By David Enna, Tipswatch.com

Based on reader feedback I’ve seen, it looks like most people are having no problems logging into TreasuryDirect‘s new system once they have completed verifying a login account with ID.me.

That’s good. The bigger problem, of course, is completing the ID.me verification process, which requires several steps. We are now in the “soft-launch” stage but an ID.me account will be required for access to TreasuryDirect beginning October 28.

This is a video created by the Social Security administration to walk a user through the ID.me account-creation process. (I have no idea why TreasuryDirect has not created a similar video for its site):

The video details how a registrant using a computer would have to complete the process using a phone with a camera. The verification process is complex and can sometimes fail, especially when taking a “selfie photo.”

For more information, check ID.me’s guide to account setup.

The TreasuryDirect login

Once ID.me verification is properly completed, logging into TreasuryDirect is a simple process, as many readers have reported. TreasuryDirect did create a video for this part of the process. Here is the link (the video is not yet on YouTube).

My personal experience

As I have noted in past articles, my wife and each have a TreasuryDirect account. In the past, both accounts were linked to my email, so I could log into both and manage investments. My wife’s account is our “main account,” combining I Bonds (some redeemed this year) with a few T-bills and long-ago TIPS purchases. This is the account with the all-important tax documents. My account holds only I Bonds, and none have been redeemed in 2026.

My wife is currently traveling overseas. Before she left she attempted to set up an ID.me account, but I think that process was not completed. So set-up for that account will have to wait a few weeks.

Reminder: Under the ID.me process, one user will be able to manage a personal account and trust or entity accounts connected to that Social Security number and email address. But one user will not be able to manage two personal accounts with a single ID.me account.

I decided to go ahead and complete the login process for my account with ID.me, to get an idea of the experience. As readers have noted, it was simple, pretty much matching the TreasuryDirect video. Here’s a visual look:

Click login on the main page.

Click Secure Sign In to go to this intermediary page:

And then …

Enter the email address connected to your ID.me account.

And then the password.

Select the multi-factor authentication method. This step seems a bit odd to me, because a text message with “fair security” is offered as an option. But at least for me, using a desktop computer, the text message was the only option. The passkey option required — possibly — a fingerprint, which can’t be done on my computer.

I have used this process before for the IRS and have always used the text-message option. Just make sure to have your phone nearby.

Confirm the “text me” and check that the phone number digits match your device. I have hidden the numbers in this example.

Check your phone for the text message and enter it on this screen.

Authorize this information to be shared with TreasuryDirect. I believe that TD already has all this information, but the info is likely needed to confirm your login identity matches your account.

Confirm that TreasuryDirect can keep this information (which it already had) that was shared by the third-party provider (ID.me).

Select the account you want to access. In my case, the only option was my personal account. (My wife will need to log in separately for her account.) A person with both a personal and trust or entity accounts should see those options listed. You can log into one account at a time.

Conclusion

If you have a working ID.me account, linking it to your personal TreasuryDirect account is a simple process. That’s my experience. And I am going to give TreasuryDirect and ID.me credit for apparently working through most of the speed bumps, despite a very short launch path. (All logins will switch to ID.me on Oct. 28.)

But there many, many potential complexities. Please talk about your success and/or failures in the comments section.

Also see:

• TreasuryDirect is launching a controversial login system
• TreasuryDirect provides more guidance on ID.me transition

—————————

Donate? This site is free and I hope to keep it that way. Some readers have suggested having a way to contribute. I welcome donations, any amount. And FYI, ads on this site pay for about one visit to Costco.

PayPal link / Venmo link

—————————

Follow Tipswatch on X for updates on daily Treasury auctions and real yield trends (when I am not traveling).

Feel free to post comments or questions below. If it is your first-ever comment, it will have to wait for moderation. After that, your comments will automatically appear. Please stay on topic and avoid political tirades. NOTE: Comment threads can only be three responses deep. If you see that you cannot respond, create a new comment and reference the topic.

David Enna is a financial journalist, not a financial adviser. He is not selling or profiting from any investment discussed. I Bonds and TIPS are not “get rich” investments; they are best used for capital preservation and inflation protection. They can be purchased through the Treasury or other providers without fees, commissions or carrying charges. Please do your own research before investing.