NS&I Premium Bonds Guide: Check Prizes, Validity & Contact

Anyone who’s bought a Premium Bond probably remembers the moment they checked the prize draw results for the first time, a mix of hope and curiosity that explains why over 24 million people in the UK keep their savings in these government-backed bonds (NS&I customer data). This guide explains how to check old bonds, decide if a £5,000 investment makes sense, and get in touch with NS&I when you need to.

Prize fund rate (current): 4.00% as of May 2025 ·
Maximum holding: £50,000 ·
Minimum purchase: £25 ·
Odds per bond per draw: 21,000 to 1 ·
Total bonds in circulation: over 100 billion ·
Number of draws per year: 12 (monthly)

Six key facts at a glance — the parameters that define how Premium Bonds work.

Are very old Premium Bonds still valid?

Premium Bonds do not expire. NS&I keeps records of all bonds ever issued, regardless of how old they are (NS&I official guidance on bond validity). If you have bonds from 40 years ago, they are still in the prize draw every month — provided they haven’t been cashed in. The UK government backing means your capital is safe, and the bonds continue to earn chances to win prizes indefinitely.

How do I check 40 year old Premium Bonds?

• Use the NS&I prize checker online with your holder’s number.
• If you’ve lost the number, NS&I can provide a replacement bond record.
• No need to worry about expiry — NS&I confirms they stay valid.

Do Premium Bonds expire?

No. Unlike some savings products, Premium Bonds have no maturity date. They remain in the draw month after month until you cash them in (NS&I help section on bond permanence).

The implication: time does not weaken Premium Bonds — they remain active participants in every draw until cashed.

How do I check if I’ve won with Premium Bonds?

Checking your bonds is straightforward. NS&I provides several ways to see if you’ve won a prize.

How to check your Premium Bonds NS&I?

1. Go to the official NS&I prize checker.
2. Enter your holder’s number or NS&I number.
3. Complete the security check.
4. See if any prizes are waiting for you.

You can also download the NS&I app for mobile checks. Prizes are paid directly into your bank account or reinvested into more bonds.

When is the next Premium Bond draw?

Draws happen on the first business day of each month. The next draw in 2026 will be announced on the NS&I prize checker page.

The pattern: regular checking is essential; many winners never realise they’ve won until they look.

How often do you win with 10,000 Premium Bonds?

The odds per £1 bond are 21,000 to 1 each month (NS&I official odds statement). With 10,000 bonds, the expected average wins per year is about 5.7, based on probability. The prize fund rate of 4.00% translates to an expected return, but actual outcomes can be higher or lower — some months you may win nothing, others you might hit a £1 million jackpot.

What are the odds of winning with Premium Bonds?

Each £1 bond has a 21,000 to 1 chance of winning a prize each draw, as stated by NS&I. For 10,000 bonds, the chance that at least one bond wins in a given month is about 38%.

How many prizes are awarded each month?

NS&I awards over 3 million prizes monthly. The number fluctuates because the prize pool is split across millions of bonds.

The catch: expected returns are not guaranteed; randomness can lead to long dry spells.

Is it worth putting 5k into Premium Bonds?

For higher-rate taxpayers, Premium Bonds can be attractive because the prizes are tax-free. But for basic-rate savers, an easy-access account paying 4–5% might deliver a more predictable return. The maximum holding is £50,000 (Unbiased investment guide).

How many people have 50k in Premium Bonds?

NS&I reports that many savers max out the £50,000 limit, though exact numbers aren’t published. MoneySavingExpert notes Premium Bonds are especially popular among higher-rate taxpayers because tax-free prizes effectively beat the after-tax returns of normal savings accounts.

What are the pros and cons of Premium Bonds compared to savings accounts?

What this means: your tax status is the deciding factor; the product suits risk-tolerant savers seeking tax efficiency.

How do I contact NS and I?

Getting in touch with NS&I is simple. Their contact page lists several options.

NS&I customer service phone number

Phone: 08085 007 007. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm (NS&I Contact Us page).

Online contact form

Use the secure form on the NS&I contact page for queries about bonds, accounts, or lost holder’s numbers. You’ll need your NS&I number for verification.

Writing address for NS&I

Write to: NS&I, Sunderland SR43 2SB. Include your holder’s number if possible.

The implication: Whether you need to check bonds, claim a prize, or update details, NS&I provides multiple channels — but phone and online chat are fastest.

Expert perspectives

Premium Bonds never expire and you can hold up to £50,000.

— NS&I official website (UK government savings provider)

NS&I is a government-owned savings bank.

— GOV.UK (HM Treasury)

Premium Bonds can be a good option for higher-rate taxpayers.

— MoneySavingExpert (leading UK personal finance site)

Premium Bonds are not a get-rich-quick scheme, but for savers who value safety and tax-free upside, they fill a unique niche. The key decision: if you’re a higher-rate taxpayer and can accept uncertain returns, £5,000 in Premium Bonds may beat the after-tax yield of a savings account. For a basic-rate saver, the trade-off is less favourable — you give up guaranteed interest for a lottery ticket with better odds than the National Lottery. For anyone sitting on old bonds: check them today. That losing streak could end with a prize you didn’t even know you had.

Frequently asked questions

Also check our Income Tax Calculator UK 2026/27: Take-Home Pay Tool and Child Benefit Increase 2025: Rates & Budget 2026 Outlook for more UK personal finance guidance.