You can buy U.S. savings bonds directly from the U.S. Department of the Treasury through TreasuryDirect, or through a bank or broker
The easiest route for most people is TreasuryDirect, the Treasury's own online platform. You create an account, link a bank account, and buy bonds electronically. There are no fees, no middleman, and you own the bonds when ready. The Treasury holds them in digital form — you never receive a paper certificate.
If you prefer to work with a financial institution you already use, you can buy savings bonds through most banks and brokers. They charge a fee for the service, usually between $25 and $100 per transaction, so this route makes sense only if you're buying a large amount or already have a relationship with that institution.
Paper savings bonds still exist but are no longer sold directly to individuals. The Treasury stopped issuing paper bonds to consumers in 2011. If you want a physical bond as a gift, you can buy an electronic bond through TreasuryDirect and print a gift certificate, but the actual bond remains digital.
Key Takeaways
- TreasuryDirect is free, requires only an online account and a linked bank account, and is the fastest way to buy savings bonds.
- Banks and brokers can sell you savings bonds but charge fees ranging from $25 to $100 per purchase.
- All new savings bonds are held electronically by the Treasury; paper bonds are no longer issued to individual buyers.
- You need a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to open a TreasuryDirect account.
- Series EE and Series I bonds are the two types currently sold to individuals, and you can buy either one through the same account.
Setting up a TreasuryDirect account
Start by going to treasurydirect.gov and clicking "Open an Account." You'll need a valid email address, a Social Security number or ITIN, and a U.S. bank account. The Treasury will verify your identity by asking questions about your financial history — this takes a few minutes and happens when ready online.
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 if you cash them in early. You can link multiple bank accounts if you want, though most people use one.
After your account is set up, you can buy bonds anytime during business hours. There's no minimum purchase amount, though individual bonds are sold in $25 increments. You can buy as little as $25 or as much as $10,000 per calendar year in each bond type (Series EE and Series I have separate annual limits).
Buying through a bank or broker
If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, ask whether they sell savings bonds. Many large banks do, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase, though not all branches carry them. You'll need to visit in person or call to place an order.
Brokers like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and E*TRADE also sell savings bonds. The process is similar to buying stocks: you log into your brokerage account, search for the bond you want, and place an order. The bond is held in your brokerage account rather than in a separate Treasury account.
The main drawback is cost. Banks typically charge $25 to $50 per bond purchase, and brokers may charge $25 to $100 depending on the firm. If you're buying a small amount, these fees eat into your return. For example, a $25 fee on a $100 bond purchase is a 25 percent cost right away.
Understanding the annual purchase limits
The Treasury sets a yearly limit on how much you can buy of each bond type. For Series EE bonds, you can buy up to $10,000 per calendar year. For Series I bonds, the limit is also $10,000 per calendar year. These limits are separate, so you could theoretically buy $10,000 of each in the same year.
The calendar year runs January 1 through December 31. If you hit the limit in November, you have to wait until January 1 to buy more. The limit applies to you as an individual — if you're married, your spouse has their own separate $10,000 limit for each bond type.
One exception: you can use your federal tax refund to buy Series I bonds only, and this purchase does not count against your $10,000 annual limit. You make this choice when you file your tax return by using Form 8888. This is a way to buy extra Series I bonds if you've already hit your $10,000 limit with regular purchases.
What to know about buying bonds as gifts
You can buy a savings bond and register it in someone else's name, making it a gift. Through TreasuryDirect, you buy the bond in your account but list the recipient as the owner. The bond is then transferred to their TreasuryDirect account (or they can set one up to receive it).
For a physical gift presentation, you can print a gift certificate from TreasuryDirect. The certificate is not the bond itself — it's a document you give to the recipient that explains what bond you've bought for them. The actual bond stays in digital form in the Treasury's system.
The gift does not count against the recipient's annual purchase limit. However, it does count against your limit. If you buy a $5,000 Series EE bond as a gift, that reduces your own $10,000 annual allowance to $5,000 for the rest of the year.
Comparing TreasuryDirect to banks and brokers
| Feature | TreasuryDirect | Bank or Broker |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | $25–$100 per purchase |
| How you buy | Online anytime | In person, by phone, or online during business hours |
| Minimum purchase | $25 | Varies by institution |
| Where bonds are held | Treasury's system | Your bank or brokerage account |
| Redemption | Online anytime | Through your bank or broker |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy savings bonds through my employer?
No. The Treasury ended the Payroll Savings Plan in 2003, which allowed employees to buy bonds through automatic payroll deductions. Your only options now are TreasuryDirect, banks, and brokers. Some employers offer 529 college savings plans or other investment options, but not savings bonds.
What if I don't have a bank account?
You need a U.S. bank account to use TreasuryDirect because the Treasury requires a way to debit and credit funds. If you don't have a traditional bank account, you may be able to use a prepaid debit card or online banking service that has routing and account numbers, though policies vary. Contact TreasuryDirect support or your financial institution to confirm.
Can I buy savings bonds for a child?
Yes. You can register a bond in a child's name through TreasuryDirect. The child needs a Social Security number. You control the account until the child reaches the age of majority in your state (usually 18 or 21), at which point they can take over. The bond itself belongs to the child and counts as their income for tax purposes when redeemed.
Do I have to buy the same type of bond every time?
No. You can buy Series EE bonds one month and Series I bonds the next. Each has different interest rates and terms. Many people buy Series I bonds when inflation is high and Series EE bonds when they want a longer-term, fixed-rate investment. You manage both types in the same TreasuryDirect account.
What happens if I lose my TreasuryDirect password?
You can reset it online using your email address and security questions. If you can't access your account that way, TreasuryDirect has a phone support line where you can verify your identity and regain access. Your bonds are safe — they're held by the Treasury, not in your password-protected account.