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The savings bond is akin to the tortoise: It may not create the most excitement, but its solid, steady presence is always a comfort. Find out how to buy savings bonds online.
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The savings bond is akin to the tortoise: It may not create the most excitement, but its solid, steady presence is always a comfort. Find out how to buy savings bonds online.
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Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional financial advice. Please contact your financial advisor before using the information presented here.</note>
Introduction
- Just a year ago, savings bonds were considered by many to be as exciting as, well...an Oldsmobile. But in today's up-and-down market, the trusty instrument has regained a measure of appeal. Happily, you can purchase bonds online directly from the Treasury Department. Here's how to get started:
Step 1: Confirm You Meet the Requirements
- You will need:
- Social Security or Taxpayer ID number
- United States address
- Checking or savings account numbers AND routing numbers
- Valid email address
- Web browser to support 128-bit encryption. (Internet Explorer is preferred.)
Step 2: Open a TreasuryDirect Account
- Go to http://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/myaccount/myaccount_treasurydirect.htm.
- Click on the Open an Account link.
- Unless you are a business owner, or represent some other entity, choose the Individual Account Type.
- Fill in your personal and bank information.
- Electronically sign the Taxpayer ID Certification.
- Choose your
- Password
- Password reminder
- Security questions
- Look for an email that will deliver your new account number for TreasuryDirect.
- Wait for your Access Card to be delivered by mail.
Step 3: Make the Purchase
- Log in to your TreasuryDirect account.
- At the Purchase Express menu, select the savings bond product of your choice.
- Fill in the desired purchase amount.
- Click the Buy Now button.
- At the BuyDirect screen, confirm that the product type, purchase amount, and source of funds are correct.
- Select a purchase date.
- Elect to schedule a single purchase for a certain date.
- Schedule repeat purchases by specifying start and end dates, along with frequency.
- Schedule repeat purchases by selecting the dates for yourself.
- At the Purchase Review screen, confirm all purchase information.
- Once all information is verified, click the Submit button.
- The savings bond will typically be placed in your online account within one business day.
- The amount of the purchase will be debited from the bank account you specified.