T-bills: Information for Individuals (2024)

FAQs

How do Treasury bills work for dummies? ›

Treasury bills, or bills, are typically issued at a discount from the par amount (also called face value). For example, if you buy a $1,000 bill at a price per $100 of $99.986111, then you would pay $999.86 ($1,000 x . 99986111 = $999.86111). * When the bill matures, you would be paid its face value, $1,000.

Terms range from four to 52 weeks. T-bills are issued at a discount from the par value, also known as the face value. Treasury bills are usually sold in denominations of $1,000. However, some can reach a maximum denomination of $5 million in non-competitive bids.

To calculate the price, take 180 days and multiply by 1.5 to get 270. Then, divide by 360 to get 0.75, and subtract 100 minus 0.75. The answer is 99.25. Because you're buying a $1,000 Treasury bill instead of one for $100, multiply 99.25 by 10 to get the final price of $992.50.

While interest rates and inflation can affect Treasury bill rates, they're generally considered a lower-risk (but lower-reward) investment than other debt securities. Treasury bills are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. If held to maturity, T-bills are considered virtually risk-free.

Upon maturity of the T-bills, when will I receive the principal amount? On maturity, the principal amount will be credited to your respective account by the end of the day, typically after 6pm. For cash applications: The principal amount will be credited to your designated Direct Crediting Service bank account.

You can only buy T-bills in electronic form, either from a brokerage firm or directly from the government at TreasuryDirect.gov. (You can also buy Series I savings bonds through TreasuryDirect.gov.)

As a result, T-bills have interest rate risk meaning there is a risk that existing bondholders might lose out on higher rates in the future. Although T-bills have zero default risk, their returns are typically lower than corporate bonds and some certificates of deposit.

When you buy T-bills through your bank, it may charge you additional fees and expenses such as sales commissions or transaction charges. These extra costs can add up over time and eat into your returns on your investment.

Differences between investing in CDs and T-bills

T-bills have a key advantage over CDs: They're exempt from state income taxes. The same is true with Treasury notes and Treasury bonds. If you live in a state with income taxes, and rates are similar for CDs and T-bills, then it makes sense to go with a T-bill.

How much is a 6 month T-bill? ›

6 Month Treasury Rate is at 5.38%, compared to 5.39% the previous market day and 5.09% last year. This is higher than the long term average of 2.83%. The 6 Month Treasury Bill Rate is the yield received for investing in a US government issued treasury security that has a maturity of 6 months.

They are sold at a discount to face value, and the difference between the discounted price and face value is your return on investment. For example, if you buy a 12-week T-bill with a face value of $10,000 for $9,800, the difference of $200 is your return for holding the security for 12 weeks.

You can buy them from the government directly, and many buy them through a brokerage, retirement or bank account. Treasury owners pay federal taxes on the investment interest earned but no state or local taxes.

Compared with Treasury notes and bills, Treasury bonds usually pay the highest interest rates because investors want more money to put aside for the longer term. For the same reason, their prices, when issued, go up and down more than the others.

Buying and Selling

Investors can purchase T-bills at auction. Auctions typically take place 3 business days before issuance and are announced on the SGS website 5 business days before the auction. You can apply through DBS/POSB, OCBC and UOB ATMs or internet banking. Find out how individuals can buy SGS bonds.

3 Month Treasury Bill Rate is at 5.25%, compared to 5.25% the previous market day and 4.97% last year. This is higher than the long term average of 4.19%.

4 Week Treasury Bill Rate is at 5.28%, compared to 5.28% the previous market day and 3.32% last year. This is higher than the long term average of 1.41%. The 4 Week Treasury Bill Rate is the yield received for investing in a US government issued treasury bill that has a maturity of 4 weeks.

Steady Income: Treasury bills (T-bills) offer a fixed interest rate, providing short-term investors with a predictable income stream. Cons: Lower Returns: While treasuries are safe, their yields are generally lower than riskier assets like stocks or corporate bonds.

Treasury Bill is a money market instrument is issued by the Government of India. The bill is issued as a promissory note of repayment in the future. The purpose of a treasury note is to secure funds to meet the short-term fund requirements of the government.