Whether you have a paper or electronic savings bond will determine where you can cash it in.
Paper bonds
Your bank or credit union should be able to cash in your paper savings bonds. If you’re going to a financial institution where you’re not a member or customer, check to see if they’ll cash your bond before you go.
Confirm what documents you’ll need to bring with you by contacting the bank. Here’s what you should bring with you in general.
It’s important to remember that bonds can’t be cashed by just anyone. Savings bonds can only be cashed by the bond owner or co-owner, which includes “survivors,” or those identified on the bond who received ownership after the original owner died. You are not the registered owner (a savings bond is nontransferable) and cannot cash in the bond if you purchased it through an auction site like eBay.
If the child is too young to sign the payment request and the child lives with the parent or the parent has legal custody of the child the parent may cash in the child’s savings bond.
Anyone else who wants to cash in a bond must show proof of legal authority to do so.
You’ll sign each bond and receive the cash value at the bank. The bank will either hand you a 1099 tax form or mail it to you before the end of the tax year after you’ve cashed in your bond.
Paper bonds can also be redeemed through the mail. To cash in by mail, obtain an FS Form 1522 from the US Department of Treasury, have your signature certified, then mail the form to the address shown on the form.
Electronic bonds
By connecting into your TreasuryDirect account and setting up a direct payment to your bank or savings account, you can cash in your electronic bonds. Within two business days, the cash amount may be credited to your bank account.
Should I switch from paper to electronic savings bonds?
Financial institutions discontinued issuing paper versions of Series EE and Series I savings bonds on January 1, 2012. Many of us still own bonds in paper form, even though any bonds purchased after this date are stored electronically. Since the United States Treasury shut down the Savings Bond Wizard in May 2018, you have two options for getting information about your paper savings bonds:
- Visit www.treasurydirect.gov/ to use the Savings Bond Calculator. indiv/tools/tools savingsbondcalc.htm
Converting your US savings bonds to an electronic version allows you to examine their current rate and value, as well as the interest received and the tax implications of cashing them now or at maturity, which is crucial as you plan for retirement.
A tool called SmartExchange can help you convert your paper bonds to electronic bonds. After you’ve gathered your paper bonds and sorted them by registration, go to www.treasurydirect.gov/ R S / U N – A c c o u n t C r e ate.do to create an account. Mail your paper bonds to the US Treasury after you’ve set up your online account. You can convert paper bonds from Series E, EE, or I. Series H and HH bonds cannot be converted since they must be redeemed through the US Treasury and cannot be redeemed at a local financial institution.
Converting paper bonds to an electronic format is helpful for various reasons:
- You will be able to log in to your account at any time, seven days a week. The current values will be displayed clearly.
- There is no need to store bonds or be concerned about them being lost, stolen, or damaged.
- Bond registration can be changed, although some bonds will require a signed owner release.
- Bond proceeds can be automatically paid into your bank account or deposited into a Zero-Percent Certificate of Indemnity for future TreasuryDirect online purchases. Keep in mind that when the bonds reach maturity, they will be automatically redeemed. The owner will not be able to choose when to redeem the bonds and pay tax on the accumulated interest because interest will be reported in the year of maturity. This can be a benefit if you want to reinvest the proceeds, or it can be a disadvantage if the tax consequences are unforeseen.
While transferring bonds to an electronic version takes some time, the effort is well worth it. Savings bonds should be stored and managed safely at all stages of life, but especially as you prepare for and enter retirement.
Is it possible to cash a paper savings bond over the internet?
Paper savings bonds, unlike bonds purchased online, cannot be redeemed using the Treasury Direct platform. You must instead take your paper certificates to a bank or other financial institution that processes Treasury Department redemptions.
To convert paper bonds to electronic bonds, you can use the Treasury Direct SmartExchange facility. The bonds can be redeemed online once they’ve been converted to electronic form. You must wait at least one year after purchasing the bonds before redeeming them as part of bond ownership. If you redeem them in fewer than five years, you will lose three months’ interest.
After 30 years, how much is a $50 EE savings bond worth?
Savings bonds are regarded as one of the most secure investments available. The underlying principle is that the value of a savings bond grows over time, but it’s easy to lose track of how much it’s worth over time.
The TreasuryDirect savings bond calculator, fortunately, makes determining the value of a purchased savings bond a breeze. You’ll need the bond series, face value, serial number, and issuance date to figure out how much your savings bond is worth.
If you bought a $50 Series EE bond in May 2000, for example, you would have paid $25. At maturity, the government committed to repay the face amount plus interest, bringing the total value to $53.08 by May 2020. A $50 bond purchased for $25 30 years ago is now worth $103.68.
Is it possible to deposit a savings bond at an ATM?
Can I use an ATM or a night drop to deposit my savings bonds? Any savings bond transaction, whether depositing or cashing, must be completed in person. The teller processing the transaction must witness the endorsement of the bond, and acceptable identification must be presented.
When you cash in your savings bonds, do you have to pay taxes?
Taxes can be paid when the bond is cashed in, when the bond matures, or when the bond is relinquished to another owner. They could also pay the taxes annually as interest accumulates. 1 The majority of bond owners choose to postpone paying taxes until the bond is redeemed.
Is it possible to convert EE bonds?
- What are the benefits of trading my paper bonds in TreasuryDirect for electronic securities?
- I have bonds that I am entitled to, but they do not bear my name.
- Is it possible for me to exchange these?
- Will my bond be automatically redeemed and the interest earned reported if it matures after I trade it?
- What happens if I convert a paper bond that is registered solely in my name, as a co-owner, or as a co-owner with a beneficiary?
- Is it possible for me to show or cash my converted bonds to another TreasuryDirect account holder?
- What happens if I exchange a paper bond in the name of someone else, including a minor?
- Will the issue date of my electronic securities match the issue date of the paper bonds I submit?
- Will the interest rate on my electronic securities be the same as on my paper bonds?
- Will the maturity period of my electronic securities be the same as that of my paper bonds?
- Is the minimum holding period for electronic securities the same as it is for paper bonds?
What is the SmartExchange conversion feature within TreasuryDirect?
Holders of paper Series E, EE, or I savings bonds can trade them in for electronic securities of the same series and issue dates in a special Conversion Linked Account within their TreasuryDirect online account using the SmartExchange function.
TreasuryDirect accounts allow owners to buy, sell, and redeem Treasury securities electronically, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using a secure Internet connection with the Treasury Department.
TreasuryDirect sells Series EE and I savings bonds, as well as Treasury bills, notes, bonds, and inflation-protected securities.
Who can exchange their paper savings bonds for electronic securities?
Any owner of a TreasuryDirect account, whether they are the sole owner, a co-owner, or an owner with a beneficiary. Owners of accounts can also trade paper bonds received as gifts for others, as well as bonds acquired through inheritance or other changes in ownership.
Account Managers for certain entities, such as trusts, estates, and businesses, can open TreasuryDirect accounts and convert bonds. See Entity Accounts are a type of account that is used to track the assets of a company. The registration of all securities in an entity account is the same as the entity account name. Documentary evidence may be required to support the transaction if the submitted bonds are not registered in the entity’s name.
What are the advantages to trading my paper bonds for electronic securities in TreasuryDirect?
Owners of electronic securities have more freedom and convenience than those who own paper securities. Consider the following scenario:
- Electronic bonds can be redeemed in full or in part at any time – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and the funds put into the owner’s savings or checking account. On the next working day, the cash should be available. There is no need to visit a financial institution, and there are no limits on how many bonds or how much money can be redeemed at any given time if the basic conditions are completed.
- At any time, you can see your online holdings and their current valuations.
- There is no paper that can be lost or damaged by accident.
- Owners of accounts can modify the registration of their bonds at any moment or transfer the securities to another account (some ownership restrictions apply; transfers may result in a taxable event).
What bonds can I exchange?
You can convert Series E, EE, and I paper bonds that you possess alone, with a co-owner, or with a beneficiary. You can also convert paper bonds that you’ve received as a gift for someone else or that you’ve inherited or acquired through another means of ownership change.
Can I trade in matured bonds?
Yes, if you submit a matured bond, TreasuryDirect will automatically redeem the bond and deposit the funds in your Primary Account as a Zero-Percent Certificate of Indebtedness. You can utilize all or portion of the proceeds to buy additional securities or redeem the C of I for cash in your bank account. For the tax year in which the bond is redeemed or matures, the interest earned on it must be reported to the IRS.
Can I trade in bonds I’ve bought as gifts?
Yes, you can exchange bonds that you received as a gift. Any bond you’ve purchased in someone else’s name is considered a gift. The bonds are deposited in your Conversion Linked Account Gift Box once they have been converted. In an entity account, gift bonds are not available.
What happens to gift bonds I exchange that are matured?
Gift bonds that have reached their final maturity date are automatically redeemed by TreasuryDirect. Each bond redemption will be listed in your Conversion Linked Account Gift Box “matured gift profits” under the owner’s name. Similarly, if a converted gift security expires before you send it to the recipient, TreasuryDirect automatically redeems it and records a notation in the recipient’s account “proceeds from a matured gift.” From the Conversion Linked Account Gift Box, you can deliver the money to the owner. You’ll need the owner’s TreasuryDirect account number to deliver the funds.
Before you can give savings bonds as gifts, you must keep them in your TreasuryDirect account for at least five working days. Treasury is protected against loss by the five-day hold, which ensures that the ACH debit has been performed satisfactorily before the cash can be moved.
When you deliver gift money, the interest earned is reportable for that year under the recipient’s Social Security number. In entity accounts, gift bonds are not available.
I have bonds that I’m entitled to but my name isn’t on them.Can I exchange these?
Yes, you can trade in the bonds; however, you may need to provide proof of your transaction. After we get the bonds, we will contact you and give you the necessary information to finalize the transaction. In some cases, more processing time may be necessary.
When can I begin converting my bonds?
As soon as you create your Conversion Linked Account, you can start converting your savings bonds. To create the Conversion Linked Account, follow these steps:
- Navigate to ManageDirect and select “Establish a Conversion Linked Account” from the “Manage My Linked Accounts” menu. When you click on that link, you’ll be sent to a website with some information as well as a button.
- To create your Conversion Linked Account, click the icon. The Account Info page for that account will appear after you do so.
- Select the ManageDirect tab from the drop-down menu. A menu labeled ManageDirect can be found on the ManageDirect page “I’m in charge of my conversions.”
- Make a click on the “How to Convert My Paper Bonds” is a link that will show you how to convert your paper bonds. This page offers detailed instructions that will walk you through the entire procedure. We recommend printing this page so you can refer to it when you’re getting started.
Gather your Series E, EE, and I savings bonds and sort them according to their titles and connectors (“OR,” “POD,” or “beneficiary”). Grouping your bonds by registration will make the process of entering the bonds you want to convert much easier.
If you need to access your Conversion Linked Account at a later time, go to your principal Account Summary page and look for “My Converted Bonds” in the account listing under “Linked Accounts Information.”
When I trade in my bonds, will the interest earned be reported to the IRS?
No, the interest received on your bonds will not be reported to the IRS at the time of conversion if they have not reached maturity.
If my bond matures after I exchange it, will it be automatically redeemed and the interest earned reported?
Yes, unless you have arranged a redemption, TreasuryDirect automatically redeems your bond at maturity and acquires a Zero-Percent Certificate of Indebtedness with the proceeds once it is in electronic form. For that tax year, the interest collected on the security is reported to the IRS.
Should I sign the request for payment on the back of the bonds?
Please do not autograph your savings bonds on the back. We can convert the bonds because of your signature on the conversion manifest.
Is My Converted Bonds and Conversion Linked Account the same thing?
Yes. TreasuryDirect has assigned your Conversion Linked Account the name My Converted Bonds. You can change the name of your Conversion Linked Account by going to the Account Info tab, clicking “Edit,” and then entering a new name in the Personalized Account Name field.
What happens when I convert a paper bond registered in my name alone, as co-owner, or as owner with a beneficiary?
When the exchange is accepted in individual accounts, a security registered in the same way as a paper bond is released to Current Holdings in your Conversion Linked Account. All securities in entity accounts have the same registration as the entity account name.
What transactions can I conduct with the securities I trade in?
With two exclusions, you can engage in any electronic securities transaction. For a while,
A transaction to remove the name of a security registered in the names of two people as co-owners.
Because the consent of the other co-owner is required, it must be done offline.
by means of us Similarly, deleting the name of a Series E security’s intended recipient necessitates
As a result, we must handle that individual’s consent offline.
Can I let another TreasuryDirect account holder see or cash my converted bonds?
You can provide View and Transact permissions in TreasuryDirect. If you have the security registered in your name,
You can grant and remove View permissions to another TreasuryDirect account owner based on their name alone.
A security that is registered to you as the owner and has a beneficiary allows you to give and withdraw permissions at any time.
Only the chosen beneficiary has access to the information. If, on the other hand, it’s a Series E security with a
You can only grant View privileges to the selected beneficiary, and once granted, you can’t take them away.
The rights cannot be revoked. Similarly, you can give a co-owner of a property View and Transact rights.
You can’t reverse these powers after they’ve been granted. Registration as a co-owner
securities that have been given View rights can be changed to grant Transact rights, but not the other way around.
View. In entity accounts, View and Transactrights are not available.
What happens when I exchange a paper bond registered in the name of another person, including a
minor?
When the exchange is approved, the person receives a security that is registered in his or her name.
Gift Box in your Conversion Linked Account (whatever bond you’ve purchased in someone qualifies).
a gift under someone else’s name). If the electronic security contains the person’s Social Security Number,
You can send it to the recipient’s TreasuryDirect account online if you’re the owner.
We will assist you offline if the security does not bear the owner’s Social Security Number.
Prior to delivery, fill out the registration form. In entity accounts, gift bonds are not available.
How do I deliver a converted gift security?
The receiver must have a TreasuryDirect account in order to receive a converted gift security. If the converted gift security bears the owner’s Social Security Number, you can deliver it to the recipient’s TreasuryDirect account online by selecting it from the Conversion Linked Account Gift Box and following the delivery instructions.
Will my electronic securities have the same issue date as the paper bonds I turn in?
Yes, each electronic security will have the same issue date as the paper bond you provided, as well as the same current redemption value.
Will my electronic securities earn the same rate of interest as my paper bonds?
Yes, based on the series and issuance date, paper bonds and electronic securities earn the same rate of interest.
Will my electronic securities have the same maturity period as my paper bonds?
Yes, based on the series and issue date, paper bonds and electronic securities have the same maturity time.
Is the minimum holding period the same on electronic securities as paper bonds?
Yes, electronic securities and paper bonds have the same minimum holding duration. One year is the current minimum holding period.
How do I redeem my bonds after they are exchanged?
Via the same way that you request redemption of an electronic security purchased in TreasuryDirect, you can schedule a complete or partial redemption through your TreasuryDirect account.
In TreasuryDirect, what do the “Amount and “Current Value columns show?
The figure in the “The “Amount” column shows how much you paid for a bond. (This isn’t the bond’s face value if you converted a series EE bond from paper to electronic.) If you bought a $100 Series EE savings bond in paper form, for example, you would have paid $50. The “Amount” column in TreasuryDirect will show “$50” if you swap it for an electronic bond in a TreasuryDirect account.) The figure in the “The “Current Value” column displays the bond’s current value, which is comprised of the purchase price plus accumulated interest.