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's own online platform. You create an account, link a bank account, and buy bonds electronically. No fees, no middleman. For paper Series I bonds (inflation bonds), you can also buy up to $5,000 per calendar year using your federal tax refund through TaxDirect when you file your taxes.

If you prefer to work with a financial institution, banks and brokers sell savings bonds too — but they charge fees and may have higher minimums. This route makes sense only if you already have a relationship with that institution and want everything in one place.

Key Takeaways

  • TreasuryDirect is free and lets you buy Series EE and Series I bonds online with no fees or account minimums.
  • You can purchase up to $10,000 per person per calendar year through TreasuryDirect, or an additional $5,000 using your tax refund.
  • Banks and brokers also sell savings bonds but charge fees that reduce your return, so they are not the cheapest option.
  • Paper bonds are no longer sold at banks; all new savings bonds are electronic unless you use your tax refund for a paper Series I bond.

Setting up a TreasuryDirect account

Go to treasurydirect.gov and click "Open an Account." You will need a Social Security number, email address, and a U.S. bank account to link. The account setup takes about 15 minutes. Once approved, you can buy bonds immediately.

TreasuryDirect holds your bonds in electronic form. You do not receive a physical certificate — the Treasury keeps the record. This is actually simpler than paper bonds because you cannot lose them, and you can sell them back to the Treasury anytime after one year (though Series I bonds have a penalty if you sell within five years).

Annual purchase limits and how they work

Through TreasuryDirect, you can buy up to $10,000 per calendar year in each bond type (Series EE and Series I are separate limits). This means you could buy $10,000 in Series I bonds and $10,000 in Series EE bonds in the same year.

If you have a federal tax refund, you can buy an additional $5,000 in paper Series I bonds through TaxDirect. This is a separate limit and does not count against your $10,000 TreasuryDirect limit. You set this up when you file your taxes using Form 8888.

These limits reset on January 1 each year. If you buy $8,000 in bonds in November, you can buy another $10,000 starting January 1.

Buying through banks and brokers

Most banks and brokers can sell you savings bonds, but they charge fees ranging from $25 to $100 per transaction. Some also require minimum purchases. Since the Treasury sells them fee-free through TreasuryDirect, paying a middleman reduces your effective return.

The only reason to use a bank or broker is convenience — if you already manage investments there and want everything consolidated. Ask your institution what they charge and whether they have minimums before you commit.

What happens after you buy

Once you purchase a bond through TreasuryDirect, the Treasury emails you a confirmation. Your bond begins earning interest immediately. You can check your balance and bond details anytime by logging into your TreasuryDirect account.

Series EE bonds are may provide to double in value over 20 years. Series I bonds earn a rate that changes every six months based on inflation. Both types earn interest for up to 30 years, though you can cash them in after one year (with a penalty on Series I if you sell before five years).

Buying bonds as gifts or for minors

You can buy bonds in someone else's name through TreasuryDirect if you have their Social Security number and permission. This is common for gifts or for parents buying on behalf of children. The person whose name is on the bond owns it and controls it once they reach adulthood.

If you want to buy a bond for a minor and keep control until they turn 18, you can set up a TreasuryDirect account in your name and designate the minor as a beneficiary. The bond transfers to them automatically when you pass away, but they cannot access it before then.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a minimum amount of money to open a TreasuryDirect account?

No. You can open an account with no money and buy your first bond whenever you are ready. The minimum purchase is $25 for Series EE bonds and $25 for Series I bonds.

Can I buy savings bonds for someone else?

Yes. You can buy a bond registered in another person's name if you have their Social Security number and their permission. They become the owner and can cash it in themselves once they turn 18 (or immediately if they are already an adult).

What if I want to buy paper bonds instead of electronic ones?

Paper Series I bonds are only available through your tax refund using TaxDirect. All other new savings bonds are electronic. Paper bonds are no longer sold at banks or through TreasuryDirect.

Can I change my mind after I buy a bond?

You can sell a bond back to the Treasury anytime after one year. Series EE bonds have no penalty. Series I bonds have a three-month interest penalty if you sell before five years. You cannot cancel a purchase immediately after buying.

How long does it take to receive my bond after I buy it?

Electronic bonds are issued immediately. You receive a confirmation email right away and can see the bond in your TreasuryDirect account. There is no waiting period.