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

The U.S. Treasury sells savings bonds in two main ways: directly to you through its TreasuryDirect website, or through financial institutions like banks and brokers. TreasuryDirect is the simpler route for most people because you avoid fees and buy at face value. Banks and brokers charge commissions and markups, but some people use them if they already have an account there or want to buy older bond series that TreasuryDirect no longer sells.

The bonds you can currently buy are Series I (inflation bonds) and Series EE (fixed-rate bonds). Both are sold only through TreasuryDirect now. If you want to buy older series or bonds issued before a certain date, you would need to go through a secondary market via a broker, which costs more and is less common for individual buyers.

Key Takeaways

  • TreasuryDirect is the official U.S. Treasury website where you buy bonds directly with no fees or markups, and you need a free account to start.
  • You can buy Series I and Series EE bonds through TreasuryDirect in amounts from $25 to $10,000 per series per calendar year.
  • Banks and brokers sell bonds but charge commissions and markups, making them more expensive than buying direct from the Treasury.
  • You need a valid Social Security number, a U.S. address, and a bank account to set up TreasuryDirect and purchase bonds.

Setting up a TreasuryDirect account

Go to treasurydirect.gov and click "Open an Account." You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and current U.S. address. The site will verify your identity using information from the Social Security Administration and other databases. This verification is instant in most cases, though some applications take a few business days.

Once your account is open, you link a bank account for purchases and redemptions. The Treasury uses this account to debit money when you buy bonds and to deposit money if you cash them in early. You can link a checking or savings account from any U.S. bank.

Buying bonds through TreasuryDirect

After your account is set up, log in and click "Buy Direct." You choose the bond series (Series I or Series EE), the amount, and whether you want the bond registered in your name alone or in co-ownership with another person. The minimum purchase is $25, and you can buy up to $10,000 per series per calendar year (so you could buy $10,000 in Series I and $10,000 in Series EE in the same year).

The Treasury deducts the purchase price from your linked bank account. The bond is issued and held in your TreasuryDirect account immediately — there is no physical certificate unless you request one, which takes several weeks. Most people leave bonds in their online account because it is easier to track and redeem them.

Series I bonds are sold at face value and earn interest based on inflation rates that change every six months. Series EE bonds are also sold at face value and earn a fixed rate of interest for the life of the bond. Both types require you to hold them for at least one year before you can redeem them, and if you redeem them before five years, you lose the last three months of interest.

Buying bonds through banks and brokers

Most banks and many investment brokers can sell you savings bonds, but they charge a commission or markup on top of the face value. The cost varies by institution — some charge a flat fee per transaction, others charge a percentage of the purchase amount. You should call ahead and ask what the fee is before you buy, because it can add $10 to $50 or more to your purchase.

Banks typically sell bonds as a service to existing customers. You walk in or call your branch, tell them which series and amount you want, and they process the order. The bond is issued in your name and held either in your bank's vault or in your account, depending on the bank's system. Brokers work similarly but usually require you to have an investment account with them first.

The main reason to buy through a bank or broker is if you want to purchase bonds that are no longer sold by TreasuryDirect — for example, older Series EE bonds or bonds issued in a different year. These are bought on the secondary market, where existing bonds are resold, and the price can be higher or lower than face value depending on interest rates.

What you need to buy bonds

For TreasuryDirect, you need a valid Social Security number, a U.S. mailing address, and a U.S. bank account (checking or savings). You must be at least 18 years old, or a parent or guardian can open an account on behalf of a minor. Non-U.S. citizens with a Social Security number can also open an account.

If you are buying through a bank or broker, requirements vary by institution. Most require a government-issued ID and proof of address. Some require you to be a customer already; others will open an account just to sell you bonds. Call ahead to confirm what documents you need to bring.

Annual purchase limits and rules

Through TreasuryDirect, you can buy up to $10,000 in Series I bonds and up to $10,000 in Series EE bonds per calendar year. This limit resets on January 1 each year. If you have already bought $10,000 in Series I bonds this year, you cannot buy more until January 1 of next year, even if you redeem some of those bonds.

There is no annual limit on buying bonds through a bank or broker, but the secondary market is less active and prices may be less favorable. Most individual buyers do not use this route unless they are buying older bonds or very large amounts.

You can register bonds in your name alone, in co-ownership with another person, or in a trust. If you register a bond in co-ownership, either owner can redeem it without the other's permission. If you register it in a trust, the bond belongs to the trust and is managed according to the trust's terms.

Redeeming bonds you have purchased

Bonds held in TreasuryDirect can be redeemed online through your account. You select the bond, confirm the redemption, and the Treasury deposits the money into your linked bank account within a few business days. You can redeem a bond anytime after one year of ownership, but if you redeem it before five years, you forfeit the last three months of interest.

Bonds held at a bank or broker are redeemed through that institution. You contact the bank or broker, request redemption, and they process it. This usually takes longer than TreasuryDirect redemptions — typically one to two weeks — because the institution has to submit the request to the Treasury and wait for the funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy savings bonds as a gift?

Yes. You can register a bond in someone else's name or in co-ownership. If you register it in their name alone, they own it and can redeem it without your permission. If you register it in co-ownership, either of you can redeem it. TreasuryDirect allows you to buy gift bonds and have them issued in the recipient's name.

What happens if I lose my TreasuryDirect password?

You can reset your password on the TreasuryDirect login page using your email address and Social Security number. If you cannot access your email, you can call TreasuryDirect customer service at 844-284-2676 to verify your identity and regain access to your account.

Can I buy savings bonds for a child or grandchild?

Yes. You can open a TreasuryDirect account for a minor if you are their parent or legal guardian. You provide your information and the child's Social Security number. The account is registered in the child's name, and you manage it until they reach age 18, at which point they can take control.

Do I have to buy bonds in round dollar amounts?

Through TreasuryDirect, the minimum is $25 and you can buy in any amount above that — $25, $50, $75, $100, and so on. You are not limited to round numbers like $100 or $1,000. Through a bank or broker, the minimum and increment rules depend on the institution.

Can I buy savings bonds with a credit card?

No. TreasuryDirect requires you to link a bank account (checking or savings) for all purchases and redemptions. Banks and brokers may accept credit cards, but this is rare and usually only for existing customers with established accounts.