Buy EE Savings Bonds
The annual limitation on purchases of United States Savings Bonds has been set at $5,000 per Social Security Number, effective January 1, 2008. See the press release.
The EE Savings Bond is a security that increases in value until it's cashed or reaches final maturity in 30 years. It is available in paper and electronic format. You can buy electronic bonds through TreasuryDirect.
Denominations
- Paper EE Bonds: Can be bought in $50, $75, $100, $200, $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 denominations.
- Electronic EE Bonds: Can be bought to the penny for $25 or more. For example, you could buy a $50.23 bond.
Purchase Price
- Paper EE Bonds:The purchase price is one-half its denomination. For example, you would pay $25 for a $50 bond. It will take time for the bond to reach maturity because it is dependent on interest rate.
- Electronic EE Bonds:Can be bought in increments of one penny for $25 or more. The bond reaches maturity immediately.
Where to Buy
It's easier to buy electronic and paper EE Bonds than ever before. You can purchase them through:
| TreasuryDirect | This is the easiest, fastest way to buy Series EE bonds. The bonds are issued directly to you in your TreasuryDirect account. No paper bonds are issued. You have access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can set up an automatic purchase schedule of as little as $25. |
|---|---|
| Banks and other financial institutions | The paper bond is printed to your instructions and mailed to you in 15 business days. Your bond's issue date reflects the date of purchase so that no interest is lost. |
| Internet banking systems | You can purchase paper bonds through online account access with many local financial institutions. See if a financial institution in your area offers this service. |
| Payroll Savings Plan | You can buy EE Bonds through the Payroll Savings Plan if your employer offers it. Payroll for paper savings bonds and Electronic Payroll are available. |
Purchase Limit
The purchase limit for both paper and electronic EE Bonds is $5,000 for each calendar year. Check our informative investment article about purchase limits for savings bonds and marketable securities.
Register Your Bonds
- How you register an EE Bond determines who owns the bond and who can cash it. Learn how to register an EE or I Bond.
Identifying Information
Your Social Security number (SSN) is needed to buy a bond. The bond owner will be asked to provide his or her Social Security number for tax purposes when they cash the bond. But, if you're buying a gift and don't know the person's number, you can use your own. Using your SSN doesn't mean you will have a tax liability when the bond is cashed. The bond owner will be asked to provide his or her Social Security Number for tax purposes when they cash the bond.
The owner's Employer Identification Number is used for bonds bought for corporations, associations, public and private organizations, fiduciaries, and other entities as single owners.
On paper savings bonds, the first five digits of your Social Security number or Employer Identification number will be masked and replaced with asterisks beginning August 1, 2006. This is being done to protect your privacy and to prevent the information from being used for identity theft.
Gift bonds purchased in TreasuryDirect must have the recipient’s SSN and can be delivered or held in the Gift Box. Fiduciary and corporate registrations are not permitted in TreasuryDirect.
Who Can Own EE Bonds
You can own EE Bonds if you have a Social Security number and you're a:
- United States resident, or a United States citizen who lives abroad.
- Civilian employee of the United States regardless of where you live.
- Minor (under age 18). Unlike other securities, minors may own U.S. Savings Bonds
Corporations, associations, public and private organizations, fiduciaries, and other entities can buy paper savings bonds as single owners.
At this time, only individuals 18 or older can open TreasuryDirect accounts and purchase electronic savings bonds. Gift bonds purchased for minor children may be delivered to the Minor linked account.
Chain Letters and Savings Bonds
Buying savings bonds as part of a chain letter or other pyramid scheme is prohibited.
