How can I find out what interest rate applies to bonds that I buy now or bonds that I bought several years ago?
Series EE Savings Bonds issued after May 1, 1997, that enter semiannual earnings periods from May through October 1997 earn 5.68 percent interest. This rate is 90 percent of the average 5-year Treasury securities yields for the preceding six months. A new interest rate is announced each May 1 and November 1. A Short-Term Series EE rate of 4.63 percent is in effect for bonds issued from May 1995 through April 1997 for bonds that enter semiannual earnings periods from May through October 1997. Outstanding Series EE and E Bonds and Savings Notes are eligible for market-based rates. The market-based rate is calculated from the beginning of the market-based period (November 1, 1982, or from the issue date if later). For additional information about the interest rates of specific bonds, you can view the latest United States Savings Bonds/Notes Earnings Report at the Bureau of the Public Debt.
How can I find out the value of the United States Savings Bonds that I own?
Our office has available copies of the "Tables of Redemption Values for $50 Series EE and $25 Series E Savings Bonds (PD-3600). The Bureau of the Public Debt produces this pamphlet twice every year. Using this booklet, you can figure out the current value of your Savings Bonds. This information is published each May and November. An expanded version is also available for sale from the Government Printing Office. In addition, you can also calculate the value of your bonds with the Bureau of Public Debt's Savings Bond Calculator.
What do I do about replacing bonds that are lost, stolen or otherwise destroyed?
Bonds that are lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed, can be replaced free of charge as long as it can be established by the Bureau of the Public Debt that the bonds are still outstanding. To assure that bonds can be traced, owners should keep records of bond serial numbers, issue dates (month and year found in the upper right hand corner of a bond), registration (names and addresses) and the social security or taxpayer identification number in a safe place separate from the bonds. Bond owners should send details of the loss, along with partially destroyed bonds if burned or mutilated, to the Bureau of the Public Debt, Savings Bonds Operations Office, Parkersburg, WV 26106-1328. Filling out the replacement application form PD F 1048 will help speed up the replacement process. These forms are often available from local banks or from the Federal Reserve. Replacement bonds bear the original issue date.
Series E and EE Bonds can be redeemed at most financial institutions. However, agents cannot redeem bonds issued to a guardian or trustee, a corporation or other type of company or institution, or bonds where documentary evidence -- such as a power of attorney -- is required to cash them. Such bonds must be redeemed by Federal Reserve Banks or Branches, or by the Bureau of the Public Debt, Savings Bond Operations Office.
Agents are permitted -- but not required -- to redeem bonds in some cases where documentary evidence is required. Savings Bond agents can, for example, redeem bonds for registered beneficiaries in deceased owner cases when the beneficiary presents a certified copy of the owner's death certificate. Most agents will forward bonds they are not authorized to redeem to their Federal Reserve Bank. There are limits on the amount of bonds that agents can redeem for persons other than established customers. Satisfactory proof of identity is required in all cases.
All Series HH Bonds are obtained and redeemed by Federal Reserve Banks or Branches or the Bureau of the Public Debt, Savings Bonds Operations Office. Most local financial institutions will help with these transactions.
I participated in the old Savings Stamp program when I was in school, and have found a book of stamps that is not full. Can I redeem the stamps?
We receive many inquiries from people who want to find out about redeeming old Savings Stamps that were not used to purchase Bonds. Our Bureau of the Public Debt is responsible for redeeming Savings Stamps that are still outstanding. Savings Stamps can be redeemed at their face value or applied toward the purchase of a new Savings Bond. You should contact the Bond Consultant Branch, Bureau of the Public Debt, Parkersburg, WV 26106-1328. Your inquiry should contain as much information as possible, including the owner's name, address, social security number, and, if available, the issue date and/or serial number of the bonds.
How can I find out what interest rate applies to bonds that I buy now or bonds that I bought several years ago?
Series EE Savings Bonds issued after May 1, 1997, that enter semiannual earnings periods from May through October 1997 earn 5.68 percent interest. This rate is 90 percent of the average 5-year Treasury securities yields for the preceding six months. A new interest rate is announced each May 1 and November 1. A Short-Term Series EE rate of 4.63 percent is in effect for bonds issued from May 1995 through April 1997 for bonds that enter semiannual earnings periods from May through October 1997. Outstanding Series EE and E Bonds and Savings Notes are eligible for market-based rates. The market-based rate is calculated from the beginning of the market-based period (November 1, 1982, or from the issue date if later). For additional information about the interest rates of specific bonds, you can view the latest United States Savings Bonds/Notes Earnings Report at the