18 Aug My name has changed. How do I cash out savings bonds?

Q. I have many matured series EE savings bonds that have my name on them in various forms. Though my legal married name has a first, middle and last name, I have always used my middle name as my first name. Most of the bonds, purchased as gifts, were purchased with the owner/co-owner/POD using my middle name as my first name. Some have the name misspelled, and some use a middle initial. I am now 64. The bank, Chase, refuses to cash the bonds because my Social Security card and license have my name using my legal married name. If I understand the website correctly, I cannot file to have them changed because they are already matured. What can I do? It’s hard to get through by phone.
— Many named reader

A. The way a name is listed on a bond, as you see, can be important.

It can also be a major pain.

In order to cash a savings bond, most banks and credit unions that provide the service will generally require the bond holder to have an account with the bank, said Claudia Mott, a certified financial planner with Epona Financial Solutions in Basking Ridge.

She said you can try contacting other banks in your area regarding their policy for non-customers, but the issue of the incorrect names may be a stumbling block regardless of where you go.

And you are correct that Treasury Direct will not reissue bonds that have reached maturity, she said.

She said you may want to see if Chase will accept a notarized affidavit entitled “one and the same.”

“This document establishes that an account belongs to the same person, despite different names. It is available at www.chase.com,” she said. “This is typically used for brokerage accounts, but perhaps they’ll consider it when it comes to cashing your bonds. It requires a notary signature and stamp. You might want to discuss this with an officer at your local branch.”

The other option is to mail the bonds by completing form FS1522 along with supporting identification, she said.

“This document provides a direct deposit payment into the bank account of your choice. You may opt to send it via overnight or certified mail so that you have tracking information for the package,” she said.

It can be hard to get through on the help line at (844) 284-2676, but you may want to invest the time to see if a representative can help with your situation.

Email your questions to .

This story was originally published on Aug. 18, 2023.

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.