How to Buy US Treasury Bonds from Singapore 2026: Complete Guide

US Treasury Bonds: Debt securities issued by the United States government, considered among the safest investments globally. Singapore investors can buy them through brokers with US market access, earning interest in USD while diversifying currency exposure.

Why Buy US Treasury Bonds from Singapore?

Many Singapore investors are looking beyond local government securities to diversify their fixed-income portfolio. US Treasury bonds offer several advantages: the backing of the world's largest economy, yields that often exceed Singapore Savings Bonds, and natural USD currency exposure for those planning overseas expenses or retirement abroad.

As of 2026, US Treasuries remain a core holding for institutional and retail investors worldwide. With Singapore's strong financial infrastructure and easy access to US markets through local brokers, buying US Treasuries has never been more accessible for individual investors.

Types of US Treasury Securities

Before investing, it helps to understand the different types of US government debt instruments available. Each serves a different purpose and maturity profile.

US Treasury Bills (T-Bills)

T-Bills are short-term securities with maturities of 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 13 weeks, 26 weeks, or 52 weeks. They are sold at a discount to face value and do not pay regular interest. Instead, you earn the difference between the purchase price and the face value at maturity. T-Bills are ideal for investors seeking a safe place to park cash for a defined period.

US Treasury Notes (T-Notes)

T-Notes have maturities of 2, 3, 5, 7, or 10 years and pay interest every six months. They are the most popular Treasury security for medium-term investors. The 10-year T-Note is widely watched as a benchmark for global interest rates.

US Treasury Bonds (T-Bonds)

T-Bonds have the longest maturities at 20 or 30 years and also pay semi-annual interest. They are suitable for long-term investors who want to lock in yields for decades. These are the traditional "Treasury bonds" most people refer to when discussing US government debt.

US Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS)

TIPS are designed to protect against inflation. Their principal value adjusts with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), meaning your investment grows in line with inflation. For Singapore investors concerned about purchasing power erosion, TIPS offer a built-in inflation hedge.

How to Buy US Treasury Bonds from Singapore: Step-by-Step

There are several ways to access US Treasury bonds from Singapore. The most common approach is through a brokerage account with US market access.

Step 1: Choose a Brokerage Account

Select a broker that provides direct access to US Treasury markets. Popular options for Singapore investors include:

Interactive Brokers: Low commission, direct access to US Treasury auctions and secondary market. Minimum deposit of USD 0 for Singapore residents.
moomoo (Futu Singapore): Competitive fees, user-friendly app, supports US bond trading.
Tiger Brokers: Access to US Treasuries with reasonable commission structures.
DBS Vickers: Local bank-backed broker with US market access, suitable for DBS/POSB account holders.

For a comparison of trading platforms, see our best online trading platforms for Singapore stocks 2026.

Step 2: Open and Fund Your Account

Opening a brokerage account typically takes 1-3 business days for verification. You will need your Singapore NRIC or passport, proof of address, and employment details. Fund your account via bank transfer (FAST or GIRO) or telegraphic transfer for USD funding.

Most brokers accept SGD deposits and offer competitive USD conversion rates. Some, like Interactive Brokers, allow you to hold multiple currencies in one account, so you can convert SGD to USD when exchange rates are favourable.

Step 3: Research Current Treasury Yields

Before buying, check the current yields on the US Treasury website or through your broker. As of August 2026, approximate yields are:

4-week T-Bill: 4.2-4.5% per annum
6-month T-Bill: 4.3-4.6% per annum
2-year T-Note: 4.0-4.3% per annum
10-year T-Note: 4.2-4.5% per annum
30-year T-Bond: 4.4-4.7% per annum

These rates fluctuate daily. The US Treasury Department publishes daily yield data for reference.

Step 4: Place Your Order

Navigate to the bond trading section of your broker platform. Search for the specific Treasury security by its CUSIP number or maturity date. You can buy Treasuries in two ways:

New Issue (Auction): Participate in Treasury auctions held regularly by the US Treasury Department. Minimum purchase is typically USD 100. This is the most cost-effective way to buy Treasuries.
Secondary Market: Buy existing Treasuries from other holders through your broker. Prices may include a small spread above or below par value. This offers more flexibility in choosing exact maturity dates.

For most retail investors in Singapore, the secondary market through your broker is the simplest approach. Orders typically settle within 1-2 business days (T+1 or T+2).

Step 5: Hold and Collect Interest

Once purchased, your Treasury bonds will appear in your brokerage portfolio. For T-Notes and T-Bonds, interest is paid every six months directly into your brokerage account. T-Bills mature at face value with no interim payments. You can hold the bonds until maturity or sell them on the secondary market at any time.

Tax Implications for Singapore Investors

Understanding the tax treatment of US Treasury bond income is essential for maximising your returns.

US Tax Treatment

Interest income from US Treasuries is subject to US federal income tax but exempt from state and local taxes. As a non-US person, you may be eligible for a reduced withholding rate of 15% under the US-Singapore tax treaty. Your broker will typically handle the tax withholding and provide the necessary forms (W-8BEN) during account setup.

Singapore Tax Treatment

Singapore does not tax personal investment income, including interest from foreign bonds. This means the interest you earn from US Treasuries is not subject to Singapore income tax. However, if you are trading Treasuries as a business (frequent short-term trading), IRAS may treat the income as trading income subject to tax.

For a comprehensive guide to Singapore tax obligations, see our Singapore income tax rates 2026 guide.

US Treasury Bonds vs Singapore Government Securities

Many Singapore investors wonder whether to buy US Treasuries or stick with local options like Singapore Savings Bonds (SSBs) or Singapore Government Securities (SGS). Here is a comparison:

Feature	US Treasuries	Singapore SSBs	Singapore SGS
Issuer	US Government	Singapore Government	Singapore Government
Currency	USD	SGD	SGD
Minimum Investment	USD 100	SGD 500	SGD 1,000
Typical Yield (2026)	4.0-4.7% p.a.	2.8-3.2% p.a.	2.5-3.0% p.a.
Maturity Range	4 weeks to 30 years	10 years	2 to 30 years
Liquidity	High (secondary market)	Low (must hold to maturity or redeem early with penalty)	Medium (can sell on SGX)
Currency Risk	Yes (USD/SGD fluctuation)	None	None
Accessibility	Brokerage account required	DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB, AXS, or ATM	Through primary dealers

For a deeper comparison of Singapore fixed-income options, check our Singapore savings bonds vs T-Bills comparison.

Benefits of US Treasury Bonds for Singapore Investors

Higher Yields: US Treasuries often offer higher yields than Singapore government securities, especially in the 10-year and 30-year maturity range.
USD Exposure: Holding USD-denominated assets provides natural currency diversification. If you plan to spend in USD (travel, children's education abroad, or retirement), this is a significant advantage.
Safety: US Treasuries are backed by the full faith and credit of the US government and hold the highest credit ratings. The US Department of the Treasury has never defaulted on its debt obligations.
Liquidity: The US Treasury market is the deepest and most liquid bond market in the world. You can buy or sell almost any amount at any time during market hours.
Inflation Protection: TIPS offer built-in inflation protection, which is valuable during periods of rising prices.

Risks to Consider

Currency Risk: The biggest risk for Singapore investors is USD/SGD exchange rate movement. If the SGD strengthens against the USD, your returns in SGD terms could be lower or even negative despite earning interest. You can mitigate this by matching USD assets with USD liabilities or by using currency hedging through your broker.
Interest Rate Risk: Bond prices fall when interest rates rise. If you need to sell before maturity, you may receive less than your initial investment. Longer-duration bonds (20-30 years) are more sensitive to rate changes.
Opportunity Cost: Locking money in long-term Treasuries means you cannot deploy it elsewhere if better opportunities arise. Consider a bond ladder strategy with staggered maturities to balance yield and flexibility.
Withholding Tax: The 15% US withholding tax on interest income reduces your effective yield. While Singapore does not tax the same income, the US tax is not refundable for individual investors.

Practical Tips for Singapore Investors

Start with short-term T-Bills: If you are new to US Treasuries, begin with 3-6 month T-Bills. They have minimal interest rate risk and allow you to get comfortable with the process.
Use a bond ladder: Spread your investment across multiple maturities (e.g., 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, 10 years) to balance yield and liquidity. When shorter bonds mature, reinvest at the longest rung of your ladder.
Watch the exchange rate: Convert SGD to USD when the exchange rate is favourable. Some brokers allow you to set up rate alerts so you do not miss opportunities.
Consider TIPS for inflation protection: If inflation is a concern, allocate a portion of your bond portfolio to TIPS. They adjust with US CPI, protecting your purchasing power.
Reinvest interest: Most brokers offer automatic reinvestment of Treasury interest. Compounding your returns over time significantly boosts your total return.
Keep records for tax purposes: Even though Singapore does not tax bond interest, keep records of your US withholding tax for potential future use or if your tax situation changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Singapore residents buy US Treasury bonds directly?

Yes, Singapore residents can buy US Treasury bonds through any brokerage account with US market access. Popular options include Interactive Brokers, moomoo, Tiger Brokers, and DBS Vickers. The minimum purchase is typically USD 100.

How much do I need to start investing in US Treasuries?

The minimum investment for US Treasuries is USD 100, making them accessible to most investors. However, for a meaningful income stream, financial advisors recommend starting with at least USD 5,000 to USD 10,000 spread across multiple maturities.

Is interest from US Treasury bonds taxed in Singapore?

No, Singapore does not tax personal investment income, including interest earned from US Treasury bonds. However, the US government withholds 15% tax on interest paid to non-US persons under the US-Singapore tax treaty. This withholding is handled by your broker.

What is the difference between US Treasury bills, notes, and bonds?

T-Bills have maturities of one year or less and are sold at a discount. T-Notes have maturities of 2-10 years and pay semi-annual interest. T-Bonds have maturities of 20-30 years and also pay semi-annual interest. All three are backed by the US government and carry minimal credit risk.

How does buying US Treasuries compare to Singapore Savings Bonds?

US Treasuries typically offer higher yields (4.0-4.7%) compared to Singapore Savings Bonds (2.8-3.2%) but carry currency risk since they are USD-denominated. Singapore Savings Bonds are SGD-denominated with no currency risk but have lower liquidity and must be held to maturity for best returns. The choice depends on your currency exposure preferences and yield requirements.

Can I sell US Treasury bonds before maturity?

Yes, US Treasuries can be sold on the secondary market through your broker at any time during market hours. However, the selling price may be above or below your purchase price depending on prevailing interest rates. Short-term rate movements have less impact on T-Bills and short-dated Notes compared to long-dated Bonds.

Key Takeaways

US Treasury bonds are accessible to Singapore investors through brokers with US market access, starting from just USD 100.
They offer higher yields than Singapore government securities but carry USD/SGD currency risk.
T-Bills (short-term), T-Notes (medium-term), and T-Bonds (long-term) serve different investment horizons.
Singapore does not tax bond interest income, but the US withholds 15% on payments to non-US persons.
A bond ladder strategy across multiple maturities balances yield, liquidity, and interest rate risk.
TIPS provide built-in inflation protection for investors concerned about purchasing power erosion.

Conclusion

Buying US Treasury bonds from Singapore is a straightforward process that offers attractive yields, USD currency exposure, and the safety of US government backing. Whether you are looking to diversify your fixed-income portfolio, hedge against SGD weakness, or simply earn a higher return on your savings, US Treasuries deserve a place in your investment toolkit.

Start by opening a brokerage account with US market access, research current yields, and consider beginning with short-term T-Bills before building a diversified bond ladder. As always, match your investment horizon with your bond maturity and keep currency risk in mind when planning your portfolio.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Please consult a licensed financial adviser before making investment decisions. Rates and yields mentioned are estimates based on 2026 market conditions and may change.

About the Author
This article was written by the SeaMoneyTips Editorial Team, focused on personal finance education for Singapore readers. We cover investment strategies, retirement planning, tax guidance, and savings tips to help you make informed financial decisions. For inquiries, please contact us.