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 reach final maturity at 30 years.
Both Series EE and Series I Bonds stop earning interest after 30 years from the issue date. This is called final maturity. After this point, the bond is worth whatever its value was at 30 years — it doesn't grow anymore. Holding it longer means you're earning 0% while inflation erodes its purchasing power.
Check your bond's maturity date →Key maturity milestones
12 months: Minimum holding period
You cannot redeem any savings bond before 12 months. This is the absolute minimum holding period set by the Treasury.
5 years: Early redemption penalty ends
If you redeem before 5 years, you forfeit the last 3 months of interest. After 5 years, there's no penalty — you get the full accrued value.
20 years: EE Bond doubling (EE only)
Series EE Bonds are guaranteed to double in value at exactly 20 years. This is a critical milestone — redeeming before 20 years means you miss the doubling.
30 years: Final maturity
Both EE and I Bonds stop earning interest entirely at 30 years. After this, holding the bond means you're earning 0%.
Dead money: There are $28.1 billion in matured, unredeemed savings bonds in the US. These bonds stopped earning interest years ago, and the Treasury doesn't send reminders. Don't let yours become dead money.
What to do when your bond matures
When your bond reaches 30 years, you have three options:
- Redeem it: Cash out the bond and use the money however you want. This is the most common choice.
- Hold it (not recommended): You can continue to hold a matured bond, but it earns 0% interest. Inflation will erode its purchasing power.
- Buy a new bond: Redeem the matured bond and use the proceeds to buy a new I Bond or other investment.
Tax consideration: You owe federal income tax on the interest when you redeem the bond (or when it reaches final maturity if you hold it). State and local taxes don't apply to savings bond interest.
How to calculate your maturity date
Your maturity date is exactly 30 years from the issue month. For example:
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