What Is the 3-Month Penalty for Redeeming I Bonds Early?

Learn about the 3-month interest penalty on I Bonds if redeemed within five years and how it affects your investment returns.

Published

Video transcript

The 3-month penalty for I bonds applies if you redeem them within the first 5 years. This means you will forfeit the last three months of interest earned, making them less ideal for short-term investments.

Questions and answers

  1. What happens if I redeem I Bonds before 5 years?

    Redeeming I Bonds before 5 years results in forfeiting the last three months of interest earned as a penalty.

  2. Is there a minimum holding period for I Bonds?

    Yes, I Bonds must be held for at least 12 months before you can redeem them, but redeeming before 5 years incurs a 3-month interest penalty.

  3. How does the 3-month penalty affect I Bond returns?

    The 3-month penalty reduces your total interest earned by forfeiting the last three months' interest when redeemed early.