What is a Patriot Bond?

A Patriot Bond is a special edition Series EE savings bond issued between December 2001 and December 2011. This type of savings bond was made to fund anti-terrorism programs, and each one has the words "Patriot Bond" printed on it. It works the same way as any other Series EE savings bond.

How much is a $50 Patriot Bond worth?

The value of a Patriot Bond depends on its face value and its date of issuance. Every Patriot Bond earns interest, which accrues in six-month periods. After 20 years, the Patriot Bond is guaranteed to be worth at least face value. For example, a $50 Patriot Bond bought for $25 will be worth at least $50 after 20 years. It can continue to accrue interest for as many as 10 more years.

Do you have to pay taxes on Patriot Bonds?

Yes, you have to pay taxes on Patriot Bonds. The interest that your savings bond earns is subject to federal income tax, but not state or local income tax. It's also subject to federal estate, gift, and excise taxes, as well as any state estate or inheritance taxes. You can either report each year's earnings or wait and report all the earnings when you cash the bond.

How long do you have to wait for a Patriot Bond to mature?

It takes 30 years for a Patriot Bond to mature, but you can cash it in before then. Patriot Bonds are guaranteed to be worth at least the face value 20 years after they were issued.

When can I cash in my Patriot Bonds?

If you currently hold a Patriot Bond, you’re able to cash it now. However, you’re unable to cash in a Series EE savings bond within one year of issuance, and you’ll pay a penalty of three months’ interest if redeemed within five years. Since all Patriot Bonds were issued before 2012, that’s not a concern.

What is the interest rate on Patriot Bonds?

The interest rate for a Patriot Bond depends on its date of issuance. If issued in May 2005 or later, it has a fixed interest rate. If issued before then, it has a variable interest rate. You can look up the current interest rate of a Patriot Bond on the Treasury Direct website.

Patriot Bonds: Defined and Explained

Everything You Need to Know About Patriot Bonds

By Lyle Daly – Updated May 11, 2026 at 3:10 AM EST | Fact-checked by Frank Bass

Key Points

Patriot Bonds double in value after 20 years and can be cashed with accrued interest.
Interest rates for Patriot Bonds vary; later issues have fixed rates, earlier have variable.
To redeem, use Treasury Direct or certified banks, and consider federal taxes on interest.

After the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on New York City and Washington D.C., the U.S. government started issuing Patriot Bonds. If you're holding a Patriot Bond, here's exactly what it is, how to find out what it's worth, and how to cash it in.

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The word bonds on an electronic board. — Image source: Getty Images.

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Interest Rate

An interest rate is the cost of borrowing money or the premium you get for lending money. Learn how interest rates affect the economy.

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Patriot Bond interest rates

Patriot Bonds issued before May 2005 earn a variable rate of interest that changes every six months. The new rates are announced on May 1 and Nov. 1 of every year and apply to all Series EE bonds issued between May 1997 and April 2005.

The rate applies to those bonds six months after their last rate change. For example, bonds issued in December will see their rates change in June and December every year.

Bonds issued in May 2005 or later earn a fixed interest rate. You can continue to hold your Patriot Bond beyond its 20-year maturity and earn the fixed rate, which you can look up on the TreasuryDirect website.

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Federal Income Tax

The federal income tax is the primary source of revenue for the United States government.

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Patriot Bond FAQ

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About the Author

Lyle Daly is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst covering information technology and cryptocurrency. Lyle has been a contributor at the financial services company since 2018. His work has been featured on USA Today, Yahoo Finance, MSN, Fox Business, and Nasdaq. Before joining The Motley Fool, he wrote for financial brands including Intuit.

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Everything You Need to Know About Patriot Bonds