Buying Treasuries used to feel like you needed a permission slip. In 2026, you can do it from your phone in five minutes through any major broker, or directly from the government via TreasuryDirect. Both are free; one is easier.
This guide walks through both routes, names which to use when, and covers the gotchas that catch first-timers.
What changed in 2026
A few practical things to know before you start.
- Brokers stopped charging Treasury commissions. Fidelity, Schwab, and Vanguard all list new-issue Treasuries free.
- TreasuryDirect's UI is still from 2003. Functional, but expect a few "what year is this" moments.
- Auction schedules are reliable. 4- and 8-week T-bills auction every Tuesday; 13- and 26-week every Monday.
How it works
Two ways to buy. Pick one based on what you value.
- TreasuryDirect — direct from US Treasury, no broker, no fee
- Broker (Fidelity / Schwab / Vanguard) — buy at auction or on secondary market
- New issue — bought at auction, settles a few days later
- Secondary market — bought from another holder, price varies
- Held to maturity — you get face value back regardless of interim price
1. Buying via your broker — easiest path
Log in. Search "fixed income" or "bonds." Filter to "US Treasuries" and "new issue auction." Pick the maturity, enter quantity (each unit is $1,000 face value), and submit. Order goes into the next auction. You see results the day after.
The catch: minimum is usually $1,000 per unit. Some brokers let you buy in $100 increments on the secondary market.
2. Buying via TreasuryDirect — free, slightly painful
Create an account at TreasuryDirect.gov. Verification is mostly painless these days. Link a bank account. Go to "BuyDirect," pick the Treasury type, and submit before the auction cutoff. Settlement debits your bank.
The catch: managing them is tedious. Selling before maturity requires transferring out, which takes weeks.
3. Buying I-bonds — separate process, $10k/year cap
I-bonds are inflation-adjusted savings bonds you can only buy via TreasuryDirect, capped at $10,000 per person per calendar year. Hold for at least one year; lose three months of interest if you redeem before year five.
Comparison: where to buy Treasuries in April 2026
| Method |
Fee |
Ease |
Min |
Best for |
| Fidelity |
$0 |
Easy |
$1,000 |
Most people |
| Schwab |
$0 |
Easy |
$1,000 |
Schwab clients |
| Vanguard |
$0 |
OK |
$1,000 |
Vanguard clients |
| TreasuryDirect |
$0 |
Clunky |
$100 |
I-bonds, purists |
| Treasury ETF (BIL, SHV) |
0.04–0.15% |
Easiest |
1 share |
Hands-off cash |
Common mistakes to avoid
Missing the auction deadline. Most brokers cut off orders the morning of an auction. If you submit late, you go into the next one — possibly a week away.
Buying long bonds without thinking. A 30-year Treasury can move 15–20% in price when rates shift a single percent. If that scares you, stick to bills.
Forgetting that interest is federally taxable but state-exempt. This matters at tax time. Brokers send you a 1099-INT; TreasuryDirect makes you go fetch the form.
FAQ
Can I buy Treasuries in my IRA?
Yes, via your broker. TreasuryDirect doesn't support IRAs.
What's the minimum to buy a T-bill?
$100 at TreasuryDirect; usually $1,000 at a broker for new issue, smaller on the secondary market.
Can I sell a Treasury before it matures?
Yes, on the secondary market through your broker. The price depends on current rates — you may get more or less than you paid.
Where to go next
For related guides see Treasury bills vs CDs in 2026, Bond investing in 2026, and Best high-yield savings accounts 2026.