EE Savings Bonds In Depth
As of January 1, 2012, paper savings bonds are no longer sold at financial institutions. This action supports Treasury’s goal to increase the number of electronic transactions with citizens and businesses. See the press release.
An Easy and Safe Way to Save
EE Bonds are reliable, low-risk government-backed savings products that you can use toward financing education, supplemental retirement income, birthday and graduation gifts, and other special events. Series EE Bonds purchased on or after May 1, 2005, earn a fixed rate of return, letting you know what the bonds are worth at all times. See our press release for more information. EE Bonds purchased between May 1997 and April 30, 2005, are based on 5-year Treasury security yields and earn a variable market-based rate of return.
*E Bonds are the predecessor to EE Bonds and are no longer issued by the U.S. Treasury.
Electronic EE Bonds
You can purchase, manage, and redeem electronic EE Bonds safely through a personal TreasuryDirect account.
A new program called SmartExchangeSM allows TreasuryDirect account owners to convert their Series E, EE and I paper savings bonds to electronic securities in a special Conversion Linked Account in their online account.
Key Facts:
Buying Electronic EE Bonds
- Sold at face value; i.e., you pay $50 for a $50 bond.
- Purchase in amounts of $25 or more, to the penny.
- $10,000 maximum purchase in one calendar year.
- Issued electronically to your designated account.
If you redeem EE Bonds in the first 5 years, you'll forfeit the 3 most-recent months' interest. If you redeem them after 5 years, you won't be penalized.
Who Can Own Bonds
Individuals, corporations, associations, public or private organizations, and fiduciaries can own paper Series EE/E Bonds. Effective April 2009, individuals and various types of entities including trusts, estates, corporations, partnerships, etc. can have TreasuryDirect accounts and own electronic savings bonds. See Learn More about Entity Accounts for full information on the new registration types.
You can own U.S. Savings Bonds if you have a Social Security Number and you're a:
- Resident of the United States.
- Citizen of the United States living abroad (must have U.S. address of record).
- Civilian employee of the United States regardless of residence.
- Minor. Unlike other securities, minors may own U.S. Savings Bonds.
