How long do corporate bonds last?

Term lengths for corporate bonds can range from one to 30 years, but they are generally classified as: Long term (more than 10 years). Bonds with longer terms usually offer higher interest payments to entice investors to tie up their money for an extended period.

What is a maturity date on a bond?

Maturity dates can be as short as one day or can extend for 30 years or longer. Battifarano says the bond issuer will make regular interest payments on the bond until it matures, whether the borrower is a corporation, the U.S. Treasury, a municipality or other entity.

Can I sell corporate bonds before maturity?

If you want to sell your corporate bonds prior to maturity, Vanguard Brokerage can provide access to a secondary over-the-counter market. The large market size for outstanding corporate bonds generally provides liquidity, but liquidity will vary depending on a bond’s features, credit rating, lot size, and other market conditions.