Chase does not cash savings bonds at the teller window, but you can deposit them into your account after they mature
Chase will not cash a savings bond for you directly. However, if your savings bond has reached its final maturity date, you can deposit it into a Chase checking or savings account through the mail or at a branch. The bank treats a matured savings bond like any other check deposit — it goes into your account, and you can withdraw the money once it clears.
The key requirement is that the bond must be fully matured. Series EE bonds issued before May 2003 stop earning interest after 30 years. Series I bonds stop earning after 30 years as well. If your bond is still in its earning period, Chase cannot process it as a deposit. You will need to cash it through the U.S. Department of the Treasury instead.
The process is straightforward once the bond qualifies: endorse the back of the bond, include a deposit slip, and either mail it to Chase or hand it to a teller. The funds typically appear in your account within 5 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Chase accepts matured savings bonds as deposits only after they have reached their final maturity date and stopped earning interest.
- You must endorse the bond and include a deposit slip; Chase will not cash bonds over the counter like a check.
- Bonds still in their earning period must be cashed through the U.S. Department of the Treasury, not through a bank.
- Deposited bonds clear within 5 to 10 business days, and you can withdraw the money once the deposit posts to your account.
How to learn about your savings bond has matured
The U.S. Department of the Treasury maintains a free tool called the Savings Bond Calculator on TreasuryDirect.gov. You enter the bond series, denomination, and issue date, and the tool tells you the current value and whether the bond is still earning interest.
If you have lost the bond certificate or cannot find the issue date, you can contact the Bureau of the Fiscal Service at 844-284-2676. They can look up your bond by serial number if you have it, or by your Social Security number if you registered the bond in your name. This step takes a few days but is free.
Do not assume a bond has matured based on how long you have owned it. Many people hold bonds for decades without checking. The maturity date depends on the series and issue date, and only the Treasury's records are authoritative.
Depositing a matured bond at Chase
Once you confirm the bond is matured, you have two options: deposit it by mail or bring it to a Chase branch in person.
By mail: Endorse the back of the bond with your signature. Include a deposit slip (you can request one from Chase or print one from your online account). Write your account number on the deposit slip. Mail both to the Chase branch where you hold your account. Include a cover letter with your name, account number, and the bond's serial number so Chase can match it to your deposit. Use a tracked mailing service like certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
In person: Bring the bond and your ID to any Chase branch. Endorse the back of the bond in front of the teller. The teller will process it as a deposit and give you a receipt. The funds will post to your account within 5 to 10 business days.
Chase does not charge a fee to deposit a matured savings bond. However, some branches may ask you to wait while they verify the bond's maturity status, which can take 10 to 15 minutes.
What happens if your bond is not yet matured
If your bond is still earning interest, Chase cannot deposit it. You must cash it through the U.S. Department of the Treasury instead. You have two paths: cash it through a bank that is a Treasury agent, or cash it directly through TreasuryDirect.
Not all banks are Treasury agents. Chase is not a Treasury agent for savings bond redemptions. However, many regional and community banks are. Call ahead to confirm before you visit. If you go to a bank that is a Treasury agent, bring your bond, your ID, and your Social Security number. The bank will verify the bond and pay you on the spot, usually in cash or by check.
Alternatively, you can redeem the bond through TreasuryDirect.gov if you have an account. Log in, select "Manage Securities," find your bond, and request redemption. The money will transfer to your linked bank account within one to three business days. This method works only if you registered the bond in your name when you bought it.
Cashing a bond before maturity through a Treasury agent
If you need the money before the bond reaches final maturity, you can redeem it early through a Treasury agent bank. However, there is a penalty: you lose the last three months of interest. For example, if your bond is worth $5,000 but would earn $50 in the next three months, you will receive $4,950 instead.
Series EE bonds can be redeemed one year after purchase. Series I bonds can be redeemed one year after purchase as well, but if you redeem within five years, you lose the last three months of interest. After five years, there is no penalty.
To redeem early, find a Treasury agent bank near you using the Treasury's agent locator on TreasuryDirect.gov. Bring the bond, your ID, and your Social Security number. The agent will verify the bond, calculate the early redemption value, and pay you. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes.
What to do if you cannot find your bond certificate
If you have lost the physical bond certificate, you can still redeem it or deposit it. Contact the Bureau of the Fiscal Service at 844-284-2676 with your name, Social Security number, and as much information as you remember about the bond (series, denomination, approximate issue date). They will search their records and issue a replacement certificate or direct you to redeem it through TreasuryDirect if you have an account.
The process takes 4 to 6 weeks. You will need to provide a signed statement explaining that the bond was lost, and you may need to provide proof of ownership (such as a bank statement showing the bond's serial number, if you have one). There is no fee for this service.
If the bond was registered in someone else's name and that person has died, you will need to provide a death certificate and proof that you are the heir or executor of the estate. The Treasury will then issue a new certificate in your name or process the redemption on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a savings bond at any Chase branch?
Yes, you can deposit a matured savings bond at any Chase branch where you hold an account. If you do not have an account at that branch, you may need to visit the branch where your account is registered. Call ahead to confirm your branch's policy.
How long does it take for a deposited savings bond to clear?
Most matured savings bonds clear within 5 to 10 business days. Chase may hold the deposit longer if the bond requires additional verification, but this is rare. You will receive a receipt showing the expected deposit date.
What if Chase says my bond is not matured?
Ask the teller to verify the maturity date using the bond's series and issue date. If there is a discrepancy, contact the Bureau of the Fiscal Service at 844-284-2676 to confirm the bond's status. Do not leave the bond with Chase if there is any doubt — take it with you and verify independently first.
Can I deposit someone else's savings bond into my Chase account?
No. The bond must be registered in your name or you must be the authorized heir or executor. If the bond is in someone else's name, that person must endorse it and deposit it into their own account, or you must provide legal documentation of your right to the bond (such as a death certificate and will if the original owner has died).
Does Chase charge a fee to deposit a matured savings bond?
No. Chase does not charge a fee to deposit a matured savings bond. However, if you use certified mail or another tracking service to mail the bond, you will pay for that service yourself.