You can cash Series EE bonds at your bank, a credit union, or the U.S. Treasury

The place you cash a Series EE bond depends on how much money you're redeeming and whether you want to do it in person or by mail. Most banks and credit unions will cash them for free during normal business hours. If you don't have a bank account or prefer to work directly with the government, you can mail your bonds to the Treasury Department's Bureau of the Fiscal Service, which handles all bonds issued after 2011.

The fastest option is usually your own bank or credit union, especially if you already have an account there. They can process the transaction while you wait. If you don't bank anywhere, any bank in the country can cash them, though some may ask to see identification and may require you to have an account with them — policies vary by institution.

Key Takeaways

  • Your own bank or credit union is the fastest way to cash Series EE bonds, and most do it free if you have an account there.
  • Any bank in the country can cash your bonds even if you don't have an account, though some may charge a small fee or require identification.
  • The U.S. Treasury's Bureau of the Fiscal Service will cash bonds by mail if you don't have access to a bank or prefer to work directly with the government.
  • You'll need the physical bond certificate and a form of identification; the teller will verify the bond's value and current redemption amount before paying you.
  • Bonds issued after 2011 exist only in electronic form in TreasuryDirect, so you redeem them online rather than at a bank.

Cashing at your own bank or credit union

If you have a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union, that's your simplest option. Bring your Series EE bond certificate and a valid ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — to any branch during business hours. The teller will look up the bond's current value using the serial number and issue date, then give you the cash or deposit it into your account.

Most banks and credit unions do not charge a fee to cash savings bonds for account holders. Some institutions may charge a small fee (usually $5 to $10) if you don't have an account with them, though many waive this. Call ahead to ask about their policy before you go in. If you're cashing a large amount, the bank may need to order the cash in advance, so a phone call the day before is worth the time.

Bring the original bond certificate, not a photocopy. The teller needs to see the physical document to verify it's genuine. If you've lost the certificate but remember the serial number and issue date, contact the Treasury Department — they can issue a replacement, though this takes several weeks.

Cashing at a bank where you don't have an account

Any bank in the United States can cash your Series EE bonds, even if you've never done business with them. Walk in during business hours with your bond certificate and ID. The process is the same as at your own bank: the teller verifies the bond and pays you the current redemption value.

Banks that don't know you may take longer or ask more questions. Some require you to have an account before they'll cash bonds. Others charge a fee — typically $5 to $15 — for cashing a bond from someone who doesn't bank there. A few very small banks or branches may decline altogether, so if the first place says no, try another branch or a different bank.

Bring your original bond certificate and a government-issued ID. If you're cashing a large amount, call the bank first to confirm they have enough cash on hand and to ask about their fee policy.

Mailing bonds to the Treasury Department

If you don't have access to a bank, prefer not to go in person, or want to work directly with the government, you can mail your bonds to the Bureau of the Fiscal Service. This process takes longer — typically two to four weeks from the time they receive your package — but it's free and works for any Series EE bond.

Send your bond certificate and a completed Form 8888 (or a letter with your name, address, Social Security number, and the bond's serial number and issue date) to:

Bureau of the Fiscal Service Parkersburg, WV 26106-1328

Include a copy of your ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Mail everything in a secure envelope — consider using certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof of delivery. The Treasury will send you a check to the address you provide, or you can request direct deposit to a bank account if you include your routing and account numbers.

Do not send your original bond certificate unless you're prepared to lose it in the mail. Call the Treasury's customer service line at 304-480-6112 to ask whether you should mail the original or a certified copy. They can also answer questions about the current value of your bond before you send it in.

Redeeming electronic bonds through TreasuryDirect

If your Series EE bonds were issued after 2011, they exist only as electronic records in your TreasuryDirect account — there is no physical certificate. You redeem these bonds online through the TreasuryDirect website, not at a bank.

Log into your TreasuryDirect account, navigate to the "Manage Securities" section, and select the bond you want to redeem. The system will show you the current value and ask you to confirm the redemption. The money will be deposited into the bank account linked to your TreasuryDirect account within one to two business days.

If you've forgotten your TreasuryDirect login, you can reset it on the website. If you don't have a TreasuryDirect account but own electronic bonds, contact the Treasury at 304-480-6112 and they can help you set one up or locate your bonds.

What happens when you cash a bond

When you present a Series EE bond for redemption, the teller or the Treasury system calculates what it's worth on that specific day. Series EE bonds earn interest monthly, so the value changes constantly. The bank or Treasury will pay you the face value of the bond plus all the interest it has earned since you bought it.

You'll receive the full amount in cash (if at a bank), by check (if mailing to the Treasury), or by direct deposit (if redeeming through TreasuryDirect). There's no waiting period — the money is yours immediately once the transaction is complete, though a check or direct deposit takes a few business days to clear.

Keep in mind that cashing a Series EE bond may have tax consequences. The interest you've earned is subject to federal income tax in the year you redeem the bond. If you bought the bond with the intention of paying for education expenses, you may be able to exclude some or all of the interest from your taxable income, but you'll need to report this on your tax return. A tax professional can advise you on your specific situation.

What to bring and what to expect

At a bank: bring your original Series EE bond certificate and a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). The teller will verify the bond's serial number and issue date, look up its current value, and pay you. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

By mail to the Treasury: send your bond certificate (or a certified copy), a completed Form 8888 or a letter with your identifying information, and a copy of your ID. Include your name, address, and Social Security number so they can process the redemption and send you payment. Expect the check or direct deposit to arrive 2 to 4 weeks after they receive your package.

Through TreasuryDirect: log in to your account, select the bond, confirm the redemption, and the money deposits to your linked bank account within 1 to 2 business days. You don't need to bring anything or mail anything — it's all online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a Series EE bond before it matures?

Yes, you can cash a Series EE bond at any time after you've owned it for one year. If you cash it before five years have passed, you'll lose the last three months of interest as a penalty. After five years, there's no penalty — you get all the interest earned.

What if I lost my bond certificate?

Contact the Bureau of the Fiscal Service at 304-480-6112 with your bond's serial number and issue date. They can issue a replacement certificate, though it takes several weeks. In the meantime, you can still redeem the bond by mail using the Treasury's process — they can look up the bond in their system even without the physical certificate.

Do I have to pay taxes when I cash a Series EE bond?

The interest you've earned is subject to federal income tax in the year you redeem the bond. You don't pay tax on the original amount you invested. If the bond was used for education expenses, you may be able to exclude some interest from your taxable income under certain conditions — consult a tax professional about your situation.

Can someone else cash my bond for me?

No, the person whose name is on the bond must be the one to redeem it. If you're unable to go to a bank in person, you can mail the bond to the Treasury Department and they'll send the check to your address. If you're the bond owner but can't sign your name, contact the Treasury to discuss your options.

How long does it take to get my money after I cash a bond?

At a bank, you get cash immediately. If the bank deposits it into your account, it clears within one business day. By mail to the Treasury, expect 2 to 4 weeks from the time they receive your package. Through TreasuryDirect, the deposit hits your linked bank account within 1 to 2 business days.