Chase Bank will cash Series EE and Series I savings bonds, but only if you already have an account there and meet specific conditions

Chase can redeem Series EE bonds and Series I bonds — the two types most people hold — at any Chase branch. You do not need to be a long-standing customer; a basic checking or savings account qualifies. However, Chase will not cash bonds that are less than one year old, and the bank may refuse bonds with missing or illegible information on the certificate itself.

The process is straightforward but requires you to bring the right documents. You walk into a branch with your bond certificate and a valid ID, and a teller verifies the bond's authenticity and your identity before paying you. The funds go directly into your Chase account on the same day, or you can request a check.

If you do not have a Chase account, you will need to open one first — either before you visit or at the same time. Some branches can open a basic account in minutes, though policies vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase requires you to have an active checking or savings account to cash savings bonds at any branch.
  • Series EE and Series I bonds can be cashed at Chase, but Series HH bonds and older bond types cannot.
  • Bonds must be at least one year old; Chase will not redeem bonds purchased within the past 12 months.
  • Bring the physical bond certificate and a government-issued ID; the teller will verify both before processing payment.
  • Funds typically appear in your account the same day, though you can also request a check instead.

What types of bonds Chase will and will not cash

Chase accepts Series EE bonds (issued after 1974) and Series I bonds (inflation-adjusted bonds issued since 1998). These are the most common types held by individuals. The bank will not cash Series HH bonds, Series A through D bonds, or any savings bonds issued before 1974, even if they are still valid with the U.S. Treasury.

If you hold an older bond type or a Series HH bond, you will need to redeem it directly through the U.S. Treasury instead. You can do this by mail using Form PD F 1522 (available on TreasuryDirect.gov) or by visiting a Federal Reserve Bank in person. This process takes longer — typically two to four weeks by mail — but works for any bond type the Treasury still honors.

The one-year holding period and why it matters

Chase enforces a one-year minimum holding period before cashing any savings bond. This means if you purchased a bond on March 15, 2024, you cannot cash it at Chase until March 15, 2025 or later. The Treasury itself allows redemption after one year, so this is Chase's own policy, not a federal rule.

If you need to cash a bond before one year has passed, you must go directly to the U.S. Treasury through TreasuryDirect or a Federal Reserve Bank. The Treasury will cash bonds as early as one day after purchase, though you will forfeit the most recent three months of interest as a penalty.

Documents and ID you need to bring

Bring the physical bond certificate itself — not a copy or a photo. The certificate must be legible, with the series letter, denomination, and serial number clearly visible. If the certificate is damaged, faded, or missing information, the teller may refuse it or ask you to contact the Treasury first to verify ownership.

You will also need a government-issued photo ID: a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Chase uses this to confirm you are the bond owner or an authorized representative. If someone else is cashing the bond on your behalf, they will need a power of attorney or your written authorization, and Chase may require additional documentation.

Do not bring copies of the bond or digital images. Chase tellers must see and handle the original certificate to verify its security features and confirm it has not been previously redeemed.

How the cashing process works at a Chase branch

Walk into any Chase branch during business hours with your bond certificate and ID. Tell the teller you want to cash a savings bond. The teller will examine the certificate, verify the series and denomination, and check that it meets the one-year requirement. They will then ask for your Chase account number or offer to open an account if you do not have one.

The teller will process the redemption and the funds will post to your account the same business day. If you prefer a check instead of a deposit, you can request one at this time — the teller will write it on the spot. Some branches may ask you to wait a few minutes while they verify the bond's authenticity with their back-office system, but this is rare for common Series EE and I bonds.

The entire transaction usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a receipt showing the bond series, denomination, redemption date, and amount paid.

What happens if Chase cannot cash your bond

Chase may refuse to cash a bond if it is less than one year old, if the certificate is damaged or illegible, if it is a type Chase does not handle (like Series HH), or if there is a question about ownership. In any of these cases, the teller will explain the reason and direct you to the U.S. Treasury as an alternative.

To redeem through the Treasury, visit TreasuryDirect.gov and look for the "Redeem a Bond" section, or call the Treasury's customer service line at 844-284-2676. You can also mail the bond certificate with Form PD F 1522 to a Federal Reserve Bank; the form lists the address for your region. Processing by mail takes two to four weeks.

If your bond certificate is damaged but you still own it, the Treasury can issue a replacement certificate before you redeem it. This process also takes several weeks, so plan ahead if you need the money soon.

Opening a Chase account if you do not have one

If you do not have a Chase account, you can open one at the same branch where you plan to cash your bond. Chase offers a basic checking account (Chase Total Checking) and a basic savings account (Chase Savings). Both require a minimum opening deposit, which varies by region but is typically $25 to $100.

You can use the funds from your bond redemption to meet this opening deposit if you time it right — the teller can open the account, deposit the bond proceeds, and then cash the bond in one visit. Alternatively, you can open the account online at Chase.com before you visit the branch, which may be faster.

Bring your government-issued ID and Social Security number to open an account. The process takes 10 to 20 minutes in person or about 5 minutes online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a savings bond at Chase if I do not have an account there?

No, Chase requires an active account to redeem bonds. However, you can open a basic checking or savings account at the same branch on the day you cash the bond. The teller can help you open an account and then process the bond redemption in one visit.

What if my bond certificate is torn or faded?

Chase may refuse a damaged certificate if the series, denomination, or serial number is not clearly visible. Contact the U.S. Treasury at 844-284-2676 or visit TreasuryDirect.gov to request a replacement certificate before attempting to cash it at Chase.

Can I cash someone else's savings bond at Chase?

Only if you have a power of attorney or written authorization from the bond owner. Bring the original authorization document and your ID. Chase may require additional verification, so call your local branch ahead of time to confirm what they need.

How long does it take for the money to appear in my account?

Funds typically post the same business day. If you request a check instead of a deposit, the teller will issue it when ready, and you can deposit it yourself or cash it elsewhere.

What if my bond is older than 30 years?

Series EE and Series I bonds do not expire, so age alone does not prevent Chase from cashing them. However, very old bonds may have faded certificates or missing information, which could cause Chase to refuse them. Contact the Treasury to verify the bond's status before visiting Chase.