Series EE Bonds are US government savings bonds with a unique guarantee: they will be worth double the purchase price at exactly 20 years. This doubling guarantee provides an effective 3.53% annualized return regardless of the stated interest rate. This calculator shows current redemption value, interest earned, and your guaranteed doubling date.
Bond Details
Electronic EE bonds: buy at face value (e.g., $100 bond costs $100). Paper bonds: buy at half face value.
For post-2003 electronic bonds, the stated rate may be low. The doubling guarantee overrides it at year 20.
Current Value
Guarantee Milestone
Note: EE Bond values use an accrual method — interest is added monthly but only in full months. The early redemption penalty (3 months interest) applies if redeemed before 5 years. For the exact current TreasuryDirect redemption value, use the official Savings Bond Calculator at treasurydirect.gov.
How to Use the Series EE Bond Calculator
Series EE Bonds are one of the simplest and most secure investments available, backed by the US government. Their unique doubling guarantee makes them worth holding for exactly 20 years for maximum return.
Step 1: Enter Bond Purchase Details
Enter the purchase price (the amount you paid) and select the bond type. Electronic bonds issued since January 2003 are purchased at face value. Paper EE bonds issued before 2012 were sold at half face value — a $500 paper bond cost $250 and matures to $500 at face value, then continues growing. Enter the month and year the bond was issued (found on the bond or in your TreasuryDirect account).
Step 2: Enter the Interest Rate
Enter the stated fixed interest rate shown on the bond or in TreasuryDirect. For bonds issued between 2003–2024, rates have ranged from 0.10% to 2.70%. This rate matters for current accrual calculations, but remember: at 20 years, the Treasury adjusts the value to exactly double the purchase price regardless of the stated rate. If the stated rate would have produced more than doubling, the accrued amount is used instead.
Understanding the Doubling Guarantee
The 20-year doubling guarantee is a Treasury promise: your $500 bond becomes $1,000 at exactly 20 years. This is equivalent to a 3.53% compound annual return. If you hold the bond past 20 years (up to 30 years), it continues earning the stated interest rate. Holding EE bonds for the full 20 years is almost always the optimal strategy unless you have an urgent need for the money before then.
When to Consider EE Bonds
EE bonds are most suitable for a 20-year savings goal where you want near-zero risk — funding college for a newborn, retirement savings in very conservative allocations, or as a complement to TIPS and I bonds in an inflation-protected portfolio. They are less suitable for short-term savings because redeeming before 5 years incurs the 3-month interest penalty, and redeeming before 20 years forfeits the guaranteed doubling bonus.
FAQ
Is this EE Bond calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. All calculations run in your browser.
Do EE Bonds really double in value?
Yes. The US Treasury guarantees that Series EE bonds will double in value at exactly 20 years from issue date. This is the defining feature of EE bonds — regardless of the stated interest rate (which can be very low), the Treasury adjusts the bond to double at year 20. This guarantee effectively provides a 3.53% annualized return over 20 years. After 20 years, bonds earn the stated fixed rate for another 10 years (to 30-year final maturity).
What is the current EE Bond interest rate?
EE bonds issued May 2024 – October 2024 earn a fixed rate of 2.70% per year. However, because of the 20-year doubling guarantee, the effective return is 3.53% if held exactly 20 years. The stated rate is relevant only if you redeem before the 20-year mark. Rates are set by the Treasury every May and November.
Can I redeem EE Bonds before 20 years?
You must hold EE bonds for at least 12 months before redemption — they cannot be cashed during the first year. If you redeem before 5 years, you forfeit the last 3 months of interest (same penalty as I bonds). You can redeem anytime from months 12 to 60 with the 3-month penalty. After 5 years, there is no penalty. Note: redeeming before exactly 20 years forfeits the doubling guarantee.
How are EE Bond earnings taxed?
EE Bond interest is subject to federal income tax but exempt from state and local taxes. You can defer all federal taxes until redemption (common strategy) or elect to report interest annually. EE Bond earnings used for qualified education expenses may be partially or fully excluded from federal income tax if your income falls below IRS thresholds.