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| Comparing EE bonds to I bonds Links |
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Compare EE bonds & I Bonds
Current EE Bond Rate: 1.40%
Current I Bond Rate: 1.74%
Comparison Chart between I Savings Bonds and EE Savings Bonds
The US Treasury Department currently offers two series of savings bonds for purchase: EE and I. Both series are offered in electronic and paper format. Here is a comparison of I bonds and EE bonds:
The following chart applies to PAPER Savings Bonds purchased after May 1st, 2010
| | I Savings Bonds | EE Savings Bonds |
| Denominations | $50, $75, $100, $200, $500, $1,000, $5,000 | $50, $75, $100, $200, $500, $1,000, $5,000 and $10,000 |
| Purchase Price | 100% of face value
(a $100 I bond starts at $100) | 50% of face value
(a $100 EE bond starts at $50) |
| Interest Earnings | A fixed rate of return and a variable semiannual inflation rate (based on the CPI-U for March and Sept.) combined
Interest compounds semiannually for 30 years | Bonds issued after May 05 earn a fixed rate of interest.
Variable rates for bonds bought from May 97 thru April 05 are based on 90% of the 6-mnth avgs of 5-year Treasury Securities yields
Interest compounds semiannually for 30 years |
| Redemption | Can be redeemed after 12 months
3-month interest penalty if before 5 years | Can be redeemed after 12 months
3-month interest penalty if before 5 years |
| Taxes | Exempt from state and local income tax
Tax deferred until cash-in or the bond reaches final maturity
1099-INT issued upon cash-in by cashing-agent (bank,fed. reserve, etc) | Exempt from state and local income tax
Tax deferred until cash-in or the bond reaches final maturity
1099-INT issued upon cash-in by cashing-agent (bank,fed. reserve, etc) |
Eligible for
Tax-Free Education? | Yes | Yes |
Due to the $20,000 total annual bond limitation which began January 1st, 2008 - individuals can now only purchase a maximum face value of $10,000 ($5,000 cash) in paper EE Savings Bonds a year. You may also purchase up to $5,000 in Electronic EE Savings Bonds, $5,000 in paper I Savings Bonds and $5,000 in Electronic I Savings Bonds - all in one calendar year.
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Savings Bond