Accumulation Bond

Filed Under » ,
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Accumulation Bond'

A bond issued at an original issue discount (OID). This means that the interest accumulates but is not paid until maturity; there are no semi-annual coupon payments as with most bonds. 

These bonds are also referred to as "accrual bonds."

Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Accumulation Bond'

As accumulation bonds are always sold at an OID, they are always sold below face value, and the IRS considers the OID a form of interest. Even though the bondholder is not receiving coupon payments, the interest on the bond is still accumulating and must be reported as interest income on the bondholder’s tax return each year.

Some investors like to use accumulation bonds in their financial plans, as they know the exact amount they will receive at a future point in time when the bond matures, even though they don’t receive interim cash flows. 

Related Definitions

  • Original Issue Discount - OID

    The discount from par value at the time that a bond or other debt instrument is issued. It is the difference between the stated redemption price at maturity and the issue price.
    Read More »
  • Coupon

    The interest rate stated on a bond when it's issued. The coupon is typically paid semiannually. This is also referred to as the "coupon rate" or "coupon percent rate".
    Read More »
  • Accrual Bond

    A bond that does not pay periodic interest payments. Instead, interest is added to the principal balance of the bond and is either paid at maturity or, at some point, the bond begins to ...
    Read More »
Partner Links