How to Find Forgotten Savings Bonds in the US (2025 Step-by-Step Guide)
There are billions of dollars in unclaimed U.S. savings bonds sitting with the Treasury, often forgotten by their owners or heirs. If you or a family member ever bought Series EE or I Bonds, you might be owed money right now. This 2025 guide shows you how to search, verify, and redeem those bonds—completely free.
What Are U.S. Savings Bonds?
- Issued by the U.S. Treasury to individuals since 1935
- Series EE and Series I are the most common types
- Earn interest for up to 30 years
- Can be paper or electronic bonds
Why Are Bonds Forgotten?
Many bonds are lost due to:
- Physical paper bonds being misplaced
- Issued in someone else’s name (like a child or deceased relative)
- Not knowing how to redeem old bonds
Step-by-Step: How to Search for Forgotten Bonds
- Go to TreasuryHunt.gov
- Enter your full name (and maiden name, if applicable)
- Add Social Security Number (optional but helps)
- Click “Search”
- If matches are found, follow the instructions to request redemption
Paper Bonds vs Electronic Bonds
| Type | How Issued | Where to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Bonds | Mailed to buyer | TreasuryHunt.gov |
| Electronic Bonds | Through TreasuryDirect.gov | Log in to your TreasuryDirect account |
How to Redeem a Bond (If Found)
- Complete Form 1048 (Claim for Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Bonds)
- Submit ID verification and any death certificates (if claiming for a relative)
- Mail the documents to the U.S. Treasury (instructions provided on-site)
Common Issues & Solutions
- No match found? Try all name variations or try relatives
- Deceased owner? You may still redeem if you’re a legal heir
- Old bond from 1980s? Likely matured—redeem now!
Final Thoughts
If you or your loved ones ever purchased U.S. savings bonds, don’t let them go to waste. A 5-minute search at TreasuryHunt.gov could recover hundreds or even thousands of dollars—tax-free. Check today and make it a yearly habit.