You can buy savings bonds directly from the U.S. Treasury through TreasuryDirect, or through a bank or broker
The easiest way to buy savings bonds is through TreasuryDirect, the Treasury Department's online platform. You create an account, link a bank account, and purchase bonds directly without paying a fee or commission. This is where most individual buyers go, especially for Series I bonds and Series EE bonds.
If you prefer to buy in person or through a financial institution you already use, you can purchase Series EE bonds through most banks and credit unions. Some brokers also sell savings bonds, though they may charge a fee. The Treasury does not sell bonds through retail locations like post offices anymore — that ended in 2011.
Paper bonds are no longer issued. All bonds purchased today are electronic and held in your TreasuryDirect account or at your financial institution.
Key Takeaways
- TreasuryDirect is free and the most direct way to buy savings bonds from the U.S. Treasury with no commissions or fees.
- You can also buy Series EE bonds through your bank, credit union, or broker, though some may charge a transaction fee.
- All savings bonds are now electronic — paper bonds are no longer sold.
- TreasuryDirect requires an online account linked to a U.S. bank account and a Social Security number or tax ID.
- Minimum purchase amounts vary: TreasuryDirect allows purchases as low as $25, while banks may have different minimums.
How to set up a TreasuryDirect account
Go to treasurydirect.gov and click "Open an Account." You will need a Social Security number or employer identification number, a valid email address, and a U.S. bank account (checking or savings). The site will ask you to create a username and password and verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history.
Once your account is open, you link your bank account for purchases and redemptions. The Treasury uses this account to debit money when you buy bonds and to deposit money when you cash them in. The whole process usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
You do not need to maintain a minimum balance in your TreasuryDirect account. You only fund it when you want to buy a bond.
Buying bonds through TreasuryDirect
After logging in, select "BuyDirect" and choose the type of bond you want — Series I or Series EE are the most common. You decide how much to invest. TreasuryDirect lets you buy bonds in amounts as small as $25, and you can buy up to $10,000 per calendar year in each series per person.
You can also buy up to $5,000 in paper Series I bonds per year using your tax refund through IRS Form 8888, though this requires filing a tax return. This is a separate limit from your $10,000 TreasuryDirect limit.
Once you confirm your purchase, the Treasury debits your linked bank account and the bond appears in your account within one business day. You can track the bond's value and interest accrual anytime by logging in.
Buying bonds through a bank or broker
Most banks and credit unions sell Series EE bonds over the counter or online. You typically need to be a customer of that institution, though some allow non-customers to purchase. Ask your bank whether they sell savings bonds and what their minimum purchase is — it is often higher than TreasuryDirect's $25 minimum.
Brokers like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and others also sell savings bonds. They may charge a transaction fee of $1 to $25 per purchase, so compare costs before buying. The bond itself costs the same regardless of where you buy it; the fee is what the institution charges you for handling the transaction.
Bonds purchased through a bank or broker are still held electronically and registered with the Treasury. You can manage them through that institution's system or transfer them to TreasuryDirect later if you want.
Understanding purchase limits and timing
The Treasury sets an annual purchase limit of $10,000 per person per calendar year for each bond series through TreasuryDirect. This means you can buy up to $10,000 in Series I bonds and up to $10,000 in Series EE bonds in the same year — they are separate limits.
If you buy through a bank or broker, those purchases typically count toward your TreasuryDirect limit. Check with your institution to confirm how they report your purchases to the Treasury.
Bonds purchased through TreasuryDirect are issued on the first day of the month you buy them, regardless of when during the month you complete the purchase. If you buy on the 15th of March, your bond is dated March 1st. This matters for interest accrual and redemption timing.
What you need before you buy
To buy through TreasuryDirect, you need a valid Social Security number or tax ID, a U.S. bank account in your name, and a valid email address. You must be at least 18 years old. If you are buying for a minor, you must be their parent or legal guardian and set up the account in your name with the minor listed as a beneficiary.
To buy through a bank or broker, requirements vary by institution. Most require you to be a customer or to open an account with them first. Bring a government-issued ID and proof of your Social Security number.
You do not need to have a large amount of money saved up — TreasuryDirect's $25 minimum is one of the lowest entry points for any investment product.
Comparing cost and convenience
| Where to Buy | Minimum Purchase | Fees | Annual Limit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TreasuryDirect | $25 | None | $10,000 per series | Online buyers who want no fees |
| Bank or Credit Union | Varies (often $100+) | Usually none | Counts toward TreasuryDirect limit | In-person buyers or existing customers |
| Broker | Varies | $1–$25 per purchase | Counts toward TreasuryDirect limit | Buyers who want to manage all investments in one place |
TreasuryDirect is almost always the cheapest option because there are no fees or commissions. The trade-off is that you manage your bonds only through the Treasury's website, not through a bank or brokerage app you may already use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy savings bonds for someone else?
You can buy a bond and register it in someone else's name if you are their parent, guardian, or executor of their estate. For a minor, you set up the account in your name and list them as a beneficiary. You cannot buy a bond as a gift for an unrelated adult — they must open their own account and buy it themselves.
What happens if I forget my TreasuryDirect password?
Click "Forgot Username or Password" on the login page. The Treasury will send you a link to reset your password via email. If you no longer have access to your email, you can call TreasuryDirect customer service at 844-284-2676 to verify your identity and regain access.
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 check their policy first — some do not.
Do I have to buy a full bond, or can I buy a partial amount?
Through TreasuryDirect, you can buy any amount from $25 up to your annual limit, in any increment. You do not have to buy in round numbers. A bank or broker may have different rules — ask before you buy.
Can I change my mind after I buy a bond?
Once a bond is purchased and issued, you cannot cancel it or get your money back when ready. You can redeem it (cash it in) after holding it for one year, but if you redeem it before five years, you lose the last three months of interest. After five years, you can redeem it with no penalty.