Check the current value on TreasuryDirect or use the Savings Bond Calculator
The fastest way to find out what a savings bond is worth is to log into your TreasuryDirect account at treasurydirect.gov. If you own the bond through TreasuryDirect (the U.S. Treasury's online platform), your account shows the current value of every bond you hold, updated monthly. The value appears under "Manage Direct Deposits" or in your holdings summary.
If you own a paper bond or cannot access TreasuryDirect, use the Savings Bond Calculator, also on treasurydirect.gov. Enter the bond series (Series EE, Series I, or Series HH), the issue date printed on the bond, and the denomination. The calculator returns the exact current value based on the Treasury's official rates.
Paper bonds issued before 2012 may not appear in TreasuryDirect at all. For those, the calculator is your only option. You will need to read the issue date and series letter directly from the bond itself.
Key Takeaways
- TreasuryDirect shows the current value of every bond in your account, updated each month on the first business day.
- The Savings Bond Calculator on treasurydirect.gov works for any bond if you know the series, issue date, and denomination.
- Paper bonds issued before 2012 will not appear in TreasuryDirect and must be valued using the calculator.
- The value you see includes all interest earned to date, not just your original purchase price.
What information you need to use the calculator
To use the Savings Bond Calculator, gather these details from your bond or account:
Series: Look for a letter or two-letter code printed on the bond. Series EE and Series I are the most common savings bonds sold today. Series HH is older and less common. The series determines how interest is calculated and when the bond matures.
Issue date: This is the month and year the bond was issued, printed on the face of a paper bond or shown in your TreasuryDirect account. The calculator needs this exact date because interest accrues from the issue date forward.
Denomination: This is the face value you paid for the bond — typically $25, $50, $100, $200, $500, $1,000, or $5,000 for paper bonds. Digital bonds on TreasuryDirect can be any amount from $25 up.
Once you enter these three pieces of information, the calculator shows the current value in seconds. The value includes all interest earned since the issue date.
Understanding the value the calculator shows you
The number the calculator returns is what your bond is worth today if you were to cash it in. This is not the same as your original purchase price. For Series EE bonds, you paid half the face value — so a $100 bond cost you $50. The calculator shows the full current value, which includes both your $50 and all the interest earned.
For Series I bonds, you paid the full face value upfront. A $100 Series I bond cost $100 when you bought it. The calculator shows that $100 plus all interest accrued since the issue date.
The value changes monthly because savings bonds earn interest on a fixed schedule. TreasuryDirect updates all values on the first business day of each month. If you check the calculator on different days of the month, you may see the same value — it does not change daily.
How to find bonds you may have forgotten about
If you think you own savings bonds but cannot find them, the Treasury maintains a searchable database called Treasury Hunt at treasuryhunt.gov. Enter your name and state, and the system searches for unclaimed savings bonds registered to you. This is free and takes a few minutes.
Treasury Hunt covers bonds issued since 1974. If you find a bond listed there, you can claim it and have it transferred to a TreasuryDirect account. The process requires you to verify your identity and provide the bond's series and issue date if you have it.
You can also contact the Bureau of the Fiscal Service directly at 844-284-2676 if you have questions about a specific bond or need help locating one.
What happens if your bond has matured
Savings bonds stop earning interest after a certain number of years. Series EE bonds earn interest for 30 years. Series I bonds earn interest for 30 years as well. Series HH bonds earn interest for 20 years. Once a bond reaches its final maturity date, the calculator will show its final value, and no more interest accrues.
If your bond has matured, the value shown is the maximum you will receive if you cash it in. You can still hold the bond after maturity — it will not expire or become worthless — but it will not grow. Cashing in a matured bond is often the next logical step, though you may want to consult a tax professional first, since the interest is taxable in the year you redeem it.
Cashing in your bond after you know its value
Once you know what your bond is worth, you can cash it in if you choose. For digital bonds in TreasuryDirect, you can redeem them directly through your account. The money goes to your linked bank account within a few business days.
For paper bonds, you will need to take them to a bank or credit union that handles savings bond redemptions. Not all banks do this, so call ahead. Bring the bond itself, a valid ID, and a signature card if the bank requires one. The bank will verify the bond and pay you its current value in cash or by check.
If you own a paper bond but cannot locate it, you can file a claim with the Treasury to have it replaced or reissued to TreasuryDirect. This process takes longer but is possible if the bond is lost or destroyed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the calculator show the value I will get if I cash in the bond today?
Yes. The calculator shows the exact amount you would receive if you redeemed the bond on the date you check it. The value includes your original purchase price plus all interest earned to that point. If you wait a month, the value may increase slightly (for Series I bonds) or stay the same (for Series EE bonds after they reach face value).
What if I lost a paper savings bond?
Contact the Bureau of the Fiscal Service at 844-284-2676 with the bond's series, denomination, and issue date if you have it. You can file a claim for a lost or destroyed bond, and the Treasury can reissue it or transfer the value to a TreasuryDirect account. The process requires proof of ownership and may take several weeks.
Can I find out what an old bond from my parents is worth?
Yes, if you have the bond itself or know its series, issue date, and denomination. Use the Savings Bond Calculator on treasurydirect.gov. If the bond is registered in your parents' name and you are not the owner, you may need a death certificate or legal documentation to claim it or transfer it to your name.
Does the calculator work for bonds issued outside the United States?
No. The Savings Bond Calculator only works for U.S. Treasury savings bonds. If you own bonds issued by another country, you will need to contact that country's treasury or financial authority for valuation.