Premium Bonds savers across the UK are being urged to check their numbers immediately, as National Savings and Investments (NS&I) announces the first million-pound winners of 2025.
January's Million-Pound Winners Revealed
The monthly Premium Bonds prize draw has taken place, marking the first of the new year. This month's two top £1 million jackpot prizes have been awarded to lucky holders in Suffolk and Berkshire. NS&I is now encouraging all its customers to see if they are among the millions of other prize winners, with substantial cash sums from £100,000 and £50,000 also up for grabs.
Every £1 Bond held has an equal chance of winning in the draw, which is conducted at the start of each month. Bond holders have been able to check if they have won a prize since Saturday, 3 January 2025. The quickest way to verify any winnings is by using the official prize checker tool on the NS&I website.
Recent Changes to Premium Bonds Rates
The appeal of Premium Bonds has shifted in recent months following adjustments to the prize fund rate. Like many other savings providers reacting to the Bank of England's declining base rate, NS&I has implemented several reductions over the past year.
The rate fell from 4.15% to 4% starting with the January 2025 draw. It was then cut further to 3.8% in April, before being reduced again to the current level of 3.6% in August. This represents a significant drop from its recent peak of 4.65% in September 2023.
How to Boost Your Winning Chances
For those looking to improve their odds in future monthly draws, the principle is straightforward: the more Bonds you hold, the greater your number of entries. Each individual £1 Bond represents one chance to win, so purchasing additional Bonds increases your potential in every subsequent draw.
With the first winners of 2025 now confirmed, the message from NS&I is clear. A swift check could reveal a life-changing windfall or a welcome cash boost to start the year.
