Should I cash my EE savings bonds after 20 years?

Whether you should cash your EE savings bonds after 20 years depends on the interest rate they are currently earning and your personal financial needs [1, 2]. EE bonds typically reach their original face value after 20 years, but many continue to earn interest for up to 30 years [2].

When should you cash out EE savings bonds?

You can cash Series EE bonds anytime after one year, but it's best to wait at least five years to avoid losing the last three months of interest; for maximum growth, hold until they mature at 30 years, or consider cashing at 20 years if you prefer not to accept a potential new interest rate for the final decade, but be aware older bonds may have different rules. 

How much is a series EE savings bond worth after 20 years?

A Series EE bond issued today is guaranteed to be worth at least double its purchase price after 20 years, thanks to a one-time adjustment by the Treasury if needed, and will continue earning interest for another 10 years, reaching its full 30-year maturity. The actual value depends on the interest rate at issuance and the rate for the final decade, so use the TreasuryDirect Savings Bond Calculator at to find your specific bond's value. 

Is there a penalty for not cashing an EE bond after 30 years?

Series EE bonds mature after 30 years, at which point they stop earning interest. There is no penalty for holding them beyond this period. When cashed, the interest earned up to maturity is taxable income reported on IRS Form 1099-INT.

Do savings bonds increase in value after 20 years?

Series EE savings bonds are a low-risk way to save money. They earn interest regularly for 30 years (or until you cash them if you do that before 30 years). For EE bonds you buy now, we guarantee that the bond will double in value in 20 years, even if we have to add money at 20 years to make that happen.

Dave Explains Why He Doesn't Recommend Bonds

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

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.

What does Warren Buffett say about bonds?

Buffett argues that stocks will continue to provide higher returns over the long run than bonds or cash. Invest the remaining 10% in short-term government bonds such as U.S. Treasury bills. This ensures liquidity (your ability to buy or sell with relative ease) while reducing your overall risk in market downturns.

Do you pay taxes on EE bonds when you cash them in?

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.

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. 

Which bond is paying 7.5% interest?

Belong Limited 7.5% Social Bonds due 2030. The Belong Limited 7.5% Social Bonds due 2030 will pay a fixed rate of interest of 7.5% per annum, payable twice yearly on 7 January and 7 July of each year. The Bonds are expected to mature on 7 July 2030 with a final legal maturity on 7 July 2032.

Are series EE bonds ever worth more than face value?

Imagine you bought a series EE bond 30 years ago for $500. After 20 years, it doubled in value ($1,000) and continued to earn interest ($600) until reaching maturity after 30 years.

How much is a 30 year old $1000 savings bond worth?

A $1,000 face value savings bond (like a Series EE) issued around 1994 is worth approximately $1,641 after 30 years, as it stops earning interest at 30 years and reaches its final value, but the exact amount depends on the specific issue date and interest rates of that period, requiring a TreasuryDirect Savings Bond Calculator for precise figures. 

How long does it take for a $50 EE savings bond to mature?

All Series EE Bonds reach final maturity 30 years from issue. All Series EE bonds reach final maturity 30 years from issue. Series EE savings bonds purchased from May 1995 through April 1997 increase in value every six months. The interest rate is compounded semiannually.

Should I keep my EE savings bonds?

When to cash in savings bonds: Series EE Savings Bonds should ideally be cashed in after 20 years, when they are guaranteed to double in value, or by 30 years, when they stop accruing interest.

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 do I calculate the value of my EE bond?

You can determine the value for an electronic savings bond by logging into your TreasuryDirect account. For paper bonds, use the savings bond calculator.

What is the best time to cash out a savings bond?

Most savings bonds stop earning interest (or reach maturity) between 20 to 30 years. It's possible to redeem a savings bond as soon as one year after it's purchased, but it's usually wise to wait at least five years so you don't lose the last three months of interest when you cash it in.

Do EE bonds really double in 20 years?

Yes, new Series EE bonds are guaranteed to double in value after 20 years, even if the fixed interest rate alone doesn't quite get them there; the Treasury adds a final adjustment to ensure the doubling happens, making them a safe, low-risk investment for that timeframe. They earn interest for up to 30 years, but the 20-year doubling is a key feature for bonds bought since May 2005. 

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.

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.)

How do I know if I have to pay tax on my savings interest?

If the interest you earn from savings exceeds your tax-free allowances, you'll need to pay tax on the amount above those thresholds. HMRC collects tax in two main ways: PAYE (Pay As You Earn): If you're employed, HMRC may automatically adjust your tax code based on the interest you've earned in the previous year.

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 does Dave Ramsey say about bonds?

Ramsey's argument is that stocks outperform bonds over time – hence, bonds should be avoided as they're "slow, underperforming, and risky."

Is there a market crash coming in 2026?

While no one can predict a crash with certainty, some analysts see risks for a market downturn in 2026 due to factors like high valuations (especially in AI), potential economic shifts, and historical patterns around midterm elections, while others remain optimistic, pointing to strong AI growth and potential Fed rate cuts, suggesting a volatile but perhaps manageable year with potential pullbacks rather than a full crash. Options trading shows a low but non-zero chance (around 8-10%) of a significant drop, but also a higher chance of large gains, indicating mixed investor sentiment. 

What is the 90 10 rule Buffett?

Warren Buffett's 90/10 rule is a simple, long-term investment strategy for average investors, recommending putting 90% of funds into a low-cost S&P 500 index fund (like Vanguard's) and 10% into short-term government bonds for stability and liquidity. This approach minimizes fees, bets on long-term U.S. economic growth, and provides a cash cushion for market downturns, making it an effective, hands-off way to build wealth over decades, though it's specifically for those who don't need complex management.