How often does an investor receive payments when owning Treasury notes?

Investors holding Treasury notes receive interest payments semiannually throughout the life of the note, in addition to the principal amount being paid back at maturity. The semiannual payments are made as a function of the note's stated interest rate, which is set at issuance. This structure provides investors with regular income from their investment, which is a significant feature of Treasury notes compared to some other types of securities that may offer different payment schedules.

At the end of the term, when the Treasury note reaches maturity, the investor receives the final payment which includes the last interest payment along with the return of the principal investment. This combination of semiannual payments along with the payout at maturity is what defines the payment structure for Treasury notes, making this an attractive investment for those seeking consistent income along with the security of principal return.