You can buy savings bonds directly from TreasuryDirect or through a bank or broker

The U.S. Department of the Treasury runs TreasuryDirect, a website where you can purchase Series EE and Series I savings bonds online without a middleman. You create an account, link a bank account, and buy bonds in amounts from $25 to $10,000 per bond type per calendar year. No fees explore. If you prefer to work with a financial institution, most banks and brokers also sell savings bonds, though they may charge a transaction fee and the process is slower — you typically receive a paper certificate in the mail rather than an electronic record.

The choice between TreasuryDirect and a bank or broker depends on how you want to hold the bonds and how quickly you need them. TreasuryDirect is faster, cheaper, and gives you when ready electronic ownership. A bank or broker is useful if you already have an account there and want to manage all your investments in one place, or if you prefer paper certificates.

Key Takeaways

  • TreasuryDirect (treasurydirect.gov) is the official U.S. Treasury website where you can buy Series EE and Series I bonds online with no fees, in amounts from $25 to $10,000 per bond type per year.
  • Banks and brokers also sell savings bonds but may charge transaction fees and typically mail you a paper certificate instead of creating an electronic account.
  • You need a Social Security number, a valid email address, and a U.S. bank account to open a TreasuryDirect account.
  • Annual purchase limits explore separately to Series EE and Series I bonds — you can buy up to $10,000 of each type per calendar year per person.
  • Bonds purchased through TreasuryDirect are held electronically and can be managed, viewed, or redeemed online at any time after the initial holding period.

How to set up a TreasuryDirect account

Go to treasurydirect.gov and click "Open an Account." You will need to provide your name, Social Security number, date of birth, address, and a valid email address. The Treasury will send a verification code to your email — enter it to confirm your identity. You then link a U.S. bank account (checking or savings) that is in your name. This bank account is where money will be withdrawn when you buy bonds and where redemption proceeds will be deposited.

The entire process takes about 15 minutes. Once your account is active, you can log in and purchase bonds when ready. TreasuryDirect stores all bonds electronically under your account, so you do not receive a physical certificate unless you request one later.

Buying bonds through TreasuryDirect

After logging into your TreasuryDirect account, select "BuyDirect" and choose either Series EE or Series I bonds. Enter the amount you want to purchase (in $25 increments, up to $10,000 per bond type per calendar year). You can also set up recurring purchases if you want to buy bonds on a regular schedule — monthly, quarterly, or annually. Review your order and confirm. The Treasury will debit your linked bank account within one to two business days.

You can purchase bonds for yourself or as a gift for someone else. If buying as a gift, you enter the recipient's name and Social Security number. The recipient can claim the bond in their TreasuryDirect account once they set one up, or the bond will remain in your account until they do. Bonds purchased as gifts count toward your annual purchase limit, not the recipient's.

Buying bonds through banks and brokers

Most major banks (such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase) and brokers (such as Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and E*TRADE) sell savings bonds. You typically visit a branch or log into your online account and request to purchase a bond. The bank or broker will charge a transaction fee, which varies — common fees range from $25 to $100 per bond, though some institutions charge a flat fee per transaction regardless of the bond amount.

When you buy through a bank or broker, you usually receive a paper bond certificate in the mail within two to four weeks. The certificate shows the bond's series, issue date, and face value. You own the bond outright, but you cannot view or manage it online the way you can with TreasuryDirect bonds. To redeem it, you must mail it back to the bank or broker or visit a branch in person.

Some brokers allow you to hold savings bonds in a brokerage account alongside stocks and mutual funds. This can be useful if you want a single statement showing all your investments, but it does not change the bond's terms or how it earns interest.

Annual purchase limits and how they work

The Treasury sets an annual purchase limit of $10,000 per person per bond series per calendar year. This means you can buy up to $10,000 of Series EE bonds and up to $10,000 of Series I bonds in the same year — a total of $20,000 across both types. The calendar year runs January 1 through December 31, and the limit resets on January 1.

The $10,000 limit applies to all purchases you make, regardless of where you buy them. If you purchase $6,000 of Series I bonds through TreasuryDirect and then try to buy $5,000 more through a bank, the bank will reject the second purchase because it would exceed your annual limit. Purchases made as gifts count toward your limit, not the recipient's limit.

If you reach your annual limit before the year ends, you can still hold and earn interest on the bonds you own. You straightforward cannot buy more until January 1 of the next year.

Paper bonds versus electronic bonds

Bonds purchased through TreasuryDirect are held electronically in your online account. You can view their current value, interest earned, and maturity date by logging in. You can redeem them online at any time after the holding period (one month for Series EE, one year for Series I). Electronic bonds are convenient because you do not have to worry about losing a physical certificate or paying to replace one if it is damaged.

Bonds purchased through a bank or broker come as paper certificates. You receive a physical document in the mail that you must keep safe. If you lose it, you will need to file a claim with the Treasury and provide proof of ownership — a process that can take several months. To redeem a paper bond, you must mail it to the issuing bank or broker or visit a branch in person. Some banks no longer issue paper bonds and instead offer electronic bonds held in your account with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy savings bonds for a child or grandchild?

Yes. Through TreasuryDirect, you can buy a bond as a gift by entering the recipient's name and Social Security number. The bond counts toward your annual limit, not theirs. The recipient can claim it in their own TreasuryDirect account once they turn 18 and set one up, or you can manage it in your account until then.

What happens if I buy a bond and then change my mind?

Bonds purchased through TreasuryDirect cannot be cancelled or returned. Once you buy one, you own it. You can redeem it after the holding period (one month for Series EE, one year for Series I), but if you redeem within five years, you lose the last three months of interest. Bonds purchased through a bank or broker may have different policies — contact the bank to ask about their return window.

Do I need a separate TreasuryDirect account for each family member?

Yes. Each person who wants to buy bonds must have their own TreasuryDirect account with their own Social Security number and email address. You cannot manage another adult's account, though you can buy bonds as gifts for them. Parents can manage accounts for minor children until they turn 18.

Is there a minimum amount I have to buy?

Through TreasuryDirect, the minimum purchase is $25 per bond, and you can buy in $25 increments up to $10,000 per series per year. Banks and brokers may have different minimums — some require you to buy a full $50 or $100 bond. Check with your bank or broker for their specific rules.

Can I buy savings bonds with a credit card?

No. TreasuryDirect requires you to link a bank account (checking or savings) for purchases. Banks and brokers may accept credit cards, but this is rare — most also require a bank account or funds transfer. Check with your institution before attempting to purchase.