Treasury bonds as marketable securities can be sold at any time through an investment dealer or broker. The price received may be higher or lower than the face amount, based on current market interest rates. Savings bonds can only be redeemed by a registered owner at a bank or with the Treasury.

U.S. savings bonds, rural electrification certificates, state and local government series securities, and government account series bonds are non-marketable. These are also examples of debt securities. Non-marketable securities are often issued at a discount and are expected to mature over time into their face value.