Monthly Prize Check Guide

Premium Bonds prizes are drawn on the first working day of each month, with results available from around 9am. Here's your complete guide to checking if you've won — and making sure you never miss a prize.

When Are Prizes Drawn?

ERNIE (Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment) draws prize-winning bonds on the first working day of each month. Results are typically available by 9am that day.

Method 1: NS&I Prize Checker (Recommended)

The official NS&I website offers the most comprehensive way to check your prizes:

1. Go to nsandi.com/prize-checker
2. Enter your holder's number (found on your bond record)
3. View prizes won in the last 6 draws
4. Check for any unclaimed prizes going back further

Finding Your Holder's Number

Your holder's number is a unique identifier for your Premium Bonds account. You can find it:

• On any Premium Bonds documentation
• In the NS&I app
• On your online NS&I account
• On prize cheques or payment notifications

Method 2: NS&I App

The NS&I app provides the easiest way to check on mobile:

1. Download the NS&I app (iOS or Android)
2. Log in with your NS&I credentials
3. Your prizes appear on the home screen
4. Enable push notifications for instant prize alerts

Method 3: Alexa Voice Command

If you have an Amazon Alexa device, you can check your prizes hands-free:

1. Enable the NS&I skill in the Alexa app
2. Link your NS&I account
3. Say "Alexa, ask NS&I if I've won"
4. Alexa will tell you about recent prizes

Method 4: Email and Post Notifications

NS&I can notify you automatically when you win:

Email Notifications

• Set up in your NS&I online account
• Receive emails on draw day if you've won
• Check spam folder if not appearing

Postal Notifications

• Warrants (cheques) sent by post for prizes over £50
• Smaller prizes can be paid to bank or reinvested
• Keep your address updated to avoid lost prizes

Checking for Unclaimed Prizes

Over £80 million in Premium Bonds prizes remain unclaimed. Here's how to check you haven't missed any:

1. Use the unclaimed prizes checker: At nsandi.com/prize-checker, you can search for unclaimed prizes using holder's number or surname and postcode.
2. Check inherited bonds: If you've inherited Premium Bonds, check for any prizes won before you became the holder.
3. Look back 6+ years: Prizes can be claimed for up to 6 years, but the record of winning bonds is kept indefinitely.

Setting Up Automatic Prize Collection

The easiest way to ensure you never miss a prize is automatic collection:

Option 1: Bank Account Payment

• All prizes paid directly to your bank account
• Usually arrives within 3 working days of the draw
• No action required on your part

Option 2: Automatic Reinvestment

• Prizes automatically used to buy more bonds
• Compound your holdings over time
• Stops when you reach the £50,000 maximum
• Any excess paid to your bank account

Monthly Routine Checklist

Tracking Your Performance

It's useful to track your wins over time to see how you're performing against expectations:

• Record each prize amount and date
• Compare to expected returns (3.6% of holdings annually)
• Remember: variance is normal, especially with smaller holdings
• Use our Performance Tracker to monitor your returns

Common Issues and Solutions

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. For official information about Premium Bonds prizes, visit the NS&I website or contact their customer services directly.