Educational Purpose: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. All data sourced from TreasuryDirect.gov. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personalized guidance.
All savings bonds stop earning interest at 30 years.
There is no exception. Whether it's an EE Bond or an I Bond, all US savings bonds reach final maturity 30 years from the issue date. After that point, they earn 0% interest. Holding a matured bond means you're missing out on potential returns elsewhere.
Check if your bonds have stopped earning →The 30-year rule
Every savings bond issued by the US Treasury has a final maturity of 30 years. This applies to:
- Series EE Bonds (issued 1980-present)
- Series I Bonds (issued 1998-present)
- Older series like Series E bonds (now all matured)
$28.1 billion problem: According to the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, there are currently $28.1 billion in matured, unredeemed savings bonds. Most bondholders don't know their bonds have stopped earning because the Treasury doesn't send maturity reminders.
What happens at final maturity
Timeline of a $1,000 EE Bond (purchased Jan 1996)
Why you should redeem matured bonds
📉Inflation erosion
At 0% interest, inflation eats away at the purchasing power of your money. $2,400 today will buy less next year.
💸Opportunity cost
That money could be earning returns elsewhere — new I Bonds, index funds, or even a high-yield savings account.
📋Tax implications
You owe federal tax on the interest eventually. Might as well put the money to work while you're paying taxes on it.
🔒Paper bonds degrade
If you have paper bonds, they can fade, get damaged, or lost. Electronic records are safer, but cashing out is safest.
How to redeem: Electronic bonds can be redeemed through TreasuryDirect.gov. Paper bonds can be redeemed at most banks (you'll need ID and may need to sign the bond). The process takes 1-5 business days.
Common questions
Can the Treasury extend the maturity?
No. Once a bond hits 30 years, it's done earning. There are no extensions or exceptions.
Will I get a reminder from the Treasury?
No. The Treasury does not send maturity reminders. It's your responsibility to track when bonds mature.
What if I forget about a matured bond?
The bond remains valid indefinitely. You can redeem it anytime, even decades after maturity. But it won't earn interest.
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