What the I-Bond reset on May 1 / Nov 1 means

Unlike most rates, the I-Bond rate is not continuous — the U.S. Treasury sets a new rate on May 1 and again on November 1 each year, and it holds until the next reset. The Tbillery home page counts down to the next one.

Two parts make up the rate

• A fixed rate, set at purchase and locked for the 30-year life of that bond.
• An inflation rate, reset every six months based on CPI — this is the part that moves at each reset.
• Combined, they form the 'composite' rate you actually earn for the next six months.

Why the timing matters

Your personal six-month clock starts the month you buy, not on the calendar reset. So a bond bought in any month earns its current composite for a full six months before picking up the next reset. Buyers often time purchases near a reset to lock a known fixed rate or to capture a high inflation component.

This is informational, not advice — confirm current I-Bond terms at TreasuryDirect before purchasing.

Build a CD/Treasury ladder around current rates.

Updated July 2026