Chase will cash most savings bonds, but not all of them, and the process depends on which type you hold

Chase Bank can cash U.S. savings bonds at most of its branches, but the bank has specific rules about which bonds it will handle and what you need to bring. Series EE bonds, Series I bonds, and older Series E bonds are generally accepted. However, Chase does not cash savings bonds issued before 1974, and some branches may decline bonds with certain characteristics — particularly if the bond is very old or if the registered owner is deceased.

The fastest way to know whether Chase will cash your specific bond is to call the branch where you have an account or visit in person with the bond itself. The teller can look at it and tell you when ready. If Chase declines, you have other options: the U.S. Treasury will always cash a savings bond directly, though that process takes longer.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase cashes Series EE, Series I, and most Series E savings bonds at its branches, but requires you to bring the physical bond and a government-issued ID.
  • Bonds issued before 1974 and bonds registered to a deceased owner may be declined by Chase and will need to go through the U.S. Treasury instead.
  • You do not need to have a Chase account to cash a bond there, though having one can speed up the process.
  • The U.S. Treasury will cash any legitimate savings bond directly if your bank declines, but the process involves mailing the bond and waiting several weeks.

What you need to bring to Chase

Bring the physical savings bond itself — Chase cannot cash a bond based on a copy or a description. You will also need a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. If you have a Chase account, bring your debit card or account number, though it is not required.

If the bond is registered in someone else's name, that person must be present with their own ID, or you will need a signed power of attorney document. If the original owner is deceased, the situation becomes more complicated: Chase may ask for a death certificate and proof that you are authorized to cash the bond (such as being named in a will or being the executor of an estate). In these cases, it is often easier to work directly with the U.S. Treasury.

Which savings bonds Chase will and will not cash

Chase accepts Series EE bonds (issued from 1980 onward), Series I bonds (issued from 1998 onward), and Series E bonds (issued before 1980), though older Series E bonds sometimes face delays or refusal. The bank will not cash savings bonds issued before 1974 under any circumstances — these are considered too old for standard processing.

Bonds that have matured (reached the end of their earning period) are still cashable. Bonds that have not yet reached their issue date cannot be cashed anywhere. If your bond is in a safe deposit box at Chase, you will need to retrieve it from the box before the teller can process it.

How the cashing process works at Chase

Walk into any Chase branch during business hours with your bond and ID. Tell the teller you want to cash the savings bond. The teller will examine the bond to confirm it is legitimate and that Chase can process it. This usually takes a few minutes.

If Chase accepts it, the teller will ask how you want the money — deposited into a Chase account, a non-Chase account, or as cash. If you have a Chase account, deposit is fastest. If you do not have an account, you can receive cash or a check. The entire transaction typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a receipt.

What to do if Chase declines your bond

If the branch tells you they cannot cash the bond, ask why. Common reasons are that the bond is too old, the registered owner is deceased, or the bond has a defect (such as a missing signature). Write down the reason they give you.

Your next step is to contact the U.S. Treasury's Bureau of the Fiscal Service, which will cash any legitimate savings bond. You can mail the bond to them with a form called FS Form 1522 (Request to Redeem Series E, EE, or I Savings Bonds). You can read this form from the Treasury website or request it by calling 844-284-2676. Mail the bond and completed form to the address listed on the form. The Treasury typically processes redemptions within four to six weeks and will mail you a check.

Cashing a bond without a Chase account

You do not need to be a Chase customer to cash a savings bond at Chase. Walk in with your bond and ID, and the teller will process it. You can ask for the money as cash or as a check. Some branches may have a limit on how much cash they will give out on the spot, so if your bond is worth a large amount, ask the teller whether a check would be faster.

If you prefer to avoid going to a bank branch entirely, the U.S. Treasury will mail you a check for the bond's value. This route takes longer but requires no bank account and no in-person visit.

Understanding the bond's value before you cash it

The amount Chase will give you depends on how long you have held the bond and what type it is. Series EE bonds earn interest for 30 years. Series I bonds earn interest for 30 years as well. If you cash the bond before it has been held for five years, you will lose the last three months of interest as a penalty.

Before you go to Chase, you can look up your bond's current value on the Treasury website at treasurydirect.gov. Log in or create an account, and the site will show you the exact redemption value of any bond you own. Bring this information with you to Chase so you know what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have a Chase account to cash a savings bond there?

No. Any person with a government-issued ID can walk into a Chase branch and cash a savings bond, whether or not they have an account. If you do not have an account, you can receive the money as cash or a check.

What if I lost the physical bond but have the serial number?

Chase will not cash a bond without the physical certificate. Contact the U.S. Treasury at 844-284-2676 to report the bond lost or destroyed. They can issue a replacement bond or process a redemption based on your records, though this takes several weeks.

Can I cash a bond that someone gave me as a gift?

Yes, if the bond is registered to you or if you have written authorization from the registered owner. If the bond is registered to the person who gave it to you, they must be present with their ID, or you need a signed power of attorney from them.

Will Chase charge me a fee to cash the bond?

No. Chase does not charge a fee to redeem savings bonds. The U.S. Treasury also charges no fee. If someone offers to cash your bond for a fee, that is a scam.

What happens if the bond is worth more than the cash limit at the branch?

Ask the teller what the branch's cash limit is. If your bond exceeds it, you can request a check instead, which the teller can issue on the spot. Alternatively, you can deposit the funds into a Chase account if you have one.