Savings bonds (aka "war bonds") are debt securities issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to pay for the U.S. government’s borrowing needs. Saving bonds are considered one of the safest investments because they are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

Denominations Available: $25, $50, $75, $100, $200, $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000.

Issued: May 1941 to June 1980.

Purchased for 75% of face value.

An example: a $100 bond in the past would have cost $75 at the time of purchase.

E Bonds issued May 1941-November 1965 earned interest for 40 years. E Bonds issued December 1965-June 1980 earn interest for 30 years.

Series E bonds were issued only in registered, physical form and are not transferable.