You can check your Premium Bonds prizes for free on the NS&I website, the NS&I app, or by asking Alexa. All you need is your holder’s number or NS&I number.
What Is the Premium Bonds Prize Checker
The Premium Bonds prize checker is a free tool from NS&I. It tells you if any of your Bond numbers have won a prize. It also shows results from the past six draws and any older unclaimed prizes.
Every Bond number has an equal chance of winning. Prizes range from £25 to £1 million. All prizes are tax-free for UK residents.
What You Need to Check Your Numbers
Before you check, have one of these two numbers ready:
| Reference number | Length | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Holder’s number | 9 or 10 digits, or 8 digits plus a letter | On your Bond record or in your online account |
| NS&I number | 11 digits, starts with 11, 21, 31, or 41 | On letters or emails from NS&I |
You can use your holder’s number on the website and the app. Your NS&I number only works with the app.
How to Check Your Premium Bonds Online
- Go to the NS&I website.
- Open the prize checker page.
- Enter your holder’s number.
- View your results for the latest draw and past draws.
Results usually appear the day after the first working day of each month.
How to Check Using the NS&I App
The NS&I prize checker app is free on the App Store and Google Play. Log in with your NS&I number to check prizes for yourself or your whole family. The app also shows you when the next results are ready.
How to Check Using Alexa
If you have an Amazon Alexa device, you can enable the Premium Bonds prize checker skill. Once set up, ask Alexa to check your prizes using your NS&I number. Alexa can also tell you about upcoming draws.
When Results Are Published
NS&I holds the draw on the first working day of each month. High-value prizes of £1,000 and above are usually published that same day. All other prizes, including £25 wins, appear the next working day.
Premium Bonds Prize Fund Rate and Odds for 2026
The prize fund rate and odds change from time to time. Here is the current picture for 2026:
| Period | Prize fund rate | Odds per £1 Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Until June 2026 draw | 3.30% | 23,000 to 1 |
| From July 2026 draw | 3.80% | 22,000 to 1 |
The prize fund rate is not a guaranteed interest rate. It is an average. Some holders win more than this figure, and many holders win nothing in a given month.
How Prizes Are Paid
Prizes are paid in one of two ways:
- Straight to your nominated bank account
- Reinvested into more Premium Bonds, up to the £50,000 holding limit
If NS&I does not have your bank details, you may receive a cheque by post. Cheques expire after three months, but you can ask for a free replacement if this happens.
What Happens If You Win the £1 Million Jackpot
Two £1 million jackpots are paid out every month. Winners are usually visited in person by an NS&I representative, known as Agent Million, who delivers the news. Smaller high-value prizes are normally confirmed by email or text to registered account holders.
Unclaimed Premium Bonds Prizes
Millions of pounds in Premium Bonds prizes go unclaimed every year. Unclaimed prizes never expire, but they do not earn interest while they sit unclaimed, so their real value falls over time due to inflation.
If you think you may have old or forgotten Bonds, use the NS&I tracing service. You can complete the form online or print it and post it to NS&I.
Does Checking Affect Your Chances of Winning
No. Checking your numbers has no effect on future draws. Every eligible Bond stays in the draw each month, whether you check often or never check at all.
Premium Bonds Basics for 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Minimum purchase | £25 |
| Maximum holding | £50,000 per person, including children |
| Minimum age to buy | 16 (parents manage Bonds for younger children) |
| Prize range | £25 to £1 million |
| Tax on prizes | None for UK residents |
| Eligibility for new Bonds | Must be held for one full calendar month before entering a draw |
