A Beginner's Guide to Investing in Treasury Bonds and Bills

This guide explains how to buy Treasury Bonds and Bills, providing various methods such as TreasuryDirect, Treasury auctions, ETFs, money market accounts, and the secondary market. It covers the process of purchasing Treasuries on TreasuryDirect, participating in Treasury auctions, transferring Treasuries, and alternative ways to buy Treasuries. Treasury securities offer a secure and reliable investment option backed by the U.S. government, making them a valuable addition to any investment portfolio.

Basics

Investing in Treasury Bonds and Bills is a wise choice for many investors seeking a secure and reliable addition to their portfolio. This guide will explore various methods for purchasing these instruments, ensuring you make informed decisions about your investments. From TreasuryDirect to Treasury auctions, ETFs, money market accounts, and the secondary market, we'll cover all the essential aspects of buying Treasury Bonds and Bills.

TreasuryDirect

TreasuryDirect serves as an electronic marketplace and online account system through which investors can buy, hold, and redeem eligible book-entry Treasury securities. This system is managed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. If you're an individual investor looking to buy government debt securities, TreasuryDirect offers a straightforward and cost-effective option. However, keep in mind that you cannot open tax-advantaged retirement accounts through TreasuryDirect, which may be better suited for banks and brokers.

To get started with TreasuryDirect, you will need the following:

• A valid Social Security number or taxpayer identification number.
• A U.S. address.
• An email address.
• A web browser that supports 128-bit encryption.
• A checking or savings account.

Remember that you can't redeem Treasuries purchased through TreasuryDirect before maturity. To sell them, you must transfer your securities to a broker and then execute the sale on the secondary market through that broker.

How to Purchase Treasuries on TreasuryDirect

TreasuryDirect offers a variety of eligible securities for purchase, including Treasury bills, Treasury notes, Treasury bonds, Floating Rate Notes (FRNs), and Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS). Buying these securities is a straightforward process:

1. Log in to your TreasuryDirect account and access the BuyDirect system.
2. Select the owner of the security.
3. Choose the product type or term, source of funds, and purchase amount.
4. Schedule the purchase according to your preferences (subject to availability).
5. Review your order before submitting it.

Typically, securities are issued to your account within two business days for savings bonds and within one week for bills, notes, bonds, FRNs, and TIPS.

You can also reinvest the proceeds of matured T-bills by selecting the "schedule repeat purchases" option. This allows you to specify the number of repeat purchases and their frequency. Maturing notes and bonds may also be reinvested.

Participating in Treasury Auctions

As a TreasuryDirect account holder, you have the opportunity to participate in Treasury auctions, which are held regularly throughout the year. In 2022 alone, there were 384 public auctions for $15 trillion in Treasury debt securities. The auction process involves several key steps:

1. Announcement of upcoming auctions, providing details such as the auction date, security amount, issue and maturity dates, terms and conditions, eligible participants, and bid deadlines.
2. Submission of noncompetitive or competitive bids, with noncompetitive bids guaranteed to receive the desired amount at a price set by competitive bidders.
3. Treasury reviews all bids for compliance with rules and sets the final price.
4. Issuance of securities, with deposits made to investor accounts and payment delivered to the Treasury.

Transferring Treasuries Through TreasuryDirect

You can choose to hold your Treasuries until maturity or sell them before that time. To sell Treasuries held in your TreasuryDirect account, you must first transfer them to an account with a bank, broker, or dealer. Here's how to initiate the transfer:

1. Complete a Transfer Request Form online or on paper, specifying the routing number, bank name, and any special handling instructions.
2. To redeem a savings bond electronically, click the "Redeem" button on the "Current Holdings" page. Indicate whether it's a partial or full redemption and provide the payment destination for the proceeds.

If you have paper bonds, you can redeem them at most local financial institutions for quick access to your funds.

Other Ways to Buy Treasuries

Aside from TreasuryDirect, there are alternative methods for purchasing Treasury Bonds and Bills:

Buying Treasuries as ETFs

You can buy Treasuries through Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) at most brokerages. ETFs offer the advantage of being bought and sold like stocks, with many options for commission-free trades. Investors can select from government bond ETFs focused on various types of Treasuries, such as short-term, long-term, TIPS, and FRNs. Additionally, Treasury ETFs can be held in IRAs and other tax-advantaged retirement accounts, often with modest fees.

Buying Treasury Bills Through the Money Market

Another option is to invest in a Treasury money market mutual fund. These funds typically have low fees but may offer lower yields due to their focus on the shortest-term Treasury bills. The U.S. Treasury's Office of Financial Research tracks investments in these funds, both in the aggregate and by financial institution.

Buying Treasuries in the Secondary Market

Buying Treasuries in the secondary market is more accessible than many people realize. Numerous brokerages provide access to the bond market, and while fees may vary, some of the best brokerages offer free trading for Treasury bonds. When you buy bonds on the secondary market through a broker, you can hold them in an IRA or another tax-free retirement account, providing flexibility for selling them in the future.

Conclusion

Treasuries are an excellent addition to your investment portfolio, offering diversification and reduced risk. They are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, making them a secure choice. Many investors, especially those planning for retirement, find Treasuries to be a crucial part of their portfolio due to their liquidity, low-risk nature, and reliable income stream. By understanding the various methods for purchasing Treasury Bonds and Bills, you can make informed investment decisions that align with your financial goals.