I-Bond Calculator

Should you buy, hold, or redeem?

Should you redeem your May 2020–Oct 2022 I-Bond?

Your bond carries a 0.00% fixed rate. We compare holding it against switching to today's I-Bond or TIPS — after taxes and the early-redemption penalty.

Best day to redeem (next window) Why?
⚙️ Assumptions: 24% Fed, 4% State, 2.5% Infl, 10Y Hold
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Buy I-Bonds on the last day of the month, and redeem on the first of the month.
Sets I-Bond federal tax to 0% if used for tuition (Owner 24+, under income limit). TIPS remain taxable.
On close calls, highlights I-Bonds' edge: you can redeem at face value anytime after a year with no rate risk. Disabled by the Education program, which requires holding to maturity.

All I-Bond purchase eras

Comparing historical fixed rates against today's TIPS real yields. Click a row to analyze.

Issued Fixed Rate Age Penalty vs TIPS Verdict