You can buy paper savings bonds only through your bank or credit union, not from the Treasury directly
The U.S. Treasury stopped selling paper savings bonds to the general public in 2011. Today, if you want to buy savings bonds in person, you must go to a bank or credit union that offers them — and not all do. Call ahead to confirm they sell them, because many financial institutions have stopped offering this service over the years.
The bonds you can buy in person are Series I bonds and Series EE bonds. Both are issued in paper form when you buy them at a bank. You cannot walk into a Treasury office or a Federal Reserve branch to buy them yourself; the bank acts as the intermediary between you and the Treasury.
If your bank does not sell bonds, or if you want to avoid a trip, you can buy the same bonds online through TreasuryDirect, the Treasury's official website. Online purchases are often faster and do not require a minimum purchase amount the way some banks do.
Key Takeaways
- Banks and credit unions are the only places to buy paper savings bonds in person; the Treasury does not sell directly to consumers anymore.
- Not every bank sells savings bonds, so call your branch first to confirm they offer them and ask about any minimum purchase amounts.
- Series I bonds and Series EE bonds are the two types available for purchase, and their interest rates change every six months.
- If your bank does not carry them or you prefer not to visit in person, TreasuryDirect online is the official alternative with no minimum purchase requirement.
How to find a bank or credit union that sells bonds
Start by calling the main branch of your own bank or credit union. Ask whether they sell U.S. savings bonds and whether they have any minimum purchase amount. Some banks require you to buy at least $25 or $50 worth; others have no minimum.
If your bank does not sell them, ask whether they can refer you to another branch that does, or whether they can order them for you. Some regional banks and larger national banks still offer this service, but smaller community banks often do not.
You can also search online for "savings bonds" plus your city or zip code, but calling is faster because a phone representative can tell you when ready whether the bond is in stock and whether you need an appointment. Many banks that sell bonds require you to come in during business hours and speak to a teller or account manager.
What to bring when you buy in person
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. You will also need to provide your Social Security number so the Treasury can register the bond in your name.
Bring cash, a debit card, or a check — payment methods vary by bank. Call ahead to ask what your specific branch accepts. You do not need to have an account at the bank to buy a savings bond there, though some banks prefer it.
If you are buying a bond as a gift for someone else, you can register it in their name instead of yours. Bring their Social Security number and the same identification requirements explore to you as the purchaser.
The difference between buying in person and buying online
| Factor | Bank or Credit Union | TreasuryDirect Online |
|---|---|---|
| Where to buy | In person at a branch | On treasurydirect.gov |
| Form of bond | Paper certificate | Electronic (no paper) |
| Minimum purchase | Varies by bank; often $25–$50 | $25 with no upper limit |
| Time to receive | Same day or within a few days | Funds deducted when ready; bond issued within one business day |
| Account required | Not always | Yes, you must open a TreasuryDirect account |
Paper bonds bought in person are physical certificates you can hold. Electronic bonds bought through TreasuryDirect exist only as a record in your account — there is no certificate to mail or store. Both earn interest at the same rate and have the same rules.
Many people prefer buying in person because they like having a physical certificate, or because they do not want to set up an online account. Others prefer TreasuryDirect because they can buy at any time, from home, without worrying whether a bank carries them.
What happens after you buy a bond in person
The bank will give you a paper certificate with a serial number, issue date, and the bond's value printed on it. Keep this certificate in a safe place — a safe deposit box, home safe, or fireproof container. If the certificate is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement from the Treasury, but the process takes time.
The bond begins earning interest when ready. For Series I bonds, the interest rate is set every six months (in May and November). For Series EE bonds, the rate is also set every six months. You can check the current rates on the Treasury website before you buy.
You cannot cash the bond for at least one year. If you cash it before five years have passed, you lose the last three months of interest. After five years, you can cash it anytime without penalty. The bond will continue earning interest for up to 30 years.
Why some banks no longer sell savings bonds
Banks stopped selling savings bonds in large numbers because the profit margin is very small and the paperwork is time-consuming. A teller must verify your identity, record your information, and handle a physical certificate. For the bank, this is not worth the effort when customers can buy online in seconds.
The Treasury has encouraged this shift by making TreasuryDirect easier to use and by promoting it as the primary way to buy bonds. As a result, finding a bank that sells bonds in person has become harder, especially in rural areas or small towns.
This does not mean you cannot buy bonds in person — you can — but you may need to try multiple banks or be willing to travel to a larger branch. If no bank near you sells them, TreasuryDirect is your straightforward alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy savings bonds at any bank?
No. Many banks have stopped selling savings bonds because the profit is low and the process is labor-intensive. Call your bank first to ask. Larger branches and credit unions are more likely to carry them than smaller community banks.
Do I need to be a customer of the bank to buy a bond there?
Not always. Many banks will sell a savings bond to anyone with a valid ID and Social Security number, whether or not you have an account there. Some banks require you to be a customer. Ask when you call.
What if I lose the paper certificate?
Contact the Treasury and request a replacement. You will need to provide the bond's serial number, issue date, and your Social Security number. The replacement process can take several weeks, so store your certificate carefully in a safe place.
Can I buy savings bonds as a gift for someone else in person?
Yes. You can register the bond in the other person's name. Bring your ID and Social Security number as the purchaser, and provide the recipient's name and Social Security number. The recipient does not need to be present.
Is there a limit to how many bonds I can buy in person?
The Treasury limits you to $10,000 per person per calendar year for each bond type (Series I and Series EE). This limit applies whether you buy in person or online. If you reach the limit, you cannot buy more until January 1 of the next year.