You can buy savings bonds directly from the U.S. Treasury through TreasuryDirect, or through a bank or broker

The easiest way to purchase savings bonds is through TreasuryDirect, the Treasury Department's online platform. You create an account, link a bank account, and buy bonds electronically — they're held in digital form, not as paper certificates. This is the only place to buy Series I bonds (inflation bonds) and Series EE bonds (fixed-rate bonds) at face value without any markup or fees.

You can also buy savings bonds through a bank or brokerage firm, though they typically charge a fee and may not carry all bond types. Some banks sell only Series EE bonds, while others offer a wider selection. The bond itself costs the same as TreasuryDirect, but you pay the institution's transaction fee on top.

Key Takeaways

  • TreasuryDirect is free and the only place to buy Series I bonds at their current rate; you need a Social Security number and a U.S. bank account to open an account.
  • Banks and brokers can sell you savings bonds but charge a fee, typically $25 to $50 per transaction, on top of the bond's purchase price.
  • Series EE bonds cost half their face value (you pay $50 for a $100 bond), while Series I bonds cost their full face value.
  • You can buy bonds in your own name, in a child's name with you as custodian, or in a trust, depending on the purchase method you choose.
  • Minimum purchase amounts vary: TreasuryDirect allows purchases as low as $25, while banks may have higher minimums.

Setting up a TreasuryDirect account

To buy bonds through TreasuryDirect, you first create an account on treasurydirect.gov. You'll need a valid Social Security number, a U.S. mailing address, and a U.S. bank account (checking or savings). The account setup takes about 15 minutes and is free.

Once your account is open, you link your bank account for purchases and redemptions. TreasuryDirect uses this account to debit money when you buy and to deposit money when you cash bonds in. You can manage everything online — buy bonds, check their current value, and set up redemption instructions.

Buying through banks and brokers

Most major banks offer savings bonds at their branches or online. You walk in or log into your online banking portal, request a bond purchase, and the bank deducts the cost plus their fee from your account. The bond is then registered in your name and held by the bank or transferred to TreasuryDirect on your behalf.

Brokerage firms like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and Vanguard also sell savings bonds. The process is similar: you place an order through your brokerage account, pay the purchase price plus a transaction fee, and the bond is held in your brokerage account. Some brokers allow you to hold the bond there; others transfer it to TreasuryDirect after purchase.

The main drawback is cost. Bank and broker fees typically range from $25 to $50 per bond purchase. If you're buying a $50 Series EE bond, a $25 fee doubles your cost. For this reason, TreasuryDirect is almost always the better choice if you can use it.

Minimum purchase amounts and bond denominations

Through TreasuryDirect, you can buy Series EE and Series I bonds in amounts as low as $25. You're not limited to fixed denominations — you can purchase $25, $26.50, $100, $150, or any amount you want (up to $10,000 per bond type per calendar year for individuals).

Banks and brokers typically sell bonds in standard denominations: $50, $100, $500, $1,000, or higher. Some institutions have minimum purchase amounts of $100 or more. Check with your specific bank or broker for their rules.

Keep in mind that Series EE bonds are sold at a discount: you pay half the face value. A $100 Series EE bond costs $50. Series I bonds are sold at face value: a $100 Series I bond costs $100.

Whose name the bond can be registered in

Through TreasuryDirect, you can register a bond in your own name, in a child's name with you as the custodian, or in a trust. If you register it in a child's name, you control the bond until they reach age of majority (18 or 21, depending on your state). The child's Social Security number is used, not yours.

Banks and brokers follow similar rules, though some may have restrictions. A trust purchase typically requires you to provide the trust document or a certified copy. Ask your bank or broker what ownership structures they support before you buy.

Annual purchase limits

The Treasury limits how much you can buy in a single calendar year. For individuals, the limit is $10,000 per bond type per year through TreasuryDirect — so you can buy up to $10,000 in Series EE bonds and $10,000 in Series I bonds in the same year. Bonds bought through banks and brokers count toward this limit.

If you're buying for a child or in a trust, those have separate limits. A child can buy $10,000 in their own name and you can buy $10,000 in your name in the same year.

Tax reporting and registration

Whichever way you buy, the bond is registered with the Treasury in the owner's name and Social Security number. This registration is permanent — you cannot change the owner after purchase. If you buy in your child's name, the child is the owner for tax purposes, even if you paid for it.

Interest on savings bonds is subject to federal income tax but exempt from state and local tax. You report the interest when you redeem the bond or, if you choose, each year as it accrues. The Treasury sends no annual statement — you track this yourself or work with a tax professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy savings bonds as a gift for someone else?

Yes. You can buy a bond registered in someone else's name if you have their Social Security number and permission. Through TreasuryDirect, you can register it in their name and they become the owner. You can also buy through a bank and have it issued to them. Once registered in their name, you cannot change the owner.

What happens if I buy a bond through a bank and then want to move it?

Bonds purchased through a bank can usually be transferred to TreasuryDirect at no cost, though the process takes a few weeks. Contact your bank to request a transfer. Once in TreasuryDirect, you manage it there for free. Some brokers also allow transfers to TreasuryDirect; ask before you buy.

Do I have to buy the full face value of a Series EE bond?

No. Series EE bonds are sold at 50% of face value, so you always pay half. If you want a $100 bond, you pay $50. Through TreasuryDirect, you can buy any amount starting at $25, so you could buy a $25 bond for $12.50.

Can I buy savings bonds for a business or nonprofit?

TreasuryDirect accounts are for individuals only. Businesses and nonprofits can buy savings bonds through a bank or broker, but they must provide an Employer Identification Number (EIN) instead of a Social Security number. Contact your bank for details on their process.

Is there a difference in interest rate between buying through TreasuryDirect and a bank?

No. The interest rate is set by the Treasury and is the same regardless of where you buy. The only difference is the fee — TreasuryDirect charges nothing, while banks and brokers charge a transaction fee. The bond itself earns the same rate either way.