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Can You Cash Out an I Bond Anytime? Rules and Penalties Explained

Learn when you can cash out an I bond and what penalties apply if redeemed early. Understand I bond holding periods and interest loss details.

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Video transcript

Yes, you can cash out an I bond anytime after 12 months. However, if you redeem it before 5 years, you'll lose the last 3 months of interest. I bonds must be held for at least one year before they can be cashed out.

Questions and answers

  1. How long must I hold an I bond before cashing it out?

    You must hold an I bond for at least 12 months before you can cash it out.

  2. Is there a penalty for cashing out an I bond early?

    Yes, if you redeem an I bond before 5 years, you lose the last 3 months of interest as a penalty.

  3. Can I cash out an I bond anytime after one year?

    Yes, you can cash out anytime after 12 months, but you will forfeit 3 months of interest if redeemed before 5 years.

  4. What happens if I wait more than 5 years to cash out my I bond?

    If you wait more than 5 years, you can redeem your I bond without any interest penalties.

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