Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

A Patriot Bond is a type of U.S. savings bond that was created as part of a national effort to support the country following the events of September 11, 2001. These bonds were part of the Series EE savings bonds and were labeled with the word “Patriot” to encourage Americans to invest in national recovery efforts while saving for the future.

History of the Patriot Bond

Patriot Bonds were first issued in December 2001. They were identical in structure and performance to traditional Series EE savings bonds, but they were branded as “Patriot Bonds” to promote patriotism and financial support for the nation. They were sold through financial institutions and banks rather than online, which made them a physical, paper-based bond option for consumers.

Key Features of Patriot Bonds

• Issued as paper Series EE savings bonds
• Displayed the words “Patriot Bond” in the upper right corner
• Available in denominations from $25 to $10,000
• Earned interest for up to 30 years
• Subject to federal taxes but exempt from state and local taxes

Although these bonds carried a symbolic purpose, they functioned financially just like other Series EE bonds. There was no difference in interest rate or terms.

Availability of Patriot Bonds

Patriot Bonds are no longer issued. The U.S. Treasury stopped selling paper savings bonds through banks in 2012. Today, Series EE savings bonds can only be purchased online through the TreasuryDirect website. While the bonds marked as “Patriot Bonds” are no longer available for purchase, those that were previously issued are still valid and earning interest if they have not matured.

Redeeming a Patriot Bond

If you own a Patriot Bond, you can still cash it in at most banks or through the Treasury. Before redeeming, it’s helpful to:

• Check the bond’s current value using the TreasuryDirect calculator
• Bring valid identification to the bank
• Wait at least one year from the purchase date before redeeming
• Be aware that redeeming before five years results in a three-month interest penalty

A Patriot Bond is a symbolic version of a Series EE savings bond that was issued after 9/11 as a way for Americans to show support and invest in the nation’s recovery. While they are no longer sold, existing bonds remain valid and can still be cashed or held to maturity. They serve as both a financial asset and a reminder of a historic period in American history.