Series EE savings bonds
A Series EE savings bond is a US government bond that earns a flat fixed rate (currently 2.40%, for May 2026 - October 2026) for its first 20 years, with no inflation component. Its headline feature is the 20-year doubling guarantee: the Treasury ensures the bond is worth at least twice its purchase price at 20 years — an effective return of about 3.5% per year if you hold the full term. You can buy $25–$10,000 per person per year, must hold at least 12 months, and EE bonds are exempt from state and local tax.
Source: TreasuryDirect. Data as of May 2026.
Series EE bond key facts (May 2026)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current fixed rate | 2.40% (May 2026 - October 2026) |
| 20-year guarantee | Worth at least 2x purchase price at 20 years (~3.5%/yr) |
| Annual purchase limit | $10,000 per person, per calendar year (electronic) |
| Minimum purchase | $25 (electronic, via TreasuryDirect) |
| Earns interest for | 30 years |
| Earliest you can cash | After 12 months |
| Early-redemption penalty | Last 3 months of interest if cashed before 5 years |
| Federal tax | Yes (deferrable until redemption/maturity) |
| State & local tax | Exempt |
Source: TreasuryDirect. Data as of May 2026.
Recent EE bond rates
| Issue period | Fixed rate |
|---|---|
| May 2026 - October 2026 | 2.40% |
| November 2025 - April 2026 | 2.50% |
| May 2025 - October 2025 | 2.70% |
| November 2024 - April 2025 | 2.60% |
| May 2024 - October 2024 | 2.70% |
| November 2023 - April 2024 | 2.70% |
| May 2023 - October 2023 | 2.50% |
| November 2022 - April 2023 | 2.10% |
Source: TreasuryDirect EE bond rates. Data as of May 2026.
Learn more about EE bonds
- EE bonds explained — the full guide to the 20-year double.
- EE bond doubling calculator.
- EE bond rate history.
- I bond vs EE bond.
- Purchase limits · Taxes (same rules apply to EE bonds).
Frequently asked questions
What is the current EE bond rate?
The current Series EE bond fixed rate is 2.40% for bonds issued May 2026 - October 2026. Unlike I bonds, EE bonds earn a flat fixed rate (no inflation component) for the first 20 years.
Do EE bonds double in 20 years?
Yes. The Treasury guarantees a Series EE bond will be worth at least twice its purchase price at the 20-year mark, adding a one-time adjustment if the fixed rate alone has not doubled it. That guarantee implies an effective return of about 3.5% per year if held the full 20 years.
Should I buy EE bonds or I bonds?
EE bonds reward a 20-year hold (the guaranteed double, ~3.5%/yr). I bonds protect against inflation and reward shorter holds. If you can commit for 20 years and want a known outcome, EE bonds are predictable; if you want inflation protection and more flexibility, I bonds fit better. See our I bond vs EE bond comparison. Not investment advice.
When do EE bond rates change?
The Treasury sets a new EE fixed rate every May 1 and November 1 for newly issued bonds. The rate you get is locked for your bond's first 20 years.
Not investment or tax advice. BondValue is an independent reference, not affiliated with the U.S. Treasury or TreasuryDirect. Savings bond rates reset every 6 months (on May 1 and November 1), and any value shown here is an estimate. Verify current rates and the exact penny value of your bonds at TreasuryDirect’s official Savings Bond Calculator. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
Last updated: 2026-06-21