What Is a Series I Bond?

It is a fixed interest rate determined at the moment of sale. They are also inflation-adjusted, which means that the Treasury will pay the additional rate of interest that is applied twice a year (in November and May) according to the estimated amount of inflation. In contrast to other U.S. securities, Series I bonds are offered at face value. A $50 bond can be offered for sale at $50. The time period of these bonds is different from those of similar bonds. They can last from one to 30 years. However, if they are sold before five years have passed from the date of purchase, the purchaser is liable for the last 3 months' interest.

The interest rate on the bond is made up of a fixed rate which remains the same throughout the duration of the bond, and an inflation rate fixed twice per year. The interest rate on the Series I bond issued from May 2022 until the end of October 2022 was 9.62 percent. The Series I bonds cannot be traded. This means they can't be legally purchased or sold to third-party buyers. The secondary market is not for them. They are only redeemable through the initial owner.

Understanding Series I Bonds

The Series I bonds are not marketable bonds included in the U.S. Treasury program created to provide low-risk investment options. They are not marketable, which means they can't be purchased or sold in the secondary market. The inflation rate is adjusted annually between May and November according to variations in the seasonally adjusted cost index of all consumers in urban areas. This fixed-rate applies to every I bond issued during the following six months. It is fixed semi-annually and does not change over the duration that the bond is in force. The increase in the inflation rate applies to the bond every six months following the date of the bond's issue.

Benefits

The main advantage is I bonds lies in the fact that they safeguard the buying ability of your cash against inflation. As prices rise throughout the market, they decrease the number of dollars you can purchase; however, safe investments such as I bonds will help you keep the value of your cash part of your asset allocation. The security offered through U.S. Treasury has nearly no chance of default, and, as we've mentioned earlier, I bonds provide attractive tax advantages. The interest they pay, for example, is exempt from local and state taxes. They can also be tax-free when used to pay for college fees and tuition at an eligible institution.

The Risks of Investing

Remarkably, I bonds are among the few investments in the global market guaranteed by the U.S. government. If inflation increases, then you'll receive more interest via inflation adjustments. In deflation, the economy I bonds come with the assurance that they will not go lower than 0% for the year. This means that your purchasing power will increase even if you didn't earn the interest you would have earned on your funds.

How Long You Have to Hold I Bonds

The Series I bonds aren't meant to be traded; instead, they are intended to be used as investments that last for a long time. You cannot cash them in until at the least twelve months following purchasing every I bond. If you decide to redeem the bonds before the fifth-anniversary date of purchase, you'll be charged a penalty equal to the final three months of interest.

What Happens if You Lose I Bonds

Like all savings bonds, I bonds are referred to by the designation "registered" securities. Even if you have to forfeit the certificate of I bond (assuming you purchased paper certificates instead of the online option), there's no need to worry. It's because you're legally registered as the owner. Contact the Treasury Department, fill out the necessary paperwork, and you'll receive an I-bond replacement. It is also a reason to be aware that these bonds cannot be transferred. It is not possible to buy an I bond through an investor else because the Treasury will always consider the original owner to be the one who is rightfully entitled to it, not you. You can only purchase I Bonds from the U.S. Treasury and a few banks and certain pay-per-pay plans. If you buy I bonds from a different investor, they will legally own the rights to these bonds, and you'll lose your investment.