How much does a $50.00 savings bond cost?
Asked by: Miss Jessica Borer | Last update: February 7, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (25 votes)
A $50 savings bond (electronic Series EE or I) costs exactly $50 when you buy it, as they are sold at face value and accrue interest over time to become worth more, with a current Series EE bond guaranteed to double in 20 years. While older paper bonds were sold at half their face value (e.g., a $50 paper bond cost $25), the Treasury now only issues electronic bonds, which are purchased at their stated dollar amount, like $50.
What's a $50 savings bond worth?
A $50 savings bond's worth varies greatly by its series (EE, I, etc.) and issue date, but it will be worth more than $50, potentially doubling in value or more over time (like Series EE doubling in 20 years). To find the exact current value, use the official TreasuryDirect Savings Bond Calculator by entering the bond's series and issue date.
How long does it take for a $50.00 savings bond to mature?
A $50 savings bond, typically a Series EE or I bond, matures in 30 years, earning interest for that entire period, though Series EE bonds are guaranteed to double in value within the first 20 years and Series I bonds adjust for inflation. You can cash it in after one year but lose the last three months of interest if redeemed before five years, with longer holding periods generally yielding more interest up to the 30-year final maturity.
How to buy savings bonds for a child?
For electronic savings bonds as gifts, both you and the recipient must have a TreasuryDirect account. TreasuryDirect is the official United States government application in which you can buy and keep savings bonds. You can gift a savings bond to adults or children.
Are savings bonds still worth money?
Yes, savings bonds are worth money as a low-risk, government-backed investment that accrues interest over time, often doubling in value (Series EE) or protecting against inflation (Series I), offering tax advantages, though they are best for long-term goals rather than quick cash access. Their value depends on the series (EE or I), issue date, and current interest rates, growing slowly but steadily over decades.
How long does it take for a $50 savings bond to mature?
Why is my $100 savings bond only worth $50?
Your $100 savings bond is likely worth $50 because it's a paper Series EE bond purchased years ago for half its face value, meaning you paid $50 for a bond that would grow to $100 over time, but it hasn't earned enough interest yet, or you cashed it out too early (before 5 years), losing the last three months' interest. The key is the original purchase price (often $50 for $100 face value) versus its current value, which increases with interest, but early redemption or holding past final maturity (30 years) affects the total.
What happens to savings bonds that are never cashed?
Unclaimed savings bonds eventually become part of a state's general unclaimed property fund after a few years past maturity, allowing states, through programs like unclaimed.org, to use their established systems to find owners or heirs and return the funds, a process enhanced by recent legislation. While the U.S. Treasury holds these matured bonds and doesn't actively find owners, they now share data with states so they can list them, preventing the loss of value and potential theft, as bonds stop earning interest after maturity.
How much is a $100 saving bond worth after 30 years?
A $100 Series EE savings bond issued in October 1994 would be worth approximately $164.12 after 30 years, with $114.12 of that being interest earned, as these bonds stop earning interest at 30 years and mature at their final value. The exact value depends on the bond's type (Series EE is common) and its specific issue date, so using the TreasuryDirect Savings Bond Calculator is the best way to check your specific bond's value.
What is the best savings bond for grandchildren?
The Best Savings Bonds for Grandchildren
Series EE bonds are the steady Eddies of the bond world—reliable and predictable. They earn a fixed rate, and here's the kicker: They're guaranteed to double in value after 20 years.
Do banks still issue savings bonds?
No, banks no longer sell paper savings bonds; the U.S. Treasury stopped over-the-counter sales at financial institutions in 2012, moving entirely online to TreasuryDirect.gov, where you can buy electronic Series EE and I bonds, though you can still redeem older paper bonds at banks. The main exception for paper bonds is buying Series I bonds using part of your IRS tax refund.
What happens to savings bonds if the owner dies?
The bond becomes payable to the estate of the deceased and probate of the estate may be required. If there is a court appointed representative, the bonds will be payable to the estate and administered according to the decedent's Will. If there is no Will, the bonds will pass according to the state intestacy laws.
What is the best time to cash out a savings bond?
Most savings bonds stop earning interest (or reach maturity) between 20 to 30 years. It's possible to redeem a savings bond as soon as one year after it's purchased, but it's usually wise to wait at least five years so you don't lose the last three months of interest when you cash it in.
How does a $50 bond work?
Series EE U.S. Savings Bonds are an appreciation-type (or accrual-type) savings security. They are sold at face value, so you'll pay $50 for a $50 bond. The bond is worth its full value upon redemption. The interest is issued electronically to your designated account.
Are savings bonds better than CDs?
Interest Rates and Returns: Bonds often have higher interest rates than CDs. Liquidity and Access to Funds: CDs typically incur penalties for early withdrawals, while bonds can be sold before maturity without penalty; however, you may incur a loss if the price of the bond is below the purchase price.
How long does it take for a $50 EE savings bond to mature?
A $50 Series EE savings bond purchased today will double in value (to $100) in 20 years, due to a government guarantee, though it continues earning interest for another 10 years, reaching its final maturity at 30 years. The actual time to double can vary slightly depending on the specific interest rate, but the 20-year mark ensures your initial $50 becomes $100.
How much did a $50 savings bond cost in 1994?
The original price of EE bonds that we sold from 1980 through April 1995 was one-half its face value. (For example, a $50 bond cost $25.) The bond started to earn interest on its cost (not on its face value). We added interest to the bond either every month or every six months.
What is the best way to put money away for grandchildren?
Where to store savings for grandchildren
- High-yield savings accounts. ...
- 529 college savings plans. ...
- Custodial accounts (UGMA/UTMA) ...
- Certificates of deposit (CDs) ...
- Series I or EE bonds. ...
- Youth savings accounts. ...
- Develop a savings plan. ...
- Make regular contributions.
What is better than a savings bond?
CDs are best for short-term, low-risk savings, while bonds can offer higher yields with more complexity and risk. Rising interest rates favor CDs, while bonds may lose market value as rates increase.
What is the dirty price of a bond?
Dirty price is the total amount paid for a bond at settlement. It equals the quoted clean price plus the accrued interest that has built up since the previous coupon date. Many bond markets quote prices on a clean basis to aid comparison, while the cash exchanged at settlement uses the dirty price.
Should you cash in savings bonds after 30 years?
30 years: Once you're three decades past the purchase date, it's time to cash it in and do something else with the money. You aren't earning more interest at this point.
How do I check the value of a savings bond?
You can determine the value for an electronic savings bond by logging into your TreasuryDirect account. For paper bonds, use the savings bond calculator.
What does Warren Buffett say about bonds?
Warren Buffett favors short-term U.S. Treasury bills for Berkshire Hathaway's cash holdings, viewing them as safe, liquid assets, especially when interest rates are high, while famously recommending a simple 90% low-cost S&P 500 index fund and 10% short-term government bond allocation for individual investors seeking long-term growth with stability, using bonds as a low-risk parking spot. Berkshire holds massive amounts of T-bills (over $230B+), sometimes exceeding the Federal Reserve's holdings, allowing them to earn substantial income while waiting for better stock opportunities, reflecting his preference for capital preservation in uncertain markets.
Can a bank refuse to cash a savings bond?
Yes, banks can refuse to cash savings bonds, especially for non-customers, new customers (often requiring 12 months established), or if the bond seems suspicious, altered, or fraudulent, due to increased fraud concerns. While they are authorized to redeem them, it's up to the individual financial institution's policy, so you should check with your bank first, as many have tightened rules, but you can always mail them to the Treasury.
How much is a 30 year old $100 savings bond worth today?
A $100 Series EE savings bond issued in October 1994 would be worth approximately $164.12 after 30 years, with $114.12 of that being interest earned, as these bonds stop earning interest at 30 years and mature at their final value. The exact value depends on the bond's type (Series EE is common) and its specific issue date, so using the TreasuryDirect Savings Bond Calculator is the best way to check your specific bond's value.