What you should know about U.S. Savings Bonds

United States Savings Bonds have been in existence since 1941. Originally known as "War Bonds", they were renamed "Patriot Bonds" in December 2001.

From the early 1940's to the 21st century, a significant number of Americans have used Savings Bonds for a portion of their safe money. Over 55 million people in this country hold U.S. Savings Bonds.

Today, bonds are purchased via payroll deduction by millions of employees, and routinely given as gifts, prizes, and sales incentives across the nation. Parents buy bonds for small children in the hope of supplementing college educations. Grandparents pass their savings bonds along to their own children, often in large quantities.

As common and widespread as U.S. Savings Bonds are, they are also among
the most misunderstood and complicated of all investments.

• Do you know the current value of each of your bonds?
• Do you know what interest rates your bonds are earning?
• Do you have any obligations as a bond holder?
• Do you know when your bonds stop paying interest?
• What your options are when that happens?

You have never received, and may never receive, a statement from the U.S. Government
informing you about your investment in Savings Bonds.

Certainly they are safe investments, but beyond this assumption, very little information is routinely provided. It is left to the bondholder to learn the pertinent facts about his or her bonds. Select the Bond Statement link on the right to see how to get your personalized statement containing all the information you need about your bonds in a color coded, easy to understand report. We will also include a copy of "The Most Common Mistakes Made by Savings Bond Owners".