How to Track Down Your Savings Bond
Savings bonds are a popular investment option for many individuals due to their low risk and guaranteed return. However, keeping track of your savings bonds can sometimes be challenging, especially if you have lost the physical bond or if you are unsure about its status. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to track down your savings bond:
1. Gather Information
Before you can track down your savings bond, you will need to gather some important information, including:- The serial number of the bond
- The issue date of the bond
- The denomination of the bond
- The name(s) on the bond
2. Contact the TreasuryDirect Website
If you have a TreasuryDirect account, you can log in to the website and use the “ManageDirect” feature to track down your savings bond. You will need to provide the necessary information, and the website will display the current status of your bond.3. Contact the Bureau of the Fiscal Service
If you do not have a TreasuryDirect account or if you are unable to access your bond through the website, you can contact the Bureau of the Fiscal Service directly. You can reach them by phone at 844-284-2676 or by mail at: Bureau of the Fiscal Service PO Box 7012 Parkersburg, WV 26106-7012 You will need to provide the necessary information about your bond, and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service will assist you in tracking it down.4. Visit a Financial Institution
If you purchased your savings bond through a financial institution, such as a bank or credit union, you can visit the institution and ask for assistance in tracking down your bond. They may be able to help you locate the bond or provide you with information on how to proceed.5. Check Unclaimed Property Databases
If you believe that you may have lost track of your savings bond and it has become unclaimed property, you can check the unclaimed property databases in the state where you reside. These databases contain information about unclaimed property, including savings bonds, that may belong to you.6. Keep Your Information Up to Date
To avoid losing track of your savings bond in the future, make sure to keep your information up to date. If you change your address or contact information, notify the Bureau of the Fiscal Service or the financial institution where you purchased the bond.7. Consider Using a Bond Tracking Service
There are bond tracking services available that can help you keep track of your savings bonds. These services can provide you with updates on the status of your bonds, including information on their current value and maturity date. While some of these services may charge a fee, they can be useful if you have a large number of bonds or if you want regular updates on your investments.8. Understand the Different Types of Savings Bonds
There are several different types of savings bonds, each with its own set of rules and regulations. Understanding the type of bond you have can help you track it down more effectively. The two main types of savings bonds are:- Series EE Bonds: These bonds are purchased at a discount to their face value and accrue interest over time. They have a fixed interest rate and can be redeemed after being held for at least one year.
- Series I Bonds: These bonds earn interest based on a combination of a fixed rate and a variable rate that is adjusted for inflation. They can be redeemed after being held for at least one year.