Check the Treasury Department's savings bond calculator
The U.S. Department of the Treasury runs a free online tool called the Savings Bond Calculator at savingsbonds.gov. You enter three pieces of information — the bond series (Series EE, Series I, or Series HH), the issue date printed on the bond, and the denomination (the face value, like $50 or $100) — and the calculator tells you the current value.
The calculator updates monthly when the Treasury announces new interest rates for Series I bonds. For Series EE bonds, the value grows on a fixed schedule, so the calculator can show you what your bond is worth today and what it will be worth at any future date you choose. This is the most direct way to get an exact number without calling anyone or visiting a bank.
Key Takeaways
- The Treasury's Savings Bond Calculator at savingsbonds.gov is free and requires only the series, issue date, and denomination from your bond.
- Series EE bonds grow on a predictable schedule and double in value after 20 years; Series I bonds earn variable interest that changes every six months.
- If you cannot find the issue date on your bond, the Treasury can search its records by your Social Security number and the bond's serial number.
- Banks and credit unions can also look up bond values, but the Treasury calculator is faster and does not require an account.
Locate the issue date and series on your physical bond
Before you use the calculator, you need to read the information printed on the bond itself. The issue date — the month and year the bond was issued — appears near the top or bottom of the certificate. The series (EE, I, or HH) is also printed on the face, usually near the denomination.
The denomination is the amount you paid for the bond. Series EE bonds are sold at half their face value, so a $100 bond costs $50. Series I bonds are sold at face value. If you cannot read the printing clearly, hold the bond up to a light or take a photo with your phone's flashlight on.
Use the Treasury's bond search if you lost the physical bond
If you no longer have the bond in hand but you own one, the Treasury can search for it using your Social Security number and the bond's serial number. Go to savingsbonds.gov and select "Find a Bond" under the "Manage My Savings Bonds" section. You will need to create or log into a Treasury Direct account, which is free.
Once you log in, you can search by the serial number (printed on the bond) or by the issue date and denomination if you remember them. The system will show you the current value and the maturity date. If you have multiple bonds, you can add them all to your account and see the total value of your holdings in one place.
Understand the difference between Series EE and Series I values
Series EE bonds have a may provide minimum value. If you hold an EE bond for 20 years, it will be worth at least double what you paid for it, even if interest rates have been very low. The value grows every month on a fixed schedule. The calculator shows you exactly what your EE bond is worth on any given date.
Series I bonds earn variable interest that the Treasury sets every six months, in May and November. The value of an I bond depends on when you bought it and how long you have held it. The calculator accounts for all of this and gives you the current value. If you bought an I bond more than five years ago, you can cash it in without penalty; if you cash it in before five years, you lose the last three months of interest.
Call the Treasury or visit a bank if you need help reading the bond
If the bond is damaged, faded, or you cannot find the information you need, you can call the Treasury's Savings Bonds customer service line at 1-800-553-2663. They can look up the bond by your Social Security number and the serial number and tell you what it is worth. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time.
Your bank or credit union can also help. Bring the bond to a branch and ask them to look up the value. Many banks have access to the same Treasury database and can print out a statement showing the current value. This is useful if you are thinking about cashing the bond in and want to do it in person.
Know when your bond stops earning interest
Series EE bonds stop earning interest after 30 years. Series I bonds stop earning interest after 30 years as well. After that point, the value shown in the calculator is the final value — it will not go up anymore. If you have a bond that is close to or past the 30-year mark, the calculator will show you the final value it reached.
Series HH bonds, which are older and no longer sold, stop earning interest after 20 years. If you own an HH bond, the calculator will show you when it stops growing and what the final value is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find the value of a bond I inherited?
Yes. If you have the physical bond or know the serial number, you can use the Treasury calculator or search through Treasury Direct. If the bond is in someone else's name, you will need to contact the Treasury directly with proof of inheritance to access the account or search for it.
What if the calculator shows a different value than what my bank told me?
The Treasury calculator is the official source. Banks sometimes use older data or may calculate the value as of a different date. If there is a large difference, call the Treasury to confirm. The calculator updates monthly for Series I bonds and continuously for Series EE bonds.
Do I have to pay taxes on the value the calculator shows?
No. The value shown is what the bond is worth, but you only owe federal income tax on the interest when you cash the bond in or it reaches final maturity. You may owe state tax depending on where you live. A tax professional can advise you on your specific situation.
Can I use the calculator to see what a bond will be worth in the future?
Yes, for Series EE bonds. The calculator lets you enter a future date and shows you what the bond will be worth then, because EE bonds grow on a fixed schedule. For Series I bonds, you cannot predict future value because the interest rate changes every six months.