How Do You Turn in Savings Bonds?

Close-up of a U.S. savings bond with a pen and calculator nearby

To turn in savings bonds, you submit them to a financial institution or the U.S. Treasury for redemption. The process involves verifying ownership, confirming the bond's maturity, and receiving payment for its current value.

How Savings Bonds Work

U.S. savings bonds earn interest over time until they reach final maturity, typically between 20 and 30 years. You can redeem them after holding them for at least one year. The most common types are Series EE and Series I bonds, which differ in how interest is calculated.

Main Types of Savings Bonds

Type	Interest Rate	Current Minimum Term	Final Maturity
Series EE Bonds	Fixed rate	1 year	30 years
Series I Bonds	Fixed rate + inflation rate	1 year	30 years

Where to Redeem Savings Bonds

You can cash savings bonds at:

Banks and credit unions: Many institutions redeem savings bonds for customers. Call ahead to confirm policies and requirements.
By mail: Send bonds to the Treasury Retail Securities Services at the address listed on TreasuryDirect.gov. Include a completed FS Form 1522 and proper identification.
Online: If you have an account on TreasuryDirect.gov, you can manage electronic bonds online.

What You Need to Redeem Bonds

Bring the following to cash your bonds:

The physical bonds (signed if required)
Valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport)
Completed FS Form 1522 (if mailing bonds)
Proof of address (if required by the institution)

Common Mistakes When Redeeming Bonds

Many people assume they can cash bonds immediately, but there is a minimum holding period of one year. Others forget to sign the bonds or provide proper identification, which can delay the process. Always check the issue date to ensure the bond has reached its minimum redemption period.

When I helped my parents cash their savings bonds, we visited their local bank. The teller confirmed the bonds' maturity dates and required a photo ID. The process took about 10 minutes, and we received a check for the bonds' value that day.

For more details on the best fixed savings bonds and their features, see our guide on best fixed savings bonds.