We’ve been reporting on the twice-per-year I Bond rate releases. Via Tipswatch, the new rate for November 2026 through April 2027 will be 5.51%. That’s slightly higher than the May 2026 – October 2026 rate of 4.26%. Also important is the breakdown: the new rate is comprised of 4.11% variable rate, plus a 1.40% fixed rate.
I Bonds Rate (11/26-4/27)
What this means:
- If you already own I Bonds and keep them, you’ll get the 4.11% interest rate for the six-month rate period of November 2026 through April 2027 (plus whatever your fixed rate is from a previous buy, which for many people is zero).
- If you buy new I Bonds between November 1, 2026 and April 30, 2027, you’ll get 5.51% for the first six months (4.11% variable + 1.40% fixed). After the six months is over, you’ll get the 1.40% fixed rate added to whatever the future variable rates are at the time.
Our Verdict
We haven’t seen a fixed rate this high (1.40%) for the past 20 years. The overall 5.51% rate is also attractive, and a nice step up from what regular high yield savings accounts are offering.
Don’t forget about the 3-month penalty for those who withdraw in less than 5 years. While 5.51% is a great rate – especially given the state tax exemption on I Bonds and treasuries – the rate gets less interesting if you discount 3 months of interest earning. Also remember, the earliest you can withdraw I Bonds is after 12 months.
Someone who wants to get in on this would wait until November to buy their annual $10k limit. That way you’ll lock in the 1.40% fixed rate for the future. (If you already bought your 2026 $10k allotment, wait until April 2027 before deciding to buy your 2027 allotment – by then we’ll have an idea whether it’s smarter to buy in April or wait until May.)
I’m considering whether to buy $10k on my personal account and on my business account. The solid rate + high fixed rate + state tax savings makes me consider going ahead with this and buying I Bonds in November. I’ll buy $10k in November or December, and then I’ll check in April to buy the next $10k at the same rate. (If the fixed rate gets better for May then I might wait to buy the next $10k until May.)
List of Past I-Bonds Rates
For context, here is a review of past I Bond rates that many of us bought into:
- May 2021 through October 2021 – 3.54% (0% fixed rate)
- November 2021 through April 2022 – 7.12% (0% fixed rate)
- May 2022 through October 2022 – 9.62% (0% fixed rate)
- November 2022 through April 2023 – 6.89% (Variable 6.49% + Fixed .40%)
- May 2023 through October 2023 – 4.30% (Variable 3.40% + Fixed .90%)
- November 2023 through April 2024 – 5.27% (Variable 3.97% + Fixed 1.30%)
- May 2024 through October 2024 – 4.28% (Variable 2.98% + Fixed 1.30%)
- November 2024 through April 2025 – 3.11% (Variable 1.91% + Fixed 1.20%)
- May 2025 through October 2025 – 3.98% (Variable 2.88% + Fixed 1.10%)
- November 2025 through April 2026 – 4.03% (Variable 3.13% + Fixed 0.90%)
- May 2026 through October 2026 – 4.26% (Variable 3.36% + Fixed .90%)
- November 2026 through April 2027 – 5.51% (Variable 4.11% + Fixed 1.40%)
