Formerly available over-the-counter at banks and other financial institutions, savings bonds must now be purchased online through TreasuryDirect, which requires a bank account, Internet and computer access, and an ability to navigate the website.

“Savings bond purchases have declined by 58 percent since Treasury ended the sale of paper bonds,” said Nes Jersey's Congressman John Runyan. “Seniors, the unbanked and Americans without Internet access find it difficult or impossible to buy savings bonds online. The government should be removing barriers to savings, not erecting new ones... The GAO study is a step toward ensuring that this important savings vehicle is accessible for all.”