How to Cash in Patriot Bonds

Patriot Bonds work exactly the same as Series EE savings bonds.

Patriot Savings Bonds are U.S. savings bonds issued through financial institutions. Starting in December 2010, the Treasury started printing the words "Patriot Bonds" across the top portion of bonds sold through banks. In reality, Patriot Bonds function exactly the same as Series EE Savings Bonds. Any rule applying to series EE Bonds also applies to Patriot Bonds.

Instructions

1. Take your Patriot Bonds and a form of picture identification to a local bank. If you have more than $1,000 worth of bonds to cash, you must go to a bank where you have an established account or the bond redemption amount will be sent to you by check.

2. Present the bonds to a bank official, along with your identification. A Patriot Bond can only be redeemed by the owner or co-owner listed on the bond.

3. Verify your Social Security number and address for the banker and sign the bond in her presence. The bank will cash the bonds immediately if the amount is less than $1,000, and for a larger amount if you have a banking relationship at the bank. Otherwise, the banker will certify the signature on the bonds and they can then be mailed to the Treasury for redemption by government check.

Tips & Warnings

• You can look up the value of your Patriot Bonds using the savings bond calculator provided in the Tools Section of the TreasuryDirect.gov website.

• Patriot bonds are issued at a cost of one-half the face value and earn interest to grow towards the face value. A bond may take up to 20 years to reach its face value. When you redeem a Patriot Bond, the amount you receive will therefore probably be less than the denomination of the bond.

References

• Treasury Direct: Redeem EE/E Savings Bonds and Savings Notes
• Treasury Direct: The Patriot Savings Bond