Can You cash in an I bond after a year?

You can cash in an I bond after a year, but if you withdraw sooner than five years, you'll pay a penalty of the last three months' interest. Because your rate changes every six months, it's smart to withdraw when your penalty will be based on a lower rate—and avoid cashing out when you'd be forfeiting a high rate.

How long can you hold a savings bond?

You can get your cash for an EE or I savings bond any time after you have owned it for 1 year. However, the longer you hold the bond, the more it earns for you (for up to 30 years for an EE or I bond). Also, if you cash in the bond in less than 5 years, you lose the last 3 months of interest. How do I know how much my bond is worth?

What is the interest rate on an I bond?

The overall, or “composite,” interest rate on an I bond consists of two parts: A fixed rate, set at purchase and locked in for 30 years. An inflation-based rate that changes every six months, starting six months from the bond’s issue date. The size of each adjustment is announced by the Treasury around May 1 and November 1 each year.