How To Buy Us Bonds Apr 2026

Short-term (4 weeks to 1 year). They don’t pay regular interest; instead, you buy them at a discount and get the full face value at maturity.

The term "U.S. bonds" is a broad umbrella. Depending on how long you want to lend your money, you'll choose one of these: how to buy us bonds

Long-term (20 or 30 years). These are the heavy hitters for long-term, fixed-interest income. Short-term (4 weeks to 1 year)

The website interface is notoriously outdated. It is difficult to sell bonds before they mature; you often have to transfer them to a broker first, which can take months. bonds" is a broad umbrella

Zero fees or commissions. You can set up "auto-roll" to reinvest maturing bonds automatically.

Investors who plan to hold their bonds until they mature. Option B: A Private Brokerage (The "Secondary Market") Home — TreasuryDirect

Marketable bonds where the principal value adjusts with inflation. 2. Choose Your Route: TreasuryDirect vs. Brokerage