1. Home
  2. Knowledge Base
  3. Frequently Asked Questions
  4. FAQ’s

FAQ’s

About Israel Bonds

  • What are Israel bonds exactly?

    Israel bonds are debt securities issued by the State of Israel. When an investor purchases an Israel bond, they are lending money to the State of Israel for a specific term, and Israel agrees to pay the principal and interest according to the bond’s terms.

  • Who issues Israel bonds?

    Israel bonds are issued by the State of Israel. The Development Corporation for Israel (DCI) is a FINRA-member broker dealer and the underwriter for Israel bonds in the United States. DCI is authorized by the State of Israel to market and sell these bonds to individuals and institutions.

    DCI has affiliates that sell Israel bonds in other regions. For purchasers in Canada, click here for Canada-Israel Securities, Limited. For purchasers in the European Union, click here for the Development Company for Israel (Europe) GmbH. For purchasers outside the the United States, the European Union, and Canada, click here for Development Company for Israel (International) Limited.

  • Why does Israel issue bonds?

    Israel issues bonds to raise capital for its general financing needs. Israel bonds are general obligation bonds, which means their proceeds are used by the State of Israel for any purposes determined by the government.

  • How long has Israel been issuing bonds?

    The State of Israel has issued bonds for many decades. In the United States, the Development Corporation for Israel (DCI) began underwriting and marketing Israel bonds in 1951. Since then, investors around the world have purchased over $57 billion in Israel bonds, helping to build and sustain Israel’s economy for more than seven decades.

  • Has Israel ever missed a payment on Israel bonds?

    No. The State of Israel has never missed a payment of principal or interest on Israel bonds since DCI’s founding in 1951.

  • What is Israel’s credit rating?

    Israel receives credit ratings from major global rating agencies. These ratings can change at any time. Investors should review the most recent information directly from agencies such as Moody’s, S&P Global Ratings, and Fitch to understand the current ratings and the factors considered by each agency.
    Please note that the Israel bonds sold by Development Corporation for Israel (DCI) are not rated by any of these rating agencies.

  • What has been the historical performance of Israel bonds?

    The State of Israel has a long record of making full and timely payments of principal and interest on Israel bonds since DCI began underwriting them in 1951. Over the years, Israel has offered both fixed-rate and floating-rate bonds, and the return on any bond depends on its specific terms which can be found in the prospectus here.
    Past payment history does not guarantee future performance, and all investments involve risk. Details are available in the prospectus.

Investment Basics

  • What are the minimum and maximum investment amounts?

    Minimum and maximum investment amounts vary by bond type. For example, some Israel bonds can be purchased for as little as $36. Current minimums, maximums, and purchase increments are listed on the Current Rates page for each bond offering.

  • What types of Israel bonds are available?

    Israel bonds are offered in two series: the Savings Bond Series and the Fixed Rate Bond Series. The Savings Bond Series includes products such as the Sabra, Mazel Tov, eMazel Tov, Shalom, and eShalom bonds. The Fixed Rate Bond Series includes products such as the Jubilee, Maccabee, and Premium Jubilee bonds. Each bond type has its own terms, including maturity, interest rate, minimum investment amount, and purchase increments.

    Current offerings are listed on the Current Rates page. Details are available in the prospectus.

  • What are the different maturity periods?

    Israel bonds are offered with maturity periods that range from one year to 15 years, depending on the bond type. All terms and conditions are outlined in the prospectus and on the Current Rates page.

  • How often do Israel bonds pay interest?

    Interest payments depend on the specific bond purchased. Some Israel bonds pay interest semiannually, while others pay at maturity. Each bond’s payment schedule and rate are detailed in its offering prospectus and on the Current Rates page.

  • Are Israel bonds good for retirement planning?

    Israel bonds can be held in certain retirement accounts, including IRAs and pension plans, when purchased through a qualified custodian or plan administrator. Whether they are appropriate for a specific retirement strategy depends on an investor’s individual circumstances. Investors should consult their financial or tax advisor to determine suitability.

How to Invest

Purchase Process

  • How do I buy Israel bonds online?

    Israel bonds can be purchased online through our investor site at online.israelbonds.com. Create an investor account or log in to an existing account, select Bonds and Rates, and choose the bond type and purchase amount. The online system provides secure payment options and allows you to view your transaction history.
    A step-by-step video on how to purchase a bond online is available here

  • How do I buy Israel bonds without online access?

    Investors can purchase Israel bonds without using the online portal by working with a registered representative. A representative can assist with the required forms and guide you through the purchase process. You can find your local registered representative on our contact page.

  • What documents do I need to invest?

    To open an account, investors must provide basic identification information such as name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number or tax identification number. Additional documentation may be required to comply with DCI policies and regulatory requirements. Personal data is handled in accordance with DCI’s privacy practices.

  • Can I invest through my broker/financial advisor?
    Some financial advisors and brokerage firms may allow clients to purchase Israel bonds through their platforms. Availability depends on the policies and procedures of the individual advisor or firm. Investors should speak directly with their advisor or broker to confirm whether Israel bonds can be purchased or held in their accounts.
  • Is there a minimum age to invest?

    Yes. Investors must be 18 years of age or older to open an account and purchase Israel bonds. However, adults may also purchase Israel bonds and register them in a minor’s name, including through custodial registrations or trusts established for children.

  • Can I reinvest my bond automatically?

    Proceeds from matured Israel bonds are not automatically reinvested. Investors can, however, use proceeds from maturing bonds to purchase new bonds by logging into their account or contacting an Israel Bonds representative. Reinvestment requires a new transaction and is not done automatically. Connect with your local registered representative today to learn more.

  • Can I ladder my bond investments?
    Investors can create a ladder by purchasing multiple Israel bonds with different maturity dates. Each bond will mature on its own schedule, and investors may choose to reinvest proceeds or take redemption at each maturity. Whether a laddering approach is appropriate depends on an investor’s individual financial circumstances, and investors should consult their financial or tax advisor for guidance.
  • How do I diversify with Israel bonds?
    Diversification involves spreading investments across different types of assets. Investors who choose to diversify may include Israel bonds as one part of their broader investment portfolio. Diversification can help mitigate risk in a portfolio, but it does not eliminate risk. Investors should consult their financial or tax advisor to determine whether including Israel bonds is appropriate for their situation.

Giving Bonds as Gifts

  • Can I buy bonds for someone else as a gift?

    Yes! Israel bonds can be purchased as gifts! Gift purchases are popular for milestones such as bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, graduations, and holidays.

  • How do I buy bonds as gifts?

    To purchase Israel bonds as gifts, log in or register for online access at online.israelbonds.com. Select Buy Bonds & View Rates, choose your bond and enter the amount. Select a previously added recipient or add a new recipient and enter their information, then review and agree to the prospectus, proceed to payment, and confirm holder details to complete your purchase. For gift purchases, a gift card can be selected and downloaded after the purchase under Order History.

  • What bond types make good gifts?

    Many Israel bond types may be purchased as gifts. Commonly gifted options include the Mazel Tov bond (not available online) and the eMazel Tov bond (available online only), which have lower minimum purchase amounts. Most other Israel bond types can also be gifted except for the Shalom bond, eShalom bond, and Jubilee Fixed Rate Financing bond, which cannot be registered to individual recipients. Investors should review the terms for each bond type when making a gift purchase.

  • Can I buy bonds for minors?
    Yes. Adults may purchase Israel bonds for minors using a custodial registration. In this structure, the minor is the bondholder, and an adult is listed as the custodian until the minor reaches the age of majority
  • How do gift recipients access their bonds?

    After a gift purchase is completed, the purchaser will see a What to Expect screen and receive an email confirmation. The bond recipient will receive a statement from Computershare, the fiscal agent for bonds issued by the State of Israel, within approximately two weeks.

    Recipients can access their bond holdings by registering for an online bondholder account through Israel Bonds Direct (IBD), Computershare’s online system for managing Israel bond holdings. To register, recipients can use their Social Security number or assigned Computershare account number, along with their last name or ZIP code. Through IBD, bondholders can view their holdings, update their bondholder account address, and manage other bondholder information.

  • Can I buy bonds and donate them to charity?

    Yes. Israel bonds can be purchased and donated to eligible nonprofit organizations. To donate a bond, log in or register for online access at online.israelbonds.com, select your bond and amount, and proceed to checkout. Under Recipient Information, choose Add New Recipient → Non-Profit Organization and select the organization from the list.

    If the nonprofit you wish to donate to does not appear in the list, please contact Client Support. The organization must be reviewed and added to the system before a bond can be purchased for that nonprofit.

    When a bond is donated, the nonprofit organization becomes the bondholder and owns the bond, including all rights to principal and interest at maturity.

    A step-by-step video on how to donate a bond is available here.

Manage Holdings: Computershare

Israel’s Fiscal Agent

  • Who is Computershare and what do they do?

    Computershare serves as the fiscal and transfer agent for Israel Bonds. Computershare maintains bondholder records, issues account statements, and distribute interest and maturity payments on behalf of the State of Israel. Bondholders can also access their holdings online through Israel Bonds Direct (IBD), Computershare’s online system for managing Israel bond holdings.

  • Can I view my bonds online?

    Yes. Bondholders can view their Israel bond holdings by signing in to Israel Bonds Direct (IBD), Computershare’s online account system. Through IBD, bondholders can see their holdings, maturity dates, and recent transactions.

  • How do I get account statements?

    Account statements and transaction summaries are provided through Israel Bonds Direct (IBD). Bondholders can log in to view or download statements issued by Computershare. Printed statements may also be requested by contacting Computershare.

Managing Your Investment

  • How do I check my bond values?

    Israel bonds do not fluctuate in value like market-traded securities. Bondholders can view their bond holdings and associated information, including estimated values and distributions, by logging in to Israel Bonds Direct (IBD), Computershare’s online account system.

  • Can I see my tax documents online?
    Yes. Tax forms, such as Form 1099-INT, are typically made available in Israel Bonds Direct (IBD) early in the calendar year. Bondholders can download digital copies or request mailed copies by contacting Computershare.

Manage Your Account: Investor Site 

Account Setup

  • How do I create an online account?

    Go to online.israelbonds.com and select Create an Account. Create a username and password. Once logged in, enter your personal information. You will receive a verification code by email; enter the six-digit code to confirm your email address and activate your account.

  • Can I have multiple accounts?

    Yes. Israel Bonds offers two types of purchaser accounts on the investor site: Individual accounts and Entity accounts. Both can be created and managed under a single username on the DCI online system at online.israelbonds.com. For more details see our Knowledge Base Article here.

  • What if I live outside the United States?

    For purchasers in Canada visit https://www.israelbonds.ca/
    For purchasers in Europe or other international locations, visit https://israelbondsintl.com/

Login & Access

  • How do I log into my account?

    You may log in by visiting israelbonds.com and selecting Invest Now, or by going directly to online.israelbonds.com. Enter your registered email address and password to access your account.

  • I forgot my password – how do I reset it?

    Select Forgot Password? on the login page and follow the instructions to reset your password. You’ll receive an email with steps to create a new password.

  • How do I update my contact information?

    Log in to your Israel Bonds online account and go to your profile settings to update your personal information. Updates made on the investor site do not change the contact information maintained by Computershare for your bondholder records.

    If you update your information directly with Computershare, Israel Bonds can update your purchaser account to match. For additional assistance, contact Client Support.

Technical Support: Investor Site

  • The investor site isn’t working – what do I do?

    If the Israel Bonds site or investor site is not loading or functioning as expected, try refreshing your browser, clearing your cache, restarting your device, or using a different browser. If the issue continues, contact Client Support.

  • The site says my information is incorrect

    Confirm that your email and password are entered as registered. If you continue receiving an error message, click Forgot Password or reach out to Client Support to help verify your account.

  • How do I contact client support?

    Visit our Get in Touch page. You may also call 888-519-4111 or email client.support@israelbonds.com