Finding your savings bond's current value
The value of your savings bond depends on when you bought it, what type it is, and how long you have held it. Series EE bonds and Series I bonds grow in value over time through interest, but they do not all grow at the same rate. The U.S. Department of the Treasury provides a free online tool called the Savings Bond Calculator where you enter your bond's series, issue date, and denomination, and it tells you the exact value today.
You can access the Savings Bond Calculator at treasurydirect.gov under the "Manage" section. You will need the information printed on your physical bond or the details from your TreasuryDirect account if you own digital bonds. The calculator updates monthly to reflect current interest rates, so the value you see is accurate as of that month's accrual date.
Key Takeaways
- The Treasury's Savings Bond Calculator at treasurydirect.gov shows your bond's exact current value when you enter the series, issue date, and denomination.
- Series EE bonds earn a fixed rate of interest set when you buy them, while Series I bonds earn a combined fixed and inflation-adjusted rate that changes every six months.
- Your bond continues to earn interest for up to 30 years, so a bond purchased 20 years ago is still growing if you have not cashed it in.
- If you own paper bonds, you can also take them to a bank to have the value calculated, though the online calculator is faster and always current.
How Series EE bonds build value
Series EE bonds earn a fixed interest rate that is set when you purchase the bond and never changes. The Treasury announces new rates every six months, in May and November, but your personal rate stays the same for the life of the bond. You purchase a Series EE bond at half its face value — for example, you pay $50 for a $100 bond — and it grows toward that face value and beyond.
The interest compounds semiannually, meaning it is added to the bond twice a year. If you bought a $100 Series EE bond in 2010, it has been earning interest for over a decade and is worth significantly more than the $50 you paid. The exact amount depends on the interest rate in effect when you bought it. The Savings Bond Calculator will show you the precise figure.
How Series I bonds build value differently
Series I bonds work differently because they are designed to protect against inflation. They earn two rates combined: a fixed rate set when you buy the bond, plus a variable inflation rate that adjusts every six months based on the Consumer Price Index. The Treasury announces the new combined rate in May and November, and your bond's interest rate changes on those dates.
This means a Series I bond you bought in 2021 may have earned a much higher rate in 2022 and 2023 when inflation was high, and a lower rate now. The Savings Bond Calculator accounts for all these rate changes automatically. You do not need to track the rates yourself — enter your bond information and the calculator shows what it is worth today with all adjustments included.
What happens if you cash in your bond early
If you cash in a Series EE or Series I bond before it reaches 20 years old, you lose the last three months of interest. This is called the three-month interest penalty. For example, if your bond is worth $1,000 but you cash it in before the 20-year mark, you receive $1,000 minus three months of accrued interest. After 20 years, you can cash in the bond without this penalty.
Bonds continue to earn interest for a full 30 years from the issue date. Many people hold bonds past 20 years because the interest keeps growing and there is no penalty. The Savings Bond Calculator shows the value at any point, so you can see what you would receive if you cashed it in today versus waiting longer.
Where to find information about paper bonds you own
If you own physical paper bonds, the information you need is printed on the bond itself. Look for the series (EE or I), the issue date, and the denomination. Write these down and enter them into the Savings Bond Calculator. If the bond is old and the print is faded, you may need to hold it up to light or use a magnifying glass to read the details clearly.
You can also take paper bonds to most banks and ask them to look up the value. Banks have access to bond valuation systems and can print out a statement showing what your bonds are worth. This is useful if you have many bonds or if you want a written record for your records. There is no charge for this service at most banks.
Checking the value of digital bonds in TreasuryDirect
If you own bonds through a TreasuryDirect account, you can log in to your account at treasurydirect.gov and see the current value of each bond listed under "My Accounts." The account shows the issue date, series, denomination, and current value. This updates monthly, so you can check your bond values whenever you want without using the separate calculator.
TreasuryDirect accounts are free to open and maintain. If you have been buying bonds for years, having an account makes it straightforward to track everything in one place. You can also set up a TreasuryDirect account to purchase new bonds directly from the Treasury, which means no fees and no middleman.
Understanding the difference between purchase price and current value
The amount you paid for a bond is not the same as what it is worth now. Series EE bonds are purchased at a discount — you pay half the face value — so a $100 bond costs $50. Over time, interest causes the bond to grow beyond the face value. A $100 Series EE bond purchased 15 years ago might be worth $120 or $130 today, depending on the interest rate.
Series I bonds are purchased at face value, so you pay the full amount printed on the bond. The interest then adds to that amount. A $100 Series I bond you bought five years ago might be worth $115 today because of the interest earned. The Savings Bond Calculator shows the current value, which is what matters if you are deciding whether to cash it in or hold it longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find the value of a bond I lost the paperwork for?
If you remember approximately when you bought it and what type it was, you can still use the Savings Bond Calculator. You may need to contact the Treasury directly if you cannot recall the exact issue date — they can search their records if you provide your Social Security number and other identifying information. Call the Bureau of the Fiscal Service at 844-284-2676 for help locating lost bond information.
Does the value shown in the calculator include taxes owed?
No. The calculator shows the face value of the bond plus all interest earned, but it does not subtract federal income tax. You owe federal tax on the interest when you cash in the bond, though you may not owe state or local tax depending on where you live. The amount of tax depends on your overall income and tax bracket, so you should consult a tax professional about your specific situation.
What if my bond is worth less than I paid for it?
This should not happen with Series EE or Series I bonds because they are may provide to earn interest. However, if your bond is very new or if you are looking at a bond purchased at a time when interest rates were extremely low, the growth may be small. The calculator will show the accurate current value. If you believe there is an error, contact the Treasury at treasurydirect.gov or call 844-284-2676.
How often does the calculator update the bond values?
The Savings Bond Calculator updates once per month on the first business day, reflecting the interest accrued through the previous month. If you check the value on different days within the same month, you will see the same amount. The next update happens on the first business day of the following month.