I bond purchase limits
You can buy up to $10,000 in electronic I bonds per person, per calendar year, through TreasuryDirect (minimum $25). The EE bond limit is a separate $10,000, so one person can buy $10,000 of each in the same year. Families effectively buy more because each Social Security Number has its own limit — spouses, children, and separate legal entities (trusts, businesses, estates) each get $10,000. The limit resets every January 1. The old paper-bond-via-tax-refund route has been discontinued.
Source: TreasuryDirect. Data as of May 2026.
The limits at a glance (May 2026)
| Limit / rule | Amount |
|---|---|
| Electronic I bonds (per SSN, per year) | $10,000 |
| Electronic EE bonds (per SSN, per year) | $10,000 (separate limit) |
| Minimum purchase (electronic) | $25 |
| Buy increments | Any amount to the penny above $25 |
| Where to buy | TreasuryDirect.gov (electronic only) |
| Entities (trust, business, estate) | Each has its own $10,000 limit |
Source: TreasuryDirect. Data as of May 2026.
How to buy more than $10,000
- Per person: each SSN gets $10,000 — a couple can buy $20,000.
- Children: you can open custodial TreasuryDirect accounts for minors.
- Entities: a living trust, a business (LLC), or an estate each has its own $10,000 limit.
- Gifting: you can buy I bonds as gifts and hold them in a 'gift box' to deliver in a future year, effectively front-loading purchases (the recipient's annual limit still applies in the year of delivery).
Limits and the paper-bond rules change periodically; always confirm the current figures on TreasuryDirect before buying. This is not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I buy in I bonds per year?
Up to $10,000 in electronic I bonds per Social Security Number per calendar year through TreasuryDirect. This is separate from the $10,000 EE bond limit, so one person can buy $10,000 of each in the same year.
How can a family buy more than $10,000 of I bonds?
Each person with their own Social Security Number has a $10,000 limit, so a couple can buy $20,000, and you can also buy bonds in the names of children. Separate legal entities (a living trust, a business, an estate) each get their own $10,000 limit. Gifting also lets you 'pre-buy' for future years held in a gift box.
Is there still a paper I bond option?
The option to buy paper I bonds with a federal tax refund was discontinued (ending with the 2025 filing season). Check TreasuryDirect for the current rules; today I bonds are bought electronically.
Does the limit reset each year?
Yes — the $10,000 limit is per calendar year. It resets every January 1, so you can buy a fresh $10,000 each year.
Related
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