You can cash EE bonds at most banks, credit unions, and the U.S. Treasury

The easiest place to cash an EE bond is usually your own bank or credit union. Most financial institutions will cash them for you during normal business hours, often without a fee. If you don't have a banking relationship, you can cash them at any bank or credit union in the country—you don't have to be a customer. The U.S. Treasury also cashes bonds directly through TreasuryDirect, though that process takes longer and works best if you have many bonds or prefer not to visit a physical location.

Where you cash matters because it affects how fast you get your money and what paperwork you need. A local bank can often cash a bond the same day. The Treasury takes one to two weeks. Some places charge small fees, though most don't. The amount you're cashing and whether you have the physical bond or a digital record both change what your options are.

Key Takeaways

  • Your own bank or credit union is usually the fastest and simplest place to cash an EE bond, often the same day with no fee.
  • Any bank or credit union in the country will cash a bond even if you're not a customer, though some may ask for ID and proof of ownership.
  • The U.S. Treasury cashes bonds through TreasuryDirect but takes one to two weeks and works best for large quantities or digital bonds.
  • You need either the physical bond itself or proof you own it through TreasuryDirect, depending on which cashing method you use.
  • Some banks charge a small fee to cash bonds, but most do not—ask before you hand over the bond.

Cashing at your own bank or credit union

If you have a checking or savings account somewhere, that's your fastest option. Walk in with the bond and your ID, and most tellers can cash it on the spot. You don't need an appointment. The bank verifies the bond is real, checks that it's old enough to cash (EE bonds can be cashed after one year, though you lose three months of interest if you cash before five years), and gives you the money—usually the same day.

Bring the physical bond itself if you have it. If you own the bond through TreasuryDirect (the Treasury's online system), you'll need to print a statement showing you own it, or ask the bank whether they can look it up in their system. Some banks can verify TreasuryDirect bonds electronically; others cannot. Call ahead if you're unsure.

Most banks don't charge a fee to cash bonds. A few do—typically $5 to $10. Ask the teller before you hand over the bond. If they charge and you don't want to pay, you can take it elsewhere or use TreasuryDirect instead.

Cashing at any bank or credit union, even if you're not a customer

You don't have to use your own bank. Any bank or credit union in the United States will cash a U.S. Treasury bond. Walk in with the bond and a government-issued ID—a driver's license or passport works. The teller will verify the bond and cash it the same day.

Some banks may ask additional questions if you're not a customer, especially for large amounts. They might ask where you got the bond or request a second form of ID. This is normal and protects them against fraud. Be honest and straightforward—there's nothing wrong with cashing a bond you own.

Larger banks and credit unions are more likely to have staff trained to handle bonds quickly. Small community banks sometimes have to call their main office to verify a bond, which can add an hour or two. If you're in a hurry, a large national bank is usually your safest bet.

Cashing through TreasuryDirect online

If your bonds are registered in TreasuryDirect—the Treasury's online account system—you can cash them without leaving home. Log into your TreasuryDirect account, find the bond you want to cash, and request a redemption. The Treasury will deposit the money into your bank account.

The process takes one to two weeks from the day you request it. The Treasury doesn't process redemptions on weekends or federal holidays, so plan ahead if you need the money by a specific date. You'll see the money in your account once the Treasury processes the request.

TreasuryDirect works best if you have many bonds to cash or if you prefer not to visit a bank in person. It's also the only option if your bonds are digital-only and you never received a physical certificate. There's no fee to redeem through TreasuryDirect.

What to bring and what to expect

If you have a physical bond, bring the bond itself and a government-issued ID. That's all most banks need. The teller will look at the bond, check the serial number, verify it hasn't been cashed already, and confirm you're old enough to own it (bonds can be owned by anyone, but the person cashing it should be the registered owner or have legal authority to cash it on their behalf).

If the bond is registered to someone else—a parent, grandparent, or spouse—you'll need documentation showing you have the right to cash it. A will, power of attorney, or court order works. If the original owner has died, you may need a death certificate and proof that you're the heir. Rules vary slightly by bank, so call ahead if this applies to you.

For TreasuryDirect bonds, you don't need to bring anything physical. You'll need your TreasuryDirect login and the ability to access your account. If you've forgotten your password, you can reset it online before you start the redemption process.

Fees and what they cover

Most banks charge no fee to cash a bond. Some charge $5 to $10, usually only if you're not a customer. Credit unions almost never charge. The Treasury charges nothing through TreasuryDirect.

If a bank does charge, the fee is separate from the bond's value—it doesn't come out of what the bond is worth. You'll see it listed as a separate line item on your receipt. Some banks waive the fee if you open an account with them, so it's worth asking.

What happens if you can't find the physical bond

If you own an EE bond but lost the physical certificate, you have two paths. If the bond is registered in TreasuryDirect, log in and redeem it there—you don't need the paper. If it's not in TreasuryDirect, contact the Treasury's Bureau of the Fiscal Service at 1-844-284-2676. They can look up the bond using your Social Security number and the approximate date you bought it, and they can either mail you a replacement certificate or help you redeem it directly.

The process takes several weeks because the Treasury has to verify you own the bond. You'll need to provide proof of identity and ownership. It's slower than walking into a bank with the physical bond, but it's your only option if the bond is lost and not in your online account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash an EE bond before it matures?

Yes. EE bonds can be cashed after one year of ownership. If you cash before five years, you lose the last three months of interest—so if you've owned it for two years, you only get paid for 21 months. After five years, you get the full interest earned. There's no penalty after five years.

What if the bond is in someone else's name?

If you're the registered owner, you can cash it. If someone else owns it and wants you to cash it for them, they need to sign the back of the bond and provide a power of attorney or written authorization. Some banks won't accept this and will require the owner to be present. Call ahead to ask your bank's policy.

Do I have to report the interest when I cash a bond?

Yes. The interest you earn on an EE bond is taxable income. When you cash the bond, the bank doesn't withhold taxes—you'll owe them when you file your tax return. Keep your receipt showing how much interest you earned. The Treasury will also send you a 1099-INT form if the interest is over $10.

Can I cash a bond at a different bank than where I have an account?

Yes. Any bank or credit union will cash a U.S. Treasury bond, whether you're a customer or not. Bring your ID and the bond. Some banks may ask extra questions if you're not a customer, but they cannot refuse to cash a legitimate bond.

How long does it take to get the money?

At a bank or credit union, usually the same day or the next business day. Through TreasuryDirect, one to two weeks. If you need the money urgently, visit a bank in person with the physical bond.