When a Treasury security reaches maturity, the government repays the principal, and any final interest due is paid too; after that, the security stops earning interest.

What usually happens

  • TreasuryDirect: If you did not set up reinvestment, the money is paid automatically on the maturity date into your Certificate of Indebtedness or bank account.
  • Brokerage account: The matured security typically disappears from the account and is replaced by cash equal to the principal, plus any accrued interest if applicable.
  • Reinvestment option: Some platforms let you automatically roll the proceeds into another Treasury security instead of taking cash.

Simple example

If you bought a Treasury bill at a discount, maturity is when you receive the full face value back. If you bought a Treasury note or bond, you receive the principal back and the final interest payment, then the debt is finished.

One-line version

At maturity, a Treasury is redeemed : you get your money back, interest ends, and you can either keep the cash or reinvest it.

</final