National Savings and Investments (NS&I) is urging all Premium Bonds holders to check their accounts immediately, as a staggering sum of prize money remains unclaimed.
Millions in Winnings Awaiting Collection
According to finance experts, more than £100 million in Premium Bonds prizes is currently unclaimed. The sheer scale of the figure highlights how easy it is for savers to forget about their holdings after the initial setup.
Nicola Morgan, a personal finance specialist at Confused.com, commented on the situation. "Premium Bonds are a popular way to save, but it can be easy to forget about them once they’re set up," she said. "With millions of people holding bonds, there’s a good chance some have money waiting for them and don’t realise it."
How to Check for Unclaimed Premium Bonds Prizes
The process to see if you are owed any money is straightforward. You simply need your NS&I holder’s number or account number. Using the official NS&I prize checker app or website will quickly reveal any outstanding wins.
For those who are unsure of their account details, NS&I customer service can assist in recovering them. The organisation reminds savers that every month, two lucky bond holders become millionaires, winning the top £1 million prize each.
Broader Financial Health Tips from Experts
Alongside the call to check bonds, Ms Morgan offered additional advice for managing personal finances effectively. She suggested reviewing unused loyalty points in supermarket, bank, or travel apps, which can often be converted into gift cards, discounts, or cash.
Another key tip is to audit monthly subscriptions. Scrutinising direct debits and app store payments and cancelling unused services can instantly free up extra cash. Finally, she highlighted the benefit of Cash ISAs, where savings are tax-free and some accounts offer interest rates above four percent.
Andrew Westhead, NS&I's retail director, reflected on a successful year for the scheme. "2025 has been another outstanding year for Premium Bonds," he stated. "As we marked the 68th anniversary of ERNIE drawing the first winners in June, it’s been great to see that Premium Bonds continue to bring excitement and opportunity to savers far and wide."
He added that NS&I is proud to be trusted by millions, from long-standing customers to new ones, and looks forward to paying out millions more tax-free prizes throughout 2026.
