How to Access My Government Bonds

U.S. treasury bonds are issued at a discounted rate in amounts of $100 and above for a maturity date of 30 years.

Government bonds are sold to generate money for use by the local, state or federal treasury department. They are purchased directly from the treasury and can be sold back to the treasury or to other investors. Interest is paid on the bonds directly to a bank or brokerage account after a set time period. Accessing bonds refers to the ease of access to withdraw invested funds. Accessing bond investments may be done at a loss if the security is sold back to the treasury prior to its maturity.

Instructions

1. Contact your treasuries broker to discuss selling your government bonds. Confirm the date of issue for your bonds. Verify whether the maturity date is near, far off or present. Selling securities prior to their maturity dates may be done at a loss as investors will not be willing to pay much more than you did.

2. Issue a sell order. Let your broker know the minimum price at which you are willing to sell your bonds. Your broker will find a buyer for your bonds and deposit the revenue amount minus a broker fee in your brokerage account.

3. Withdraw the funds. Check with your brokerage to confirm the method for fund withdrawal. Most brokerage firms will allow customers to transfer their brokerage account funds to a regular bank account for withdrawal. Many firms will also provide a cashier's check for the amount.

References

• Yahoo Finance: How U.S. Treasury Bonds Work
• Treasury Direct: The Basics of Treasury Securities
• The Motley Fool: Where to Park Your Cash