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If you’ve ever opened a birthday card, holiday envelope, or old keepsake box and found a paper savings bond, you’re not alone. For years, savings bonds were a popular gift from parents, grandparents, and relatives who wanted to help loved ones save for the future.
But if you’re now staring at those bonds wondering what they’re worth—or what to do next—you’re in the right place.
Savings bonds are a type of low-risk savings product issued by the U.S. Treasury. Over time, they earn interest and increase in value. The tricky part? Many people receive them as gifts and hold onto them for years without knowing how much they’re worth, if they’re still earning interest, or how to cash them in. As of mid-2026, over 19.8 million matured, unredeemed U.S. savings bonds are still outstanding, with a combined value exceeding $39 billion.
The value of a savings bond depends on a few things, including the type of bond, when it was issued, and how long it has been earning interest. Some bonds may be worth their face value, while others may still be growing.
The U.S. Treasury offers a savings bond calculator to help estimate the current value of paper savings bonds. You’ll typically need information printed on the bond, such as the series, denomination, issue date, and serial number. TreasuryDirect also notes that savings bonds can generally be cashed after being held for one year, but they may continue earning interest for up to 30 years.
Pro Tip: If you're bonds haven't fully matured yet, save your inventory so that you can continue to monitor their worth.
To cash savings bonds at Verve, you must have been a member for at least one year. If you meet that requirement and have eligible paper savings bonds, bring the bonds, your member number, and a valid photo ID to a branch. While some bonds may need to be sent to the U.S. Treasury for redemption based on their type or value, most can be cashed on the spot, allowing you to access your funds immediately.
That depends on your goals. If you need the money for an upcoming expense, depositing it into your checking or savings account may make sense. But if you want to keep earning interest, you may want to explore savings options that can help your money continue growing.
For example, if you cash in savings bonds and don’t need the funds immediately, a share certificate could be a good option to consider. Certificates let you lock in funds for a set term while earning a fixed rate—check out our current 13-month offer. Want to explore more options? Schedule a financial wellness review with our Verve team to discuss which option(s) are best for you.
In most cases, yes. The interest earned on savings bonds is generally reported as income in the year the bonds are redeemed, unless it was reported in a prior tax year. The IRS notes that some or all interest may be excluded from gross income if certain qualified higher education expenses are paid during the year.
When you cash in your savings bonds, a Verve team member will provide you with tax documentation that you should save for tax time.
Because everyone’s tax situation is different, it’s a good idea to connect with a qualified tax professional if you have questions about how cashing in savings bonds may impact your tax return.
If you have paper savings bonds tucked away and aren’t sure what to do with them, stop by a Verve branch. Our team can help you review your options, cash in eligible bonds, and decide where your money should go next.
Whether you use the funds today or keep them growing for tomorrow, Verve is here to help you make the most of what you’ve saved.
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