I bonds interest rates — TreasuryDirect (2024)

FAQs

I bonds interest rates — TreasuryDirect? ›

The composite rate for I bonds issued from May 2024 through October 2024 is 4.28%.

The current rate on I bonds issued from May 1, 2024, through Oct. 31, 2024, is 4.28 percent, which includes a fixed rate of 1.30 percent.

The current bond composite rate is 5.27%. That rate applies for the first six months for bonds issued from November 2023 through April 2024. For example, if you purchased I bonds on Nov. 1, 2023, the 5.27% rate would be in effect until April 30, 2024.

You're locked in for the first year, unable to sell at all. Even after that, there's a penalty of three months' interest if you sell before five years. So if you think you'll need any of the money before that, I bonds may not be for you.

Series I bonds will pay 4.28% annual interest from May 1 through October 2024, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced Tuesday. Linked to inflation, the latest I bond rate is down from the 5.27% annual rate offered since November and slightly lower than the 4.3% from May 2023.

That said, there is a $10,000 limit each year for purchasing them. There are several ways around this limit, though, including using your tax refund, having your spouse purchase bonds as well and using a separate legal entity like a trust.

But until the Fed sees evidence of slowing economic growth, interest rates will stay higher for longer. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate is expected to fall to the mid-6% range through the end of 2024, potentially dipping into high-5% territory by the end of 2025.

Savings bond interest is exempt from state and local income tax. Savings bond interest is subject to federal income tax; however, taxation can be deferred until redemption, final maturity, or other taxable disposition, whichever occurs first.

Mortgage rate predictions May 2024

Expect mortgage rates to remain well above 7 percent in May, and maybe closer to 8 percent if the run of disappointing inflation data continues.” Rates last hit 8 percent in October 2023.

What is a better investment than I bonds? ›

Bottom line. If inflation and investment safety are your chief concerns — TIPS and I-bonds deliver both. TIPS offer greater liquidity and the higher yearly limit allows you to stash far more cash in TIPS than I-bonds. If you're saving for education, I-bonds may be the way to go.

Can I cash it in before 30 years? You can cash in (redeem) your I bond after 12 months. However, if you cash in the bond in less than 5 years, you lose the last 3 months of interest. For example, if you cash in the bond after 18 months, you get the first 15 months of interest.

I bonds earn interest from the first day of the month you buy them. Twice a year, we add all the interest the bond earned in the previous 6 months to the main (principal) value of the bond. That gives the bond a new value (old value + interest earned).

You can count on a Series I bond to hold its value; that is, the bond's redemption value will not decline.

“With I bonds, your principal is protected and safe. However, if you cash the bond out before five years, then you will lose up to the last three months of accrued interest.

Further, I-bonds must be held for at least a year, so you won't be able to cash them out before a year is up if the rate plunges due to falling inflation. In fact, you'll lose the last three months of interest if you redeem them before five years are up.

The fixed rate never changes. The inflation rate is reset every 6 months and, therefore, so is the overall rate.

Remember, when you cash out your I Bonds you don't earn the interest until you complete the month and that you lose the prior 3 months' interest. If you want to keep all your good interest and get the most out of your I Bonds you should cash out: after earning 3 months of lower interest and.