Buying US savings bonds happens entirely through the official government web portal, TreasuryDirect. Physical paper bonds are no longer sold at local banks, meaning every new purchase of Series EE or Series I bonds requires setting up an electronic account.
Setting up the profile takes about fifteen minutes, but the platform has strict verification steps. If you miss a detail or input mismatched banking information, your account creation can stall. This walkthrough covers opening your account, purchasing bonds, and managing your digital holdings safely.
Preparing Your Information Before You Start
Before you open the portal, gather your core personal information. The site requires identity verification checks against credit and banking databases. You'll need:
- Your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number.
- A valid U.S. residential address.
- A checking or savings account number along with the bank's routing transit number.
- An active email address that you check regularly.
Having these details ready prevents session timeouts, which happen frequently on government portals if a page sits idle too long.
Step-by-Step Account Creation on TreasuryDirect
Setting up your profile correctly the first time saves you from dealing with customer service locks later. Follow these sequential steps:
- Access the official portal: Go to the TreasuryDirect Home Page and select the "Open an Account" link.
- Choose your account type: Most individual investors select a "Individual" account. Review the terms and click submit to move to the application form.
- Enter personal data: Input your legal name, SSN, address, and contact details exactly as they appear on your tax documents. Discrepancies here trigger manual reviews.
- Link your funding source: Provide your bank routing number and account number. The system uses this account to withdraw funds for purchases and deposit money when you redeem bonds.
- Establish security credentials: Create a password and select security questions. The system will then generate a temporary access number via email. Use that number to log in for the first time and complete registration.
Choosing Between Series EE and Series I Bonds
Once your account is active, you can buy bonds through the "BuyDirect" feature. The U.S. Department of the Treasury offers two primary savings bond options, each suited for different financial goals:
- Series EE Bonds: These feature a fixed rate of interest set at the time of purchase. The government guarantees that the bond's value will double after 20 years, even if the accumulated interest rate falls short. If it falls short, Treasury makes a one-time automatic adjustment at the 20-year mark.
- Series I Bonds: These are designed to protect your savings from inflation. They earn a composite interest rate made of a fixed rate combined with a semi-annual inflation rate that adjusts every May and November based on the Consumer Price Index.
Both series have an electronic purchase minimum of $25. There is also an annual electronic purchase limit of $10,000 per Social Security Number for each series, excluding any bonds bought with tax refunds or as gifts.
Purchasing Bonds and Managing Gifts
Buying a bond takes just a few clicks after logging in.
Navigate to the "BuyDirect" tab, choose the bond type (EE or I), select the registration owner, and enter your purchase amount. You can designate single owners, primary owners with a secondary co-owner, or add a beneficiary using a payable-on-death registration.
If you want to buy bonds as a gift for a child, grandchild, or friend, you can hold the gift in your account until you're ready to deliver it. The recipient must also have a TreasuryDirect account so you can transfer the electronic bond directly to their profile. Minors can own bonds through a minor account managed by a parent or legal guardian until they reach adulthood.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Typing errors in banking details: Entering a single incorrect digit in your routing number will cause ACH rejections and delayed deposits.
- Forgetting your password: TreasuryDirect uses a customized virtual keyboard for password entry to block keyloggers. Take your time entering passwords and save your login details securely.
- Cashing out too early: Savings bonds earn interest for up to 30 years. If you cash them in before five years, you forfeit the last three months of interest earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy paper savings bonds?
No. The U.S. government stopped issuing paper savings bonds for general purchase through banks in 2012. All standard purchases now happen digitally via TreasuryDirect, though paper bonds received as gifts or inherited through estates still exist and can be managed or redeemed online.
How do I check the current value of my electronic bonds?
You don't need a separate calculator for digital holdings. Simply log into your TreasuryDirect account and view your portfolio summary. The dashboard automatically tracks the current value, accumulated interest, and maturity dates for every bond you own.
What happens if I lose access to my TreasuryDirect account?
If you lock your account after multiple failed login attempts, you must call TreasuryDirect customer support to verify your identity and reset your access. Keep your account number, email address, and security question answers stored in a safe physical location to prevent lockouts.
Are savings bond earnings subject to taxes?
Yes. The interest earned on Series EE and Series I bonds is subject to federal income tax, but it is exempt from state and local income taxes. You can choose to report the interest annually or defer reporting until the bond matures, is redeemed, or ceases earning interest.
