How much is a $100 savings bond worth after 30 years?
- Use TreasuryDirect’s free calculator with bond series, denomination, and issue date to check current value instantly.
- Savings bonds are a safe, affordable way to invest, backed by the U.S. government, and play a role in financing government operations.
- A $100 Series EE bond from 1994 is worth approximately $164 after 30 years, guaranteed to double after 20 years, with interest accumulating until maturity.
- Avoid early redemption penalties by waiting five years; otherwise you forfeit the last three months of interest.
How savings bonds work over time
Understanding how savings bonds work over time can help you maximize your investment.
Savings bonds are a form of government debt and are considered Treasury securities.
Savings bonds are government-backed securities that help fund federal activities, are part of the U.S. savings program, and give citizens guaranteed returns.
Types of savings bonds: EE, I, and others
There are different types of savings bonds available to investors. The U.S. Treasury now offers two main types of savings bonds: Series EE and Series I bonds. Series EE bonds come with a fixed interest rate that stays the same for at least 20 years. These EE bonds have a special feature: The Treasury guarantees they will double in value after 20 years, whatever the prevailing interest rates. Series I bonds work differently by combining a fixed rate with an inflation rate that changes twice yearly to protect your investment from inflation.
The Treasury used to offer other types, like Series HH bonds, but stopped in 2004. The Patriot Bond, which funded anti-terrorism efforts between 2001 and 2011, works similarly to standard EE bonds.
How interest is earned and compounded
Each type of savings bond earns interest in its own way. Series EE bonds issued after May 2005 earn a fixed interest rate that stays unchanged for at least 20 years. EE bonds issued between May 1, 2025, and Oct. 31, 2025, earn 2.70%.
Series I bonds earn a combined rate with fixed and inflation-adjusted components. The inflation-adjusted component is a variable rate that changes with inflation. I bonds issued during this period earn 3.98%, with a fixed rate of 1.10%.
Series EE and I bonds both earn monthly interest, which the Treasury compounds every six months. The Treasury applies the bond’s interest rate to a new principal value every six months. This value combines the original principal and previously earned interest. Your bond grows through interest earnings and an expanding principal base.
When do savings bonds mature?
Savings bonds earn interest throughout their 30-year lifespan, with maturities of up to 30 years. You can cash them in after 12 months, but if you cash out before five years, you’ll lose the last three months of interest as an early withdrawal penalty.
Series EE bonds reach their most important milestone at 20 years when they double in value. They keep earning interest for another 10 years until they reach maturity at 30 years and are then fully matured.
Savings bonds stop earning interest at their 30-year maturity date. You should cash in your bond at this point because inflation will decrease its value if you hold it longer, and there is no benefit to holding a fully matured bond since it is no longer earning interest. However, holding your bonds for longer means longer earning interest, maximizing your total returns up until they reach maturity.
How to check the value of a $100 savings bond
The U.S. Treasury’s online tools make checking your $100 savings bond’s current value easy. Whether you have paper or electronic bonds, you can quickly see how much your investment has grown. It’s important to know what your bond is worth today to make informed financial decisions.
Using the TreasuryDirect calculator
TreasuryDirect’s website features a free Savings Bond Calculator that works well for paper savings bonds. You can use this tool to calculate the value of a paper savings bond by entering details like the bond series, denomination, and issue date. This simple tool helps you find the current value of Series EE, Series E, or Series I savings bonds. Electronic savings bond holders need to log into their TreasuryDirect account since the calculator works exclusively with paper bonds.
The calculator displays your bond’s current value and gives you details about interest earned, current rates, next accrual date, and final maturity. You can also use the calculator to calculate the value of your bond at a future date, which is helpful for planning when to redeem or assess your bond’s worth. You can look up your bond’s past values from January 1996 and see what they’ll be worth during the current rate period.
What details you need to enter
The calculator needs three key pieces of information to check your paper savings bond’s value:
- Bond’s series (EE, E, or I) – Knowing the bond’s series is essential because it determines the interest rate and rules for calculating the bond’s value
- Denomination ($100 in this case)
- Issue date (month and year)
The bond’s serial number helps track multiple bonds in an inventory, though it’s optional for value calculation. You’ll find the serial number in the lower right corner of your paper bond, and the issue date appears on the right side below the series.
Checking multiple bonds at once
TreasuryDirect’s calculator lets you build and save an inventory of multiple bonds. Each bond’s information goes into your list one at a time. Your browser’s “Save As” function stores this inventory as an HTML file for later use. The calculator shows you total values, interest earned, and year-to-date interest for all your listed bonds.
How much is a $100 Series EE bond worth after 30 years?
A $100 Series EE savings bond from October 1994 would be worth about $164.12 today. The value of the bond is based on its face value, with Series EE bonds guaranteed to double their face value after 20 years. This represents $114.12 in earned interest over 30 years. Issue dates and lifetime interest rates determine the exact value. Series EE bonds double in value after 20 years and continue earning interest for 10 more years until they reach final maturity.
Redeeming your bond: What to know
After finding out your savings bond’s value, you need to know the right way to redeem it. Your redemption options depend on whether you have electronic or paper bonds. Savings bonds can be cashed at banks or through TreasuryDirect, depending on the bond type.
Steps to cash in electronic bonds
Electronic Series EE and I savings bonds are easy to redeem, especially when dealing with electronic savings bonds. You should log into your TreasuryDirect account and navigate to the ManageDirect tab. Look under “Manage My Securities” and click “Redeem securities.” The system lets you redeem any amount of $25 or more precisely, but you must keep at least $25 in your account. The funds usually reach your linked bank account within two business days. Your tax forms will be ready in your TreasuryDirect account next January.
How to redeem paper bonds
Paper bonds work differently from electronic ones. You must redeem them at their full value. Most banks cash paper Series E, EE, or I savings bonds for their regular customers, though each bank’s rules vary. Your bank might want you to have an account that’s at least 12 months old, for instance. Remember to bring your unsigned bonds and government-issued photo ID to the bank. The Treasury Department accepts mailed bonds if your bank cannot help.
What is FS Form 1522 and when to use it
FS Form 1522 serves as the “Special Form of Request for Payment of United States Savings and Retirement Securities.” You need this form to mail your bonds for redemption. This is a big deal as it means that bonds worth more than $1,000 need a notary or authorized officer’s certification of your signature. Bonds valued at $1,000 or less only need your signature and a copy of your ID – driver’s license, passport, state ID, or military ID work fine.
Where to send your paper bonds
The Treasury Retail Securities Services accepts your signed FS Form 1522 and bonds at P.O. Box 9150, Minneapolis, MN 55480-9150. Series HH and H bonds follow the same steps, but processing times might differ. The system takes at least two weeks to process paper bonds in your name. Other transactions could take six weeks or longer.
How to cash in savings bonds: A step-by-step guide
Should you wait or cash out now?
The right time to cash in your savings bonds depends on several key factors. Savings bonds are considered low-risk investments, making them a great option for conservative investing. Your final investment returns can be substantially affected by when you choose to redeem them.
Penalties for early redemption
You’ll lose the last three months of interest if you cash out a savings bond during the first five years after purchase. Let’s say you redeem your bond after 18 months. You’ll only get interest for 15 months. This penalty works similarly for both Series EE and Series I bonds. The smart move is to wait until after the five-year mark to get all your accrued interest.
How inflation affects matured bonds
Savings bonds stop earning interest after reaching their 30-year maturity date. Your money loses value if you keep holding onto matured bonds as inflation eats away at their purchasing power. For instance, a matured bond worth $1,600 today will still be worth $1,600 in 10 years, but something that costs $1,600 could cost $2,050 due to inflation, which means you’ve lost $450 in value. The best financial move is to cash these bonds right when they mature.
Tax considerations when redeeming
Federal income tax applies to savings bond interest, but state and local income taxes don’t. You can report this interest in two ways: each year as it builds up or all at once when you cash in. Most investors wait to pay taxes until redemption. The proceeds might be tax-free if they go toward qualified higher education expenses. You’ll get a 1099-INT tax form next January after redeeming your bonds.
Alternatives after redemption: CDs, money market accounts
Smart reinvestment choices await after cashing in your savings bonds. CDs are budget-friendly options that lock in fixed interest rates and come with FDIC insurance up to $250,000. Money market accounts give you more flexibility with check writing and competitive rates. High-yield savings accounts are another solid choice, because they offer easy access to your money and often beat traditional savings account rates.
Conclusion
Savings bonds are a secure investment backed by the government that offer predictable returns. Your $100 savings bond can grow substantially in 30 years, and this knowledge can help you make wise financial choices. The timing of your bond redemption can greatly affect its final value.
TreasuryDirect’s calculator makes it easy to check your bond’s worth right now. You should check your bond values often, particularly as they get closer to maturity. Your bonds stop earning interest completely at the 30-year mark, while inflation keeps eating away at their purchasing power.
It makes good financial sense to redeem your bonds as soon as they mature. Electronic and paper bonds have different redemption processes, so learn the right steps before you cash out. On top of that, you need to think about when to redeem because federal taxes will apply to your interest earnings.
Your investment options expand once you cash in those mature savings bonds. You can put your money in certificates of deposit, money market accounts, or high-yield savings accounts to keep growing your wealth.
Savings bonds have been reliable investment tools for millions of Americans across generations. These bonds can work hard for your financial future, whether you got them from family members or bought them yourself years ago. Understanding their current value can help you get the most out of your investment.
The value of a $100 savings bond after 30 years depends on its type and issue date. For example, a $100 Series EE bond purchased in October 1994 would be worth approximately $164.12 today, representing $114.12 in interest earned over 30 years.
You can easily check your savings bond’s value using the TreasuryDirect Savings Bond Calculator. For paper bonds, enter the bond series, denomination, and issue date. For electronic bonds, log into your TreasuryDirect account to view current values. Most savings bonds are now issued electronically and can be managed online through TreasuryDirect.
It’s best to redeem savings bonds at or shortly after their 30-year maturity date. After this point, they stop earning interest, and inflation erodes their value. However, avoid redeeming before five years to prevent early withdrawal penalties.
To redeem paper bonds, visit a bank where you’ve been a customer for at least 12 months. Bring your unsigned bonds and government-issued photo ID. Alternatively, you can mail your bonds with a completed FS Form 1522 to the Treasury Retail Securities Services.
Savings bond interest is subject to federal income tax but is exempt from state and local taxes. You can report interest annually or all at once upon redemption. Some bondholders may qualify for tax exemption if using the proceeds for qualified higher education expenses.
