How Long Does It Take a Series EE Bond to Mature?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 27, 2020

The length of time is takes for a Series EE bond to mature, a period known as the term, depends on the issue date of the bond. All Series EE bonds issued since June 2003 take 20 years to mature; however, all Series EE bonds issued prior to June 2003 have a shorter term of between eight and 18 years.

Series EE bonds were first issued in January 1980. The original terms for all Series EE bonds issued since January 1980 are listed below.

Bonds issued from January 1980 to October 1980 have a term of 11 years.
Bonds issued from November 1980 to April 1981 have a term of nine years.
Bonds issued from May 1981 to October 1982 have a term of eight years.
Bonds issued from November 1982 to October 1986 have a term of 10 years.
Bonds issued from November 1986 to February 1993 have a term of 12 years.
Bonds issued from March 1993 to April 1995 have a term of 18 years.
Bonds issued from May 1995 to May 2003 have a term of 17 years.
Bonds issued since June 2003 have a term of 20 years.

Series EE bonds are designed as long term investments. They earn interest for a maximum period of 30 years after they are issued. Thus, a Series EE bond with a 20 year term will continue earning interest for 10 years after it matures.