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

Series EE bonds can be redeemed at three main places: your bank or credit union, the U.S. Treasury's TreasuryDirect website, or by mail through the Treasury. The easiest route depends on whether you have the physical bond or own it electronically, and whether you want the money today or can wait a few business days.

If you hold a paper bond, a bank or credit union is usually fastest. If you own the bond through TreasuryDirect (the Treasury's online system), you redeem it directly on the website. Either way, you will need to prove you own the bond and provide identification.

Key Takeaways

  • Paper Series EE bonds can be cashed at most banks and credit unions without an account, though some institutions charge a small fee or require you to be a customer.
  • Electronic bonds held in TreasuryDirect are redeemed through your online account and deposited to your linked bank account within one to two business days.
  • The Treasury will redeem bonds by mail if you send the physical bond and a completed form, though this takes two to four weeks.
  • You must wait at least one year from purchase before cashing a Series EE bond, and you forfeit the last three months of interest if you redeem before five years.

Cashing a paper bond at a bank or credit union

Walk into any bank or credit union branch with your physical bond and a government-issued ID. The teller will verify the bond is genuine, confirm you are the owner or an authorized representative, and process the redemption. You will receive the cash or a check on the spot, usually within minutes.

Not all institutions handle bonds the same way. Some charge a small fee (typically $5 to $15) to verify and process the bond. Others require you to have an account with them. Call ahead to ask whether they redeem bonds, whether there is a fee, and what documents you need to bring. Larger banks and credit unions almost always redeem bonds; smaller institutions may not.

If the bond is registered in someone else's name, you will need a power of attorney or proof that you are an authorized representative. If the original owner has died, you will need a death certificate and proof that you are the executor or beneficiary of the estate.

Redeeming bonds through TreasuryDirect online

Log into your TreasuryDirect account, navigate to the bond you want to redeem, and select the redemption option. The Treasury will deposit the money into the bank account you have linked to your TreasuryDirect account. The deposit typically arrives within one to two business days.

You can redeem part of a bond holding or all of it. The Treasury will send you a confirmation email with the redemption amount and the expected deposit date. There is no fee to redeem through TreasuryDirect, and you can do it at any time of day without visiting a branch.

If you do not have a TreasuryDirect account but own electronic Series EE bonds, you will need to set one up first. This requires a Social Security number, a valid email address, and a U.S. bank account. The account setup takes a few minutes and is free.

Mailing bonds to the Treasury

If you prefer not to visit a bank or use TreasuryDirect, you can mail your physical bond to the Treasury. Download and complete Form PD F 1522 (the "Request for Redemption of United States Savings Bonds" form) from the Treasury website, sign it, and mail it along with your bond to the address listed on the form.

Include a copy of your government-issued ID and a return address. The Treasury will process your request and mail you a check. This method takes two to four weeks from the time the Treasury receives your package. Use certified mail with tracking so you can confirm delivery.

This route is slower but useful if you live far from a bank, do not have internet access, or prefer not to set up an online account. The Treasury charges no fee for this service.

Timing rules and interest penalties

You cannot redeem a Series EE bond until at least one year has passed since you purchased it. If you redeem before five years have passed, the Treasury will withhold the last three months of interest. For example, if you redeem after two years, you will receive only 21 months of interest instead of 24 months.

After five years, you can redeem without losing any interest. There is no penalty for redeeming after five years, even if you hold the bond much longer. Series EE bonds continue to earn interest for 30 years from the date of issue.

What to bring and what to expect

For a bank or credit union redemption, bring the physical bond and a government-issued ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you are redeeming on behalf of someone else, bring a power of attorney or court-issued guardianship document.

The teller will examine the bond to confirm it is authentic and has not been altered. They will verify that the name on the bond matches your ID. If everything checks out, they will process the redemption and give you the cash or a check. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If the bond is damaged, faded, or has writing on it, the bank may refuse to redeem it or may send it to the Treasury for verification. This can add several weeks to the process. Keep bonds in a safe place and handle them carefully to avoid damage.

What happens if you cannot find your bond

If you own a Series EE bond but have lost the physical certificate, you can still redeem it if you know the series, denomination, and issue date. Contact the Treasury's Savings Bonds Division by phone or mail with this information, and they can help you locate the bond in their records and process a redemption.

If the bond was issued electronically through TreasuryDirect, you do not have a physical certificate. Log into your TreasuryDirect account to see all your bonds and their details. If you have forgotten your login information, you can reset it using your email address and Social Security number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a Series EE bond at any bank?

Most large banks and credit unions will redeem Series EE bonds, but not all do. Some smaller institutions do not handle bonds. Call ahead to confirm the bank or credit union you plan to visit redeems bonds and ask whether there is a fee or account requirement.

What if my name on the bond is different from my current ID?

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, bring both your old and new identification documents. The bank will verify that you are the same person. If the bond is in a former name, you may also need a marriage certificate or court order showing the name change.

Can I redeem a bond that belongs to someone else?

Only the owner or a legally authorized representative can redeem a bond. If you are redeeming on behalf of a minor, bring a power of attorney or proof of guardianship. If the owner has died, bring a death certificate and proof that you are the executor or beneficiary.

How much will I get if I redeem early?

You will receive the principal plus all interest earned up to the redemption date, minus the last three months of interest if you redeem before five years. For example, a $100 bond purchased five years ago might be worth $128, but if you redeem after three years, you forfeit three months of interest. The exact amount depends on current Treasury rates.

Is there a limit to how many bonds I can redeem at once?

There is no federal limit on the number of bonds you can redeem. However, some banks may have internal policies about processing large redemptions. If you are cashing many bonds, call the bank in advance to let them know what to expect.