I and EE Savings Bond Comparison
We currently offer two series of savings bonds for purchase: EE and I. Both series are offered in electronic and paper format. Here is a comparison of I Bonds and EE Bonds:
The following chart applies to electronic bonds purchased through TreasuryDirect. See notations below for paper bond differences.
For a more information, see the Savings Bonds Investor Guide
I Bonds | EE Bonds | |
---|---|---|
Denominations | Any amount of $25 or more, including penny increments* | Any amount of $25 or more, including penny increments* |
Purchase Price | Face value** | Face value** |
Purchase Limit | $5,000 per Social Security Number*** | $5,000 per Social Security Number*** |
Interest Earnings |
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Redemption | Can be redeemed after 12 months | Can be redeemed after 12 months |
Early Redemption Penalties | 3-month interest penalty if redeemed during the first 5 years | 3-month interest penalty if redeemed during the first 5 years |
Taxes |
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On paper savings bonds issued or replaced on or after August 1, 2006, the first five digits of your Social Security number will be masked and replaced with asterisks. This is being done to protect your privacy and to prevent the information from being used for identity theft.
Paper savings bonds can be purchased at financial institutions or through employer payroll savings plans.
** Paper I Bonds are offered in 7 denominations- $50, $75, $100, $200, $500, $1,000, $5,000. They are purchased for their face value (for example, a $100 I bond costs $100).
Paper EE Bonds are offered in 8 denominations- $50, $75, $100, $200, $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000. They are purchased for 50% of their face value (for example, a $100 EE bond costs $50). This means that they take longer to mature than electronic bonds, as their value is based on interest rates. They are guaranteed to reach face value in 20 years.
***You can purchase an additional $5,000 in paper EE Bonds or paper I Bonds per Social Security number.