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How to buy I bonds at 6.89%
Even though the interest rate has dipped, I bonds are a uniquely safe and relatively predictable investment. I bond proponents underscore that the bonds provide a nearly risk-free place to park your savings that's shielded from the volatility of the stock market and rapidly rising consumer prices.
However, buying I bonds can be a headache. Only the Treasury Department issues the government bonds, and the core method of purchase is through the department's website, Treasury Direct.
The website has a reputation for being clunky, and the recent crash ahead of the Friday purchase deadline for the 9.62% rate despite the site being redesigned last month has all but cemented its notoriety. Money recently tested the online buying process, and it took roughly 20 minutes with no entry mistakes to open an account and purchase the bonds. (Changing or correcting account details after the fact could extend that timeline by days or possibly weeks.)
The Treasury Department limits purchases of electronic I bonds to $10,000 per calendar year, though you can also buy up to $5,000 worth of paper I bonds to extend the overall annual purchase cap to $15,000. The only way to purchase paper versions, however, is by electing to use your tax refund money using IRS form 8888 at the time of filling your taxes.
Electronic I bonds can be bought in any increment, starting at $25. Paper I bonds come in the form of $50, $100, $200, $500 or $1,000 bonds.
In addition to these purchasing caveats, potential buyers should know that I bonds can't be cashed
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