You can cash a savings bond at a credit union, through the U.S. Treasury, or at certain retail locations—you do not need a traditional bank account
The most direct route is to take your bond to a credit union where you are a member. Most credit unions will cash Treasury bonds for members at no charge, even if you have no savings account with them. If you are not a credit union member, you can join one—many have low or no membership fees and will cash the bond the same day.
If you cannot reach a credit union, the U.S. Treasury will cash your bond by mail. You fill out a form, mail the bond to the Treasury, and they send you a check. This takes two to three weeks. You do not need a bank account to receive the check—you can cash it at a check-cashing service, retail store, or another location that cashes Treasury checks.
Some Walmart, Target, and Kroger locations will cash savings bonds if you have a valid ID, though availability varies by store. Call ahead to confirm. A few check-cashing services will also cash bonds, though they may charge a fee of $5 to $15.
Key Takeaways
- Credit unions are the fastest and cheapest option—most will cash your bond the same day for free, and you do not need an existing account to join.
- The U.S. Treasury will mail you a check if you send your bond and a completed form, taking two to three weeks with no fees.
- Some retail stores including Walmart and Target will cash bonds for a valid ID, but you must call first to confirm your location does this.
- Check-cashing services will cash Treasury checks, but charge $5 to $15 per transaction.
- You will need the physical bond, a valid government-issued ID, and proof of Social Security number to cash any bond.
Cashing a bond at a credit union
A credit union is your fastest option. Walk in with your bond and a valid ID, and most will cash it on the spot. You do not need to be a member—many credit unions will cash Treasury bonds for non-members as a courtesy, though a few require membership. If your local credit union requires membership, joining takes 15 minutes and costs nothing or a small one-time fee (usually $5 to $25).
To find a credit union near you, use the CO-OP Network locator or Shared Branch locator on the Credit Union National Association website. Both show which credit unions are in your area and whether they cash bonds. Call ahead to confirm they have the bond in stock and what ID they need—most want a driver's license or passport, plus your Social Security number.
Bring the physical bond itself, not a copy. The bond must be in your name or co-owned with you. If someone else owns it, they must be present with their own ID, or the bond owner must sign a power of attorney form authorizing you to cash it.
Mailing your bond to the U.S. Treasury
If no credit union or retail location works for you, send your bond directly to the Treasury. Download the form PD F 1522 from the Treasury website (treasurydirect.gov), fill it out completely, and mail it with your bond to the address listed on the form. The address depends on which Treasury region handles your state.
The Treasury will verify the bond, cash it, and mail you a check. The entire process takes two to three weeks from the day they receive your package. You do not need a bank account to receive the check—once it arrives, you can cash it at a check-cashing service, retail store, or any bank or credit union.
Mail your bond certified mail with return receipt so you have proof it arrived. The Treasury does not charge a fee, but you pay for postage and certified mail (usually $8 to $12 total). Do not send cash or a personal check—the Treasury only accepts bonds and the completed form.
Cashing a Treasury check at retail locations
Once you have a check from the Treasury or any other source, you can cash it at most major retailers. Walmart cashes checks for $3 to $6 depending on the check amount. Target charges $1.50 to $3. Kroger, Safeway, and other grocery chains often cash checks for free or $1 to $2 for non-members. 7-Eleven and CVS also cash checks, usually for $2 to $5.
Bring your check and a valid government-issued ID. Some stores have a daily limit on check-cashing (often $1,000 to $5,000), so if your bond is worth more, you may need to cash it in multiple visits or use a different method. Call the store ahead of time to confirm they cash Treasury checks and what their limit is.
Using a check-cashing service
Check-cashing services will cash your Treasury check for a fee, usually $5 to $15 depending on the check amount. These are most useful if you cannot reach a retail location or if the check is large and exceeds a store's daily limit. You can find check-cashing services in most neighborhoods—search "check cashing near me" online or look for storefronts advertising payday loans and check cashing.
Bring your check and a valid ID. Some services ask for a second form of ID or proof of address. The fee is higher than retail, but the service is fast—usually same-day. If the check is very large, ask the service if they have a limit before you go in.
What you need to bring when you cash your bond
For any method, you will need the physical bond itself—a photocopy or digital image will not work. The bond is a paper certificate with a serial number, issue date, and maturity date printed on it. If you have lost the bond, you can request a replacement from the Treasury, but that takes several weeks.
You will also need a valid government-issued ID: a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. Some locations accept a tribal ID or passport card. A credit card, work ID, or student ID will not work.
Finally, you will need to provide your Social Security number. The institution cashing the bond must verify it matches the name on the bond. If the bond is in a different name, the owner must be present with their own ID and Social Security number.
If the bond is owned by someone else or is in two names
If the bond is in your name only, you can cash it alone. If it is in two names (yours and someone else's), both owners can cash it together, or one owner can cash it alone at most locations—the bond belongs to both of you equally.
If the bond is in someone else's name entirely, that person must cash it themselves, or they must sign a power of attorney form authorizing you to act on their behalf. The Treasury website has a power of attorney form (ask for it when you call), or you can use a general power of attorney from your state. The person authorizing you must sign it in front of a notary public. This adds time and cost, so it is usually easier to ask the bond owner to cash it themselves or to go with you to a credit union.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cash a savings bond?
At a credit union or retail store, same day. Through the U.S. Treasury by mail, two to three weeks from the day they receive your package. At a check-cashing service, same day, though the fee is higher than other methods.
Can I cash a bond that has matured but I have not redeemed yet?
Yes. Bonds continue to earn interest for a set period (usually 20 to 30 years depending on the type), and you can cash them anytime after they mature. Bring the bond and your ID to a credit union or mail it to the Treasury using form PD F 1522.
What if I lost my savings bond?
Contact the Treasury at 844-284-2676 or visit treasurydirect.gov to request a replacement. You will need the bond's serial number, issue date, and your Social Security number. Replacements take several weeks and may require proof of ownership.
Do I have to pay taxes on the money from a savings bond?
Yes, but that is separate from cashing it. The interest earned on the bond is subject to federal income tax. You will receive a 1099-INT form from the Treasury showing the interest earned, which you report on your tax return. The institution cashing the bond does not withhold taxes.
Can I cash a bond at any bank, even if I do not have an account there?
Most banks will not cash bonds for non-customers. Credit unions are more likely to do so. Call ahead to ask, but your best bet is a credit union, retail location, or the Treasury by mail.