Can a bank refuse to cash a U.S. savings bond?

Asked by: Amani Hermann  |  Last update: December 22, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (57 votes)

Financial institutions now have the option to not cash savings bonds for both non-customers or new customers. Our Secret Service partners recommend that a customer be established for 12 months before cashing bonds at a financial institution.

Why don't banks cash savings bonds?

If they agree to exchange the bond for cash, they are essentially fronting money for a piece of paper that they then have to chase after the government for. Many, like Capital One and USAA, which caters to military families, simply won't cash savings bonds for anyone.

Will Bank of America cash a US savings bond?

Can I redeem a Federal Savings Bond at a Bank of America financial center? To redeem a bond you must be the owner or co-owner of the bond and you must have an active checking or savings account with Bank of America.

Can I cash US savings bonds at US Bank?

To cash in a savings bond(s) at your local branch you must meet the following: A signer on a U.S. Bank checking, savings or money market account that has been open for five (5) years or more. Listed as the owner or co-owner of the savings bonds.

Is there a penalty for not cashing an EE bond after 30 years?

There is no penalty for holding onto a Series EE savings bond past the 30-year maturity period. Once a Series EE bond reaches its final maturity, it stops earning interest, but there are no penalties associated with holding onto it beyond that point.

Can a bank refuse to cash a savings bond?

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What happens to savings bonds that are never cashed?

For those fully matured bonds remaining unredeemed, there is no active program by the Bureau to locate the bondholders and pay them the proceeds to which they are entitled. Traditionally, it has been up to the registered owner to remember to redeem the matured bond decades after the initial purchase.

Where can I get my US savings bonds cashed?

TreasuryDirect.gov is the one and only place to electronically buy and redeem U.S. Savings Bonds. We also offer electronic sales and auctions of other U.S.-backed investments to the general public, financial professionals, and state and local governments.

What are the cons of US savings bonds?

Disadvantages
  • Yield: U.S. savings bonds can have lower yields than other savings products. ...
  • Flexibility: Savings bonds aren't very flexible. ...
  • Purchase limits: Individuals are limited to how much they can invest in savings bonds — $10,000 a year in each series and $5,000 a year for paper Series I bonds.

Can I cash my deceased parents' savings bonds?

For Series EE, Series HH, or Series I bonds, proof of death of a beneficiary is not necessary. We don't return death certificates or other legal evidence. TO CASH BONDS: Series EE, Series E, and Series I bonds can be cashed at most financial institutions.

Can you redeem US savings bonds at a bank?

A paper savings bond must be cashed for its entire value. At a bank: Banks vary in how much they will cash at one time – or if they cash savings bonds at all. With us: We have no limit on the value or number of savings bonds you can cash at one time as long as the bonds meet the requirements for cashing.

How do I avoid taxes when cashing in savings bonds?

With that in mind, you have one option for avoiding taxes on savings bonds: the education exclusion. You can skip paying taxes on interest earned with Series EE and Series I savings bonds if you're using the money to pay for qualified higher education costs.

Does it matter whose social security number is on a savings bond?

A Social Security Number must be provided. If this is a gift bond purchase, use the owner's name and SSN, if available. If the owner's SSN is not available, use the purchaser's SSN. Use of the purchaser's SSN does not confer rights to the bond or require interest reporting.

Can a bank teller cash savings bonds?

Banks and credit unions can redeem savings bonds over the counter. Find out more about becoming an agent and redeeming savings bonds.

Do Federal Reserve banks cash savings bonds?

Redeemed paper savings bonds may be sent via image cash letters (ICLs) using the FedForward® Service. The Federal Reserve Banks now accept image-eligible redeemed savings bonds in FedForward ICLs.

Will savings bonds become worthless?

If a bond is held past its maturity, the federal government remains responsible for the debt. However, savings bonds that are held past their maturity date do not continue to earn interest and may actually lose value due to inflation.

Can you cash savings bonds at Capital One bank?

Banks have a lot of variation in their policies, so check to see what your bank requirements are before visiting. For example, Capital One and USAA don't cash savings bonds at all, and U.S. Bank requires you to have a checking, savings, or money market account that's been open for five years.

What happens to EE bonds after 30 years?

If you still have a paper EE bond, check the issue date. If that date is more than 30 years ago, it is no longer increasing in value and you may want to cash it.

Will Bank of America cash savings bonds?

Savings bonds can generally be redeemed with the bank where you have a checking account. For example, at Bank of America, customers who have had a checking or savings account open for at least six months can easily cash in their savings bonds.

What documents do I need to cash a savings bond?

In addition to the bonds, you'll need to provide proof of identity, like a United States driver's license, and partner with a notary to notarize and certify your signature on an unsigned FS Form 1522 to your local bank or credit union.

Do banks still sell US savings bonds?

Since January 1, 2012, paper savings bonds are no longer available at banks or other financial institutions. Paper Series I bonds can still be bought with IRS tax refunds, but Series EE bonds are available only in electronic form.

How do I find unclaimed US savings bonds?

Use TreasuryHunt.gov to find matured savings bonds that have stopped earning interest. You can also learn how to replace a lost or destroyed savings bond. Use the U.S. Courts Unclaimed Funds Locator to search for money you may be owed after a person or business declared bankruptcy.

Do you pay taxes on savings bonds?

The interest you earn on EE savings bonds is subject to federal income, gift, estate, and excise taxes but is exempt from state and local income taxes. The taxation depends on who owns the bond, even if the ownership is split amongst individuals.

How much is $1000 worth at the end of 2 years if the interest rate of 6% is compounded daily?

For other compounding frequencies (such as monthly, weekly, or daily), prospective depositors should refer to the formula below. Hence, if a two-year savings account containing $1,000 pays a 6% interest rate compounded daily, it will grow to $1,127.49 at the end of two years.

Do savings bonds double every 7 years?

Do Savings Bonds Double Every 7 Years? There is no set rule about savings bonds doubling after seven years. Series EE bonds are guaranteed to double in value after 20 years. Series I bonds don't offer guarantees and may not double in value at any guaranteed point.