US Treasury I bonds: purchase limits and redemption rules
US Treasury I bonds have an annual electronic purchase limit, an initial holding period and an early-redemption interest penalty. General information only.
- Electronic purchase limit
- $10,000 per calendar year per SSN or EINTreasuryDirect, I bonds
- Minimum electronic purchase
- $25TreasuryDirect, I bonds
- Initial holding period
- 12 monthsTreasuryDirect, I bonds
- Redemption before five years
- Last three months of interest forfeitedTreasuryDirect, I bonds
Electronic purchase limits
TreasuryDirect states that one Social Security number or Employer Identification Number may buy up to $10,000 in electronic I bonds in a calendar year. For individual accounts, the limit applies to the Social Security number of the first-named person in the registration. The minimum electronic purchase is $25; larger amounts can be specified to the penny. TreasuryDirect, I bonds (opens in a new tab).
Holding and redemption
I bonds can be redeemed after 12 months. Redemption before five years forfeits the last three months of interest. TreasuryDirect states that I bonds earn interest for 30 years unless redeemed earlier. TreasuryDirect, I bonds (opens in a new tab).
Electronic availability
As of January 1, 2025, I bonds are available for purchase only electronically through TreasuryDirect. Their interest combines a fixed rate with an inflation rate; the inflation component changes every six months. TreasuryDirect, I bonds (opens in a new tab).
Scope
This guide describes purchase and redemption rules, without quoting a current interest rate or calculating a return. It does not assess suitability, compare investments or determine tax treatment. General information only, not personalised investment advice.