it costs

Series EE bonds are sold at a discount: you pay half the face value. A $100 bond costs $50. You can buy them in denominations of $50, $100, $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000. There is no daily or annual limit on how much you can buy in person, though the Treasury does cap total purchases at $10,000 per person per calendar year across all purchase methods combined (including online).

Series I bonds are sold at face value: a $50 bond costs $50. They come in the same denominations as EE bonds. The same $10,000 annual cap applies. If you hit that limit, you can still buy up to $5,000 more in I bonds using your tax refund through TreasuryDirect, but that is a separate transaction and requires filing your tax return.

The difference between buying in person and online

Buying in person is slower but gives you a physical bond certificate you can hold. You walk out with the bond in hand. Online through TreasuryDirect, you set up an account, fund it, and the bonds are held electronically — you never see a paper certificate. Online is faster (you can complete a purchase in minutes), available any time of day, and you can set up automatic purchases. In person is better if you prefer a tangible record or want to avoid creating an online account.

One practical difference: if you buy in person and lose the bond certificate, you can file a claim with the Treasury to replace it. If you buy online and your account is compromised, the Treasury can help you regain access, but the process is different. Both methods are equally safe for your money — the Treasury backs all bonds regardless of how you purchase them.

Finding the Federal Reserve Bank nearest you

The twelve Federal Reserve Banks are located in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, and San Francisco. Each one serves a multi-state region. You do not have to use the one in your region — you can travel to any of them — but going to your regional bank is usually more convenient.

The Treasury's website has a complete list with addresses, phone numbers, and hours for each Federal Reserve Bank. Some require an appointment to buy bonds in person; others take walk-ins. Call ahead or check their website before you go. Hours vary by location, and some close on weekends or have limited hours on Fridays.

What happens after you buy the bond

Once you complete the purchase, the bond is registered in your name (or the name of whoever you designated as the owner). You receive a bond certificate with a serial number. Keep it in a safe place — a safe deposit box, home safe, or fireproof container. The Treasury has a record of the bond, so if the certificate is lost or destroyed, you can file a claim to replace it, but having the original is simpler.

The bond begins earning interest immediately. For Series EE bonds, the interest rate is set by the Treasury and changes every six months. For Series I bonds, the rate is tied to inflation and also changes every six months. You do not have to do anything to earn the interest — it accrues automatically. When you cash the bond, you receive the full face value plus all accrued interest.

When you might want to buy in person instead of online

Buy in person if you do not have an email address or are uncomfortable setting up an online account. TreasuryDirect requires an email and a username, and some people prefer to avoid that. In-person purchases also work well if you are buying bonds as a gift and want to hand over a physical certificate. Some people also prefer in-person buying because they can ask questions face-to-face and get immediate confirmation that the purchase went through.

In-person buying is also useful if you want to buy bonds for someone else but do not have access to their Social Security number at that moment — you can ask the bank or Federal Reserve Bank what information you need to bring back. Online, you have to have all the information ready before you start the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy savings bonds at any bank, or only certain ones?

Most banks and credit unions sell savings bonds, but not all. Call your bank first to confirm they offer them. If they do not, ask if they can refer you to a nearby bank that does, or find your regional Federal Reserve Bank on the Treasury website.

Do I have to be a customer of the bank to buy bonds there?

No. You do not need to have an account at the bank to buy bonds in person. Walk in, bring your ID and payment, and complete the transaction. Some banks may ask for your address or phone number for their records, but that is standard.

What if I want to buy bonds for someone under 18?

You can buy bonds for a minor. Bring the minor's Social Security number and your ID. The bond will be registered in the minor's name. If the minor is present, they may need to sign the form, depending on the bank's policy — call ahead to ask.

Can I buy bonds with a credit card in person?

No. Banks and Federal Reserve Banks do not accept credit cards for bond purchases. Bring cash, a check, or a debit card. Some institutions may have a minimum or maximum cash amount they will accept in a single transaction.

How long does it take to buy a bond in person?

Usually 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how busy the bank is. You fill out a form, provide your ID and payment, and receive the bond certificate. During peak banking hours, you might wait longer, so consider going early in the morning or mid-week if you want to avoid a line.