Can I cash a savings bond at any bank?

No, you can't cash a savings bond at just any bank; many banks don't handle them, and those that do often require you to be an account holder with a history, or they might limit the bond types they cash (like only EE and I bonds). It's essential to call your bank first to confirm they redeem savings bonds, what IDs they need, and if they cash your specific bond series (especially HH bonds, which must go through TreasuryDirect).

Will any bank cash savings bonds?

You can cash paper savings bonds at many banks, but not necessarily at any bank, as many require you to be an established customer (sometimes for a year or more) or may not offer the service at all; for electronic bonds, you redeem them through your TreasuryDirect account. Always call your bank first to confirm their policy, required documents (like ID), and any limits, or you can mail them directly to the Treasury for redemption. 

How much is a $100 savings bond worth after 30 years?

A $100 savings bond's value after 30 years depends on the issue date, but for a Series EE bond from October 1994, it's worth about $164.12, having earned $114.12 in interest, as these bonds stop earning interest after 30 years. You can find the exact value using the TreasuryDirect Savings Bond Calculator by entering the bond's series, denomination, and issue date. 

Can I cash bonds at a bank that isn't mine?

Take your bond to your bank -- but not just any bank. It has to be one where you've had an account for at least six months. If that isn't possible, you can establish your identity using a government issued form of photo ID.

How to avoid paying taxes when cashing in savings bonds?

You can cash U.S. Series EE or I savings bonds without paying federal income tax on the interest if you use the funds for qualified higher education expenses for yourself, your spouse, or a dependent, provided you meet income and age requirements (owner must be 24+) and file as 'Married Filing Jointly' or Single, not 'Married Filing Separately'. Alternatively, you can roll the proceeds into a 529 plan, or defer taxes until maturity, but using for education offers the best tax avoidance. 

Can I Cash A US Savings Bond At Any Bank? - AssetsandOpportunity.org

Where is the best place to cash savings bonds?

TreasuryDirect.gov is the one and only place to electronically buy and redeem U.S. Savings Bonds. We also offer electronic sales and auctions of other U.S.-backed investments to the general public, financial professionals, and state and local governments.

How much tax will I pay on EE bonds?

What tax advantages do Series EE and Series I savings bonds offer? You don't have to pay state or local income tax on them. You can choose not to pay federal income tax on them until you cash them or they mature, whichever is first.

Can a bank refuse to cash a bond?

Financial institutions now have the option to not cash savings bonds for both non-customers or new customers. Our Secret Service partners recommend that a customer be established for 12 months before cashing bonds at a financial institution.

How much is a $50.00 savings bond worth?

A $50 savings bond's worth depends on its Series (EE or I) and Issue Date, but it grows over time, often doubling in value (Series EE) or earning inflation-adjusted interest (Series I), so a 20-year-old bond is worth significantly more than its $50 face value; use the TreasuryDirect Savings Bond Calculator to get its exact current value by entering the Series and Issue Date. 

What documents are needed to cash a savings bond?

If you have a paper E/EE or I bond, you'll need to take a few additional steps. In addition to the bonds, you'll need to provide proof of identity, like a United States driver's license, and partner with a notary to notarize and certify your signature on an unsigned FS Form 1522 to your local bank or credit union.

Why is my $100 savings bond only worth $50?

There are two primary reasons a bond might be worth less than its listed face value. A savings bond, for example, is sold at a discount to its face value and steadily appreciates in price as the bond approaches its maturity date. Upon maturity, the bond is redeemed for the full face value.

What is the dirty price of a bond?

A bond's dirty price, also known as the full or invoice price, is the actual cash amount an investor pays, combining the quoted clean price (bond's intrinsic value) with any interest that has accumulated (accrued interest) since the last coupon payment. This means the dirty price rises steadily between coupon dates as interest builds and drops back to the clean price immediately after a coupon is paid.
 

What happens to savings bonds if the owner dies?

When a savings bond owner dies, the bond either goes directly to a named surviving co-owner or beneficiary, bypassing probate, or it becomes part of the deceased's estate if no one else is listed, passing through a will or state law. If it's an estate asset, it's handled by an executor (or court-appointed representative) and distributed according to the will or intestacy laws, potentially requiring forms like FS Form 5394 for smaller estates or court involvement for larger ones. 

Does it matter whose social security number is on a savings bond?

The individual owns the U.S. Savings Bond if only their name appears on it. The Social Security Number shown on a bond is not proof of ownership. EXAMPLE: A U.S. Savings Bond title reads, “John Smith.” Only John Smith can cash that bond.

Do savings bonds expire?

Yes, U.S. savings bonds (Series EE and I) eventually expire, meaning they stop earning interest after their final maturity, which is 30 years from the issue date, though they are guaranteed to reach a specific value (like doubling for EE bonds) much sooner, often within 20 years. Once a bond hits its final maturity, it no longer grows and should be redeemed to avoid losing value to inflation. 

What is the best thing to do with EE savings bonds?

You can cash in (redeem) your EE bond after 12 months. However, if you cash in the bond in less than 5 years, you lose the last 3 months of interest. For example, if you cash in the bond after 18 months, you get the first 15 months of interest.

Are savings bonds still worth money?

Yes, savings bonds are worth money as they earn interest over time, offering a very safe, low-risk way to grow savings, especially for long-term goals like college or retirement, with Series EE bonds guaranteeing to double in 20 years and Series I bonds protecting against inflation. While they are secure and can have tax advantages, they are less liquid than traditional savings accounts and earn value slowly, so check their current value and maturity dates on the TreasuryDirect website.
 

What do I do with a 30 year old savings bond?

If your savings bond from a Series other than EE, I, or HH has finished its interest-earning life, you could cash it and use the money for something else – a project, a financial need, or a new investment like an interest-earning savings bond or other Treasury security.

How much is a 30 year old $100 savings bond worth today?

A $100 savings bond's value after 30 years depends on the issue date, but for a Series EE bond from October 1994, it's worth about $164.12, having earned $114.12 in interest, as these bonds stop earning interest after 30 years. You can find the exact value using the TreasuryDirect Savings Bond Calculator by entering the bond's series, denomination, and issue date. 

Do banks still cash out savings bonds?

Yes, banks still cash paper U.S. savings bonds (Series EE and I), but policies vary, with many requiring you to be an established customer with an account open for some time (often a year or more) and needing proper ID, while some large banks (like Wells Fargo, Chase, Capital One) have stopped cashing them or imposed strict limits. It's essential to call your bank first to confirm they handle savings bonds and understand their specific rules, or you can redeem them electronically via TreasuryDirect or by mail. 

Can a bank refuse to give me cash from my account?

Yes, a bank can refuse or delay a cash withdrawal, especially for large amounts, due to federal anti-money laundering laws (requiring reporting for over $10,000), internal security policies to prevent scams or fraud, ATM limits, or suspicious account activity, even if you have sufficient funds. Banks ask questions about large withdrawals to protect you and comply with regulations like the Bank Secrecy Act. 

Where can I get my US savings bonds cashed?

Banks and credit unions can redeem savings bonds over the counter.

Will I get a 1099 for cashing in savings bonds?

If you cash a paper savings bond at a local bank, that bank is responsible for giving you a 1099. If you cash a paper savings bond by mailing it to Treasury Retail Securities Services, we mail you a 1099 by January 31 of the following year. (You can call us for a duplicate statement, if needed, beginning February 15.)

Which bonds are not federally taxable?

Income from bonds issued by state, city, and local governments (municipal bonds, or munis) is generally free from federal taxes. Market discount for municipal bonds is taxable interest income and not tax-exempt interest income. You will, however, have to report this income when filing your taxes.