how long does it take a savings bond to mature?
The interest accrues monthly and is compounded on a semi-annual basis. The interest rate for savings bonds is pegged to the rate for five-year Treasury notes. As of 2005, savings bonds were set to reach full maturity in 20 years. If the interest payments did not result in the bond being at full face value at the end of 20 years, then the government would do a one-time adjustment to bring the bond's value to equal face value.