How Much Is a $100 Savings Bond Worth After 10 Years?

The value of a $100 savings bond after 10 years is not a fixed amount; it depends on several factors, including the type of bond and its issue date. Savings bonds are a secure, low-risk investment option issued by the U.S. Treasury, and understanding their value requires a look into their specific characteristics.

Types of Savings Bonds and How They Earn Interest

The U.S. Treasury primarily issues two types of savings bonds relevant to most bondholders: Series EE and Series I bonds. These bonds differ significantly in how they accrue interest, which directly impacts their value over time. Each type of bond is designed with distinct features to meet varying financial goals.

Series EE bonds offer a fixed rate of interest, meaning the interest rate set at the time of purchase remains constant for the bond’s life. These bonds are guaranteed to at least double in value over their initial 20-year term, even if the fixed rate alone would not achieve this. Interest on Series EE bonds accrues monthly and compounds semiannually, which means that every six months, the earned interest is added to the bond’s principal, allowing future interest to be calculated on a larger sum. Series EE bonds continue to earn interest for up to 30 years.

Series I bonds, conversely, are designed to protect against inflation. Their interest rate is a composite rate, combining a fixed rate, which remains constant for the bond’s life, and a variable inflation rate. The inflation rate component adjusts every six months based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U). This unique structure means the interest rate on Series I bonds can fluctuate, potentially increasing during periods of high inflation.

Determining Your Savings Bond’s Current Value

To accurately determine the current value of your savings bond, the most reliable method is to use the official TreasuryDirect Bond Value Calculator. This online tool is specifically designed to provide precise valuations for Series EE, Series E, and Series I paper savings bonds. It eliminates the need for manual calculations by applying the correct interest rates and compounding schedules.

Using the calculator involves entering specific details about your bond. You will need to input the bond’s series (EE or I), its denomination (face value, such as $100), and its exact issue date (month and year). While the serial number is not strictly required for the calculation, it can be useful for record-keeping, especially if you are creating an inventory of multiple bonds. After providing this information, the calculator will display the bond’s current value, including the total accrued interest and the next date interest will be added.

The calculator can also show a bond’s value for past dates, going back to January 1996, or for future dates within the current six-month interest period. For electronic savings bonds, the valuation process is simpler; you can find their current value by logging into your TreasuryDirect account, which lists all your electronic holdings. The TreasuryDirect platform provides a secure and accurate way to monitor your investments, helping you stay informed about their growth.

Key Information for Valuation and Management

Accurately determining a savings bond’s value hinges on having specific information readily available. For paper bonds, this information is typically printed directly on the bond certificate. The bond series is usually found in the upper right corner, the issue date (month and year) is located on the right side below the series, and the denomination (face value) is in the upper left corner. The bond’s serial number is located in the lower right corner.

If you possess paper bonds and are concerned about their security or prefer digital management, you can convert them into electronic form within your TreasuryDirect account. This transition can simplify tracking and future redemption processes.

If a paper bond is lost, stolen, or destroyed, or if you cannot locate its issue date, the TreasuryDirect website offers resources for assistance. You can submit FS Form 1048 to request a replacement, which will typically be issued electronically into a TreasuryDirect account. If the serial number is unknown, providing information like the specific month and year of purchase, your Social Security Number, and your mailing address can help in the search. TreasuryDirect also provides a tool called Treasury Hunt, which allows you to search for unclaimed savings bonds using your Social Security Number. For direct support, the TreasuryDirect customer service line can be reached for inquiries regarding lost bonds or account access issues.