What's the best way to buy I-Bonds online?

The best—and essentially only direct—way to buy U.S. Series I Savings Bonds online is through the U.S. Treasury’s official TreasuryDirect website. You don't need a bank or brokerage, and TreasuryDirect doesn't charge a purchase fee.

How to buy I Bonds

1. Open a TreasuryDirect account

• You'll need your Social Security number, bank account/routing information, and personal identification information.

2. Log in and choose “BuyDirect.” Select Series I Savings Bonds.
3. Enter the amount.

• Minimum: $25
• Maximum: $10,000 per calendar year per person
• You can buy to the penny—for example, $2,137.46.

4. Choose your funding account and purchase date. The money comes directly from your linked bank account.
5. Keep the bonds in TreasuryDirect. New I Bonds are electronic; you don't receive a paper certificate.

Is it a good time to buy?

As of August 29, 2026, I Bonds issued from May 1 through October 31, 2026 have a 4.26% composite rate, including a 0.90% fixed rate. The rate on a particular bond resets every six months.

One important catch: you can't redeem an I Bond for the first 12 months. If you redeem it before you've held it for five years, you forfeit the most recent three months of interest.

My practical recommendation: If you're buying I Bonds specifically as a long-term inflation-protected portion of your savings, use TreasuryDirect directly and avoid third-party sites. Before putting in $10,000, though, I'd compare the current I-Bond rate with alternatives such as TIPS, high-yield savings accounts, and CDs, because I Bonds have unusually restrictive liquidity rules.

If you tell me how much you're considering investing and roughly when you might need the money, I can tell you whether I Bonds make sense versus those alternatives.

The only official and direct way to buy electronic Series I Savings Bonds (I-Bonds) online is through the U.S. government’s official portal, TreasuryDirect.

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying I-Bonds Online

Note: There is also an alternative loophole to buy up to an extra $5,000 in paper I-Bonds by using your federal tax refund IRS form, which gets mailed to you separately.

Would you like to know more about the current interest rates/inflation rules for I-Bonds or the rules on cashing them out early?

The best way is directly through the U.S. Treasury’s TreasuryDirect website. You don't need a bank or brokerage, and new I Bonds are electronic only.

How to buy

1. Open a TreasuryDirect account using your Social Security number and linked bank account. You generally need to be a U.S. individual age 18+ with a valid SSN.
2. Log in and choose BuyDirect.
3. Select Series I Savings Bonds.
4. Enter the amount you want to invest. The minimum is $25, and you can specify an amount to the penny.
5. Choose your bank account as the funding source and submit the purchase.

What I'd consider before buying

As of August 25, 2026, I Bonds issued May–October 2026 have a 4.26% composite annualized rate, consisting of a 0.90% fixed rate plus the inflation component. The rate resets every six months.

A few important restrictions:

• $10,000 maximum per person per calendar year for electronic I Bonds.
• You must hold them for at least 12 months before cashing them.
• If you cash out before 5 years, you forfeit the most recent 3 months of interest.
• They earn interest for up to 30 years.
• They're backed by the U.S. government, but unlike a savings account, they're not liquid whenever you want.

My practical take: If you're buying I Bonds for long-term inflation protection and don't need the money for at least a year, TreasuryDirect is the straightforward choice. If you're deciding between I Bonds, a high-yield savings account, CDs, T-bills, or TIPS for money you may need sooner, the comparison is more nuanced.

The only official and direct way to buy electronic Series I Savings Bonds (I-Bonds) online is through the official U.S. Treasury platform, TreasuryDirect.

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying I-Bonds Online

1. Gather your info : Have your Social Security Number (SSN), email address, and checking or savings account details (routing and account numbers) ready.
2. Create an account : Go to the TreasuryDirect website, click on Log In / Manage , and choose Apply Now to set up an Individual account.
3. Secure your profile : Follow the prompts to enter your personal details, pick a personalized image and caption (used for secure logins), and establish your password and security questions.
4. Log in : Use your assigned account number sent via email and your virtual password to access your new account dashboard.
5. Purchase the bonds:
   • Click on the BuyDirect tab.
   • Select Series I Savings Bonds and click Submit.
   • Choose the amount you wish to purchase ($25 minimum up to an annual maximum of $10,000 per calendar year per individual).
   • Select your funding source (your linked bank account), review the details, and hit Submit.

Key Rules to Keep in Mind

• Limits : The electronic purchase limit is $10,000 per calendar year per person. (You can buy an additional $5,000 via paper bonds using your IRS tax refund, though direct paper bond purchases through mail/forms were phased out).
• Holding Period : You must hold I-Bonds for a minimum of 12 months before you can cash them out.
• Early Withdrawal Penalty : If you redeem them before 5 years , you forfeit the last 3 months of interest.

Would you like help calculating the current composite rate and fixed rate for I-Bonds, or do you have questions about gifting them to family members?

The best—and essentially the only direct online way—to buy new Series I Savings Bonds is through the U.S. Treasury’s TreasuryDirect website. Since January 1, 2025, new I Bonds are electronic-only.

How to buy I Bonds online

1. Open a TreasuryDirect account. You’ll need a Social Security number, U.S. address, email, and a U.S. checking/savings account. TreasuryDirect verifies your identity when you open the account.
2. Link your bank account for funding.
3. In TreasuryDirect, choose BuyDirect → Savings Bonds → Series I.
4. Enter the amount you want to purchase. The minimum is $25, and you can specify the amount to the penny.
5. Submit the purchase and the bond will be held electronically in your TreasuryDirect account.

What you'd get right now

For I Bonds issued May 1–October 31, 2026, the composite rate is 4.26%, consisting of a 0.90% fixed rate plus the inflation component. The inflation-linked portion resets every six months.

A few important catches:

• $10,000 annual limit per Social Security number for electronic I Bonds.
• You can't redeem them for the first 12 months.
• If you redeem before holding them for 5 years, you forfeit the previous 3 months of interest.
• Interest is subject to federal income tax, but not state or local income tax.

My practical take: If you're buying I Bonds for long-term inflation protection and don't need the money for at least a year, TreasuryDirect is straightforward and has no broker involved. If you're deciding whether I Bonds are attractive at today's 4.26% rate versus a high-yield savings account, CDs, or TIPS, that's a separate question worth comparing before you buy.

If you tell me roughly how much you're considering investing and when you might need the money, I can compare those options and tell you whether I'd favor I Bonds right now.

The only official and direct way to buy electronic Series I Savings Bonds (I-Bonds) online is through the U.S. government's official platform, TreasuryDirect . You cannot purchase them through traditional brokerage accounts like Vanguard, Fidelity, or Charles Schwab (though those brokerages offer alternative inflation-protected securities like TIPS).

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying I-Bonds Online

1. Gather Your Information : Before you begin, have your Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax ID, a valid email address , and your bank routing and account numbers ready.
2. Create an Account : Go to the TreasuryDirect Account Access page, select the Individual account type under "Apply Now," and follow the prompts to input your personal and banking data.
3. Set Security Credentials : You will choose a security image, a caption, and set up a password alongside security questions. Make note of your assigned TreasuryDirect account number , which will also be emailed to you.
4. Log In : Return to the home page, log in using your account number, enter the one-time passcode sent to your email, and input your password using the on-screen virtual keyboard.
5. Purchase the Bonds:
   • Click on the BuyDirect tab.
   • Select Series I Savings Bonds and click submit.
   • Enter the amount you wish to purchase ($25 minimum up to an annual limit of $10,000 per calendar year per individual).
   • Select your funding source (your linked bank checking or savings account) and choose whether it's a one-time or recurring purchase.
6. Review and Submit : Double-check all registration details and submit your order. The funds will be securely debited from your bank account.

Quick Rules to Keep in Mind

• Annual Limits : You can buy up to $10,000 in electronic I-Bonds per calendar year under your SSN. (An additional $5,000 can be bought in paper format using an IRS tax refund, if applicable).
• Holding Periods : You must hold I-Bonds for at least 1 year before you can cash them out, and if you cash them out before 5 years , you forfeit the last 3 months of interest.

Would you like to know the current interest rate for I-Bonds, or do you need help figuring out how to set up purchases for a gift or a child's account?

The best—and only direct—way to buy new I Bonds online is through the U.S. Treasury’s TreasuryDirect website. You don't need a brokerage account.

How to do it

1. Open a TreasuryDirect account using your SSN, bank account information, and identifying information.
2. Log in and select BuyDirect.
3. Choose Series I Savings Bonds.
4. Enter the amount—as little as $25, to the penny. The annual limit is $10,000 per person.
5. Choose the registration (usually yourself as owner), select your funding account, and submit the purchase.
6. The bond is held electronically in your TreasuryDirect account.

Is now a good time?

As of August 17, 2026, new I Bonds issued from May 1 through October 31, 2026 have a 4.26% composite annualized rate, consisting of a 0.90% fixed rate plus the inflation component.

One important nuance: 4.26% isn't necessarily what you'll earn for the next 12 months. The inflation component resets every six months, while the 0.90% fixed component stays with your particular bond.

Three things to know before buying

• You can't redeem it for the first 12 months.
• If you redeem before 5 years, you forfeit the previous 3 months of interest.
• I Bonds are generally best viewed as a long-term, inflation-protected savings vehicle, rather than a replacement for a high-yield savings account or short-term Treasury bills.

If you tell me how much you're thinking of investing (e.g., $5,000 or $10,000) and when you might need the money, I can compare I Bonds with a HYSA, T-bills, and CDs and tell you which is likely the better choice.

The only way to buy electronic Series I Savings Bonds (I-Bonds) online is directly from the U.S. government through the official TreasuryDirect website. You cannot purchase them through traditional retail brokerages like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, or Vanguard.

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying I-Bonds Online

1. Gather your information : Before you start, have your Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) , email address, and your checking or savings account routing and account numbers ready.
2. Create an account:
   • Go to the TreasuryDirect homepage and select "Apply Now" or "Open an Account".
   • Choose "Individual Account" (or an entity account like a trust, if applicable) and submit your personal details.
   • Select a security image and a caption, set up a password, and answer three security questions.
3. Retrieve your account number : TreasuryDirect will email you a unique account number. (Note: Keep this number safe, as logging in requires typing your password via an on-screen virtual keyboard).
4. Log in and purchase:
   • Log back into the site using your account number and password.
   • Click on the "BuyDirect" tab at the top of your account page.
   • Select "Series I Savings Bonds" and click submit.
   • Choose the registration (who owns the bond), the funding source (your linked bank account), and the dollar amount you wish to buy.
   • The minimum purchase is $25 , and the electronic purchase limit is $10,000 per calendar year per individual.
   • Review your order details and click Submit.

Key Rules to Keep in Mind

• Current Rate : Newly purchased I-Bonds carry a composite rate of 4.26% (which includes a locked-in permanent fixed rate of 0.90% ) for bonds issued through October 31, 2026.
• The 12-Month Lockup : You cannot sell or redeem your I-Bonds for the first 12 months after purchase.
• The 5-Year Penalty : If you cash out your I-Bonds before holding them for 5 years , you forfeit the last 3 months of interest.

Would you like to know more about the current fixed vs. inflation-adjusted rate breakdown or strategies for maximizing annual purchase limits for a family or trust?

The best way to buy Series I Savings Bonds (I-Bonds) online is directly through the U.S. Treasury’s official site, TreasuryDirect. There are no broker commissions or fees.

How to buy I-Bonds online

1. Open a TreasuryDirect account

   • Go to
   • You’ll need your Social Security number, email address, U.S. address, and a bank account for funding.

2. Link your bank account

   • TreasuryDirect uses your linked bank account to pull money for purchases and send redemption proceeds.

3. Buy the bond

   • Log in → choose BuyDirect → select Series I Savings Bonds → enter the amount and funding details.
   • The minimum purchase is $25, and you can buy amounts above that down to the penny.

4. Hold it in TreasuryDirect

   • I-Bonds are electronic; you’ll manage them in your TreasuryDirect account.

Things to know before buying

• Annual limit: You can buy up to $10,000 of electronic I-Bonds per person per calendar year.
• Lockup: You cannot redeem an I-Bond for the first 12 months. If you cash it before 5 years, you lose the previous 3 months of interest.
• Interest: The rate combines a fixed rate and an inflation-based rate that resets every six months.
• Taxes: Interest is generally exempt from state and local income taxes; federal tax is deferred until redemption or maturity (with some education-related exceptions).

A few practical tips

• Don’t wait until the last day of a rate period if you want a particular issue month; TreasuryDirect purchases can require processing time.
• If you’re buying the full $10,000, consider whether you’ll need the cash within five years because of the early-redemption penalty.
• Avoid third-party sites claiming to sell I-Bonds—online purchases should go through TreasuryDirect.

If you’re deciding whether to buy I-Bonds vs a high-yield savings account, CD, T-bills, or TIPS, the best choice depends mostly on when you’ll need the money and your tax situation.

The only direct and official way to buy electronic Series I Savings Bonds (I-Bonds) online is through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's official platform, TreasuryDirect . You cannot purchase I-Bonds through traditional brokerages like Fidelity, Vanguard, or Charles Schwab, nor can you hold them inside tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs or 401(k)s.

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying I-Bonds on TreasuryDirect

1. Create an Account : Go to the TreasuryDirect Login & Registration Page and choose to apply for an individual account. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and checking or savings account routing and account numbers.
2. Set Security Credentials : You’ll select a visual image and a caption, create a password, and establish security questions used to verify your identity during future logins.
3. Log In : Return to the homepage, enter your assigned account number (sent via email), type your password using the virtual on-screen keyboard, and complete any one-time email passcode verification.
4. Navigate to Buy Direct : From your account dashboard, click on the BuyDirect tab at the top of the page.
5. Select Series I Savings Bonds : Choose Series I under the savings bonds option.
6. Enter the Amount : Specify the purchase amount. The minimum purchase is $25, and you can buy in exact penny increments beyond that. You can make a single purchase or set up recurring scheduled buys.
7. Review and Submit : Link the funding to your checking or savings account, double-check your registration details, and submit the order.

Important Rules & Limits to Keep in Mind

• Purchase Caps : The electronic purchase limit is $10,000 per calendar year per individual Social Security number. (Note: Buying paper I-Bonds via tax returns was discontinued, making digital purchases through TreasuryDirect the sole route).
• Expanding Household Limits : If you want to invest more as a family, you can buy up to $10,000 per year for yourself, another $10,000 for a spouse, and set up minor-linked accounts for children, or utilize separate limits for eligible trusts and businesses.
• Holding Periods : You must hold I-Bonds for a minimum of 1 year before you can cash them in. If you redeem them before 5 years , you forfeit the last 3 months of interest. After 5 years, there are no penalties.

Would you like to know the current composite and fixed interest rates for I-Bonds, or do you need strategies on how to maximize your family's annual purchase limits?