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The Daily Insight

Do zero coupon bonds pay interest?

Author

James Craig

Published Feb 15, 2026

Zero coupon bonds are bonds that do not pay interest during the life of the bonds. Instead, investors buy zero coupon bonds at a deep discount from their face value, which is the amount the investor will receive when the bond “matures” or comes due.

Is a zero coupon bond a deferred interest bond?

Deferred interest bonds pay their accrued interest as a lump-sum amount at a later date rather than as periodic coupons. Zero-coupon bonds and toggles notes are two types of deferred interest bonds.

What is coupon and zero coupon bond?

A bond’s coupon rate is the percentage of its face value payable as interest each year. A bond with a coupon rate of zero, therefore, is one that pays no interest. Instead, a zero coupon bond generates a return at maturity.

What is a zero coupon bond example?

A zero-coupon bond is a bond that pays no interest and trades at a discount to its face value. It is also called a pure discount bond or deep discount bond. U.S. Treasury bills. are an example of a zero-coupon bond.

What is the advantage of zero-coupon bond?

They offer a predictable payout The other big advantage of zero-coupon bonds is their predictability. If these bonds are held to maturity, you’re guaranteed a return of the full face value.

How do coupon bonds work?

A coupon bond is a type of bond. The bond issuer borrows capital from the bondholder and makes fixed payments to them at a fixed (or variable) interest rate for a specified period. that includes attached coupons and pays periodic (typically annual or semi-annual) interest payments during its lifetime and its par value.

What is a 5 year zero coupon bond worth?

A 5 year zero coupon bond is issued with a face value of $100 and a rate of 6%. Looking at the formula, $100 would be F, 6% would be r, and t would be 5 years. After solving the equation, the original price or value would be $74.73. After 5 years, the bond could then be redeemed for the $100 face value.

What are bonds with no default risk called?

Bonds with no default risk are called a flower bonds.