As of market close on May 15, 2026, U.S. Treasury bills (T-bills) are generally paying yields between 3.65% and 3.82%, depending on the maturity length.
Because the current yield curve is upward-sloping, you'll get a slightly higher rate for locking your money in for a full year compared to just a few weeks. Here is the breakdown of the current investment rates by maturity:
Current T-Bill Rates
| Maturity Term | Current Yield (May 2026) |
|---|---|
| 4-Week | 3.65% |
| 8-Week | 3.68% |
| 13-Week (3-Month) | 3.68% |
| 17-Week | 3.70% |
| 26-Week (6-Month) | 3.73% |
| 52-Week (1-Year) | 3.82% |
Key Context for Buyers
- Buying Direct vs. Secondary Market: If you buy these directly from the government via TreasuryDirect, you will get the rate set at the most recent auction. If you purchase them through a brokerage account (like Charles Schwab, Fidelity, or Vanguard), you are buying on the secondary market where yields fluctuate slightly throughout the trading day.
- Tax Advantage: Remember that the interest earned on T-bills is exempt from state and local income taxes, which makes these yields even more attractive if you live in a high-tax state.
Are you looking to buy a specific maturity, or are you just comparing these to other cash options like CDs and high-yield savings accounts?