Bank of America will cash most U.S. savings bonds, but not all types, and the process depends on which bond you hold

Bank of America can cash Series EE and Series I savings bonds at most of its branches, as long as the bond is in your name and you bring the physical bond certificate and a valid ID. They cannot cash bonds registered to someone else, even if you are listed as a co-owner. For bonds issued after 2011 (which exist only in electronic form), you cannot cash them at a bank branch at all — you must go through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's website instead.

The reason for these limits is that savings bonds are federal securities, not bank products. Bank of America acts as an agent for the Treasury, which means they follow strict rules about who can redeem what. If your bond does not fit their requirements, they will tell you that day, and you will know exactly where to go instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America cashes paper Series EE and Series I savings bonds if they are registered in your name and you bring the physical certificate and valid ID.
  • Bonds issued after 2011 exist only electronically and cannot be cashed at any bank branch — you must redeem them through TreasuryDirect.gov.
  • If a bond is registered to someone else, Bank of America cannot cash it, even if you are a co-owner or beneficiary.
  • You do not need a Bank of America account to cash a savings bond at their branch.

Which savings bonds Bank of America will cash

Bank of America will cash Series EE bonds and Series I bonds that were issued before 2012 and exist as paper certificates. These are the bonds you can hold in your hand. The bank will cash them for their current redemption value, which the Treasury calculates based on the bond's issue date, interest rate, and how long you have held it.

The bond must be registered in your name alone or in your name and another person's name jointly. If the bond says "payable on death to" someone else, or if it is registered entirely to another person, Bank of America cannot cash it. In those cases, the other person (or the person named as payable on death) must be the one to redeem it, either at a bank or through the Treasury.

Older bond types — Series A through D, and Series H and HH — are less common but Bank of America may still cash them. Call your local branch before you go, because policies vary slightly by location and some branches have less experience with older bonds.

Bonds issued after 2011 and electronic savings bonds

If your savings bond was issued in 2012 or later, it exists only in electronic form. The Treasury stopped printing paper bonds in 2011. You cannot take an electronic bond to a bank because there is no physical certificate to present. Instead, you must redeem it through TreasuryDirect.gov, the official Treasury website where electronic bonds are held and managed.

To redeem an electronic bond on TreasuryDirect, you log in with your account credentials, select the bond you want to cash, and request redemption. The money goes directly to your bank account within a few business days. This process is free and does not require a visit to any branch.

If you are not sure whether your bond is paper or electronic, check any paperwork you received when you bought it. Paper bonds come with a physical certificate. Electronic bonds come with a confirmation email and account access to TreasuryDirect.

What you need to bring to Bank of America

Bring the physical savings bond certificate itself and a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You do not need to be a Bank of America customer. You do not need an account number or any paperwork other than the bond and your ID.

The teller will verify that the bond is in your name, check its current value with the Treasury, and give you the cash or deposit it into an account of your choice. If you want the money deposited into a bank account, you can use any account at any bank — it does not have to be Bank of America.

Some branches may ask you to fill out a short form for their records. This is normal and takes a few minutes. If the branch seems uncertain about the process, ask to speak with a manager or call ahead to confirm they cash savings bonds.

What happens if the bond is not in your name

If you inherited a savings bond, received one as a gift, or are listed as a co-owner but not the primary owner, the rules depend on how the bond is registered. A bond registered "John Smith or Jane Smith" (with "or") can be cashed by either person. A bond registered "John Smith and Jane Smith" (with "and") requires both people to be present, or one person must have a signed power of attorney from the other.

If the bond says "payable on death to Jane Smith" and John Smith has passed away, only Jane Smith can redeem it. She will need to bring the bond, her ID, and a certified copy of the death certificate. Bank of America will guide her through this process, but it is worth calling ahead so the branch is prepared.

If you are unsure how the bond is registered, look at the front of the certificate. The registration line will show exactly whose names appear and in what order.

Redeeming bonds through the Treasury instead

If Bank of America cannot cash your bond for any reason, or if you prefer not to visit a branch, you have other options. You can mail the physical bond to the Treasury's Bureau of the Fiscal Service along with a completed form and a copy of your ID. The process takes several weeks by mail.

If the bond is electronic, you must use TreasuryDirect.gov — no bank or mail option exists. If you have lost access to your TreasuryDirect account, you can contact the Treasury directly to regain access or request a redemption by mail.

For most people, cashing at a bank branch is faster and simpler. But if your bond does not meet Bank of America's requirements, the Treasury can always redeem it directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a savings bond at any Bank of America branch?

Most branches cash savings bonds, but policies vary slightly. Call ahead to confirm, especially if you have an older bond type or an unusual registration. Some very small branches may ask you to visit a larger location nearby.

What if I lost the physical bond certificate?

Contact the Treasury's Bureau of the Fiscal Service. You will need to file a claim and provide proof of ownership. The process takes time, but the Treasury can issue a replacement or redeem the bond if you can verify you own it. Start by visiting treasurydirect.gov or calling 844-284-2676.

Do I need a Bank of America account to cash a bond there?

No. You can walk into any Bank of America branch with a paper savings bond and valid ID and cash it, whether or not you have an account. If you want the money deposited, you can use any bank account at any institution.

How long does it take to get the money?

If you cash the bond in person at a branch, you receive the money when ready — either in cash or as a deposit to an account you provide. If you redeem an electronic bond through TreasuryDirect, the money reaches your bank account within a few business days.

What if the bond has not matured yet?

You can cash a savings bond before it reaches final maturity, but you may lose some interest. Series EE bonds reach final maturity after 30 years; Series I bonds after 30 years as well. Bank of America will tell you the current redemption value when you bring the bond in, so you will know exactly how much you receive.