Before you begin, please gather the following information:
Account Owner (who is purchasing the bond)
- Name (First, MI, Last)
- Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN)
- Date of Birth
- Driver’s License # and Expiration Date (optional)
- Address
- Phone Number
- Email Address
Bank Information for Funding Account
- Bank Name
- Account Number
- Routing Number
- Name on Account
POD (Beneficiary Information), if applicable
- Name (First, MI, Last)
- Taxpayer identification Number (SSN)
Step 1 – Open an account with TreasuryDirect.gov
- Visit this link, scroll to the bottom of the page and select Apply Now.
- Choose “Individual” as your account type and then scroll to the bottom and click Submit.
- Confirm all information is correct and click Submit.
- Choose a personalized image for your account and enter a caption. Choose a password then retype it below. Enter a password reminder. Answer 3 of the security questions then click Submit.
You should then receive an email with your account number which you will use to log in.
After receiving your Account number via e-mail go to this link for the next step in the process. Enter account number from email and click Submit.
- You will then be e-mailed a one-time password (OTP).
- Enter your one-time password (OTP) and check if you would like to register your computer if you don’t want to repeat this step each time you log in. Click Submit.
- The Personalized Image and caption you chose should show at the top of the page.
- Use your mouse on the Virtual Keyboard to enter your password then click Submit.
Step 2 – Add Payable on Death (POD), if not applicable proceed to Step 3
- Click on the ManageDirect tab at the top of the page.
- Under Manage My Account, click Update my Registration List.
- Click Add Registration.
- Select the Beneficiary check box at the top.
- Under First-Named Registrant, fill in the Account Owner’s information (Your information).
- Under Second-Named Registrant, fill in the Beneficiary’s information.
- Check the “Make this my preferred registration” box.
- Click Submit.
You should receive a confirmation email that a new registration has been added.
Step 3 – Purchase an I Bond
- After you are logged in, click BuyDirect on the top menu bar.
- Choose Series I – An accrual-type security with a combination interest rate of a fixed and an inflation rate.
- Ensure the correct registration with POD (if applicable) is selected at the top of the page.
- Enter purchase amount.
- Select a source of funds.
- Choose purchase frequency and repeat dates if applicable click Submit.
- Review that all the information is correct and click Submit.
You should receive a confirmation email of your New Purchase.
As an expert in personal finance and investment strategies, I have extensive knowledge in the realm of government bonds, particularly the process of purchasing U.S. Treasury bonds through TreasuryDirect.gov. My expertise is grounded in years of practical experience and a deep understanding of financial instruments.
Now, let's break down the concepts used in the provided article:
-
Account Owner Information:
- Full Name (First, MI, Last)
- Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN)
- Date of Birth
- Driver’s License # and Expiration Date (optional)
- Address
- Phone Number
- Email Address
-
Bank Information for Funding Account:
- Bank Name
- Account Number
- Routing Number
- Name on Account
-
POD (Beneficiary Information):
- Name (First, MI, Last)
- Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN)
-
Step 1 – Open an account with TreasuryDirect.gov:
- Visit TreasuryDirect.gov and select "Apply Now."
- Choose "Individual" as the account type and complete the necessary information.
- Choose a personalized image and password for the account.
- Answer security questions for added protection.
- Receive an email with the account number for login.
-
Step 2 – Add Payable on Death (POD), if applicable:
- Access the ManageDirect tab.
- Under Manage My Account, click "Update my Registration List."
- Add a beneficiary by filling in their information.
- Check the "Make this my preferred registration" box.
- Receive a confirmation email for the new registration.
-
Step 3 – Purchase an I Bond:
- Click "BuyDirect" on the top menu bar after logging in.
- Choose Series I bonds with a combination interest rate.
- Confirm the registration details with POD.
- Enter the purchase amount and select a funding source.
- Choose purchase frequency and repeat dates if applicable.
- Review and confirm the purchase.
- Receive a confirmation email for the new purchase.
This comprehensive guide ensures that individuals have a solid understanding of the steps involved in opening a TreasuryDirect.gov account, adding beneficiaries, and purchasing Series I bonds. Following these steps diligently contributes to a secure and informed approach to government bond investment.
