Types

• Paper series EE bonds are purchased for half their face value. Bonds come in face values of $50, $75, $100, $200, $500, $1,000, $5,000 and $10,000. A $100 bond would have an initial value of $50.
  
  

Function

• New series EE bonds accrue interest for up to 30 years. Bonds issued before May 1, 2005, earn an adjustable rate reset each year by the Treasury. Bonds issued after that date earn a fixed rate for 20 years.
  
  

Redemptions

• Series EE bonds can be redeemed one year after issue. If they are redeemed in the first five years, three months of interest will be lost. Paper EE bonds can be purchased and redeemed at any bank branch.
  
  

Bond values

• Paper series EE bonds are initially worth half of the face value of the bond. In subsequent years, bonds are worth the purchase price plus earned interest, which accrues monthly. Calculate the current value of any EE bond using the Treasury Direct link in Resources.
  
  

Considerations

• Series EE bonds are not transferable and only the original owner can redeem them. You cannot cash in a bond that belongs to someone else.