T-Bill Calculator

Guesstimate how much treasury bills (t-bills) cost and earn.

What are t-bills?

T-bills (short for treasury bills) are issued by the government to help finance the national debt and support the country’s monetary goals. T-bills are considered one of the safest low-risk investments.

How do t-bills work?

T-bills are sold at a discount. When the t-bill matures, the buyer gets the full face value. For example, an investor might buy a $200 t-bill for $160. When the t-bill matures, the investor will receive the full $200, which means they earned an extra $40.

How are t-bills used?

T-bills are typically used for short-term liquidity, cash flow, and preservation. In other words t-bills are a great way to keep idle cash accessible, while also ensuring the balance grows without significant risks.

How do you buy t-bills?

You can buy t-bills...

1. directly from the U.S. Treasury through their website called TreasuryDirect, or

2. indirectly through a fintech or brokerage (which may charge a fee for the service).

Why buy t-bills through a fintech or brokerage?

• TreasuryDirect feels a bit dated and confusing (especially for new users)

• an investor may find it easier to have all accounts in one place at a familiar and trusted fintech or brokerage

• an investor may not want to set up another account (TreasuryDirect requires an account on their platform that links to a financial account)