How to Check Premium Bonds
Wondering if you've won on your Premium Bonds? There are several ways to check — from the official NS&I tools to our advanced checker. Here's your complete guide to finding out if you're a winner.
Quick Links to Check Your Bonds
Method 1: NS&I Online Prize Checker
The official NS&I website is the most comprehensive way to check your Premium Bonds:
- Visit nsandi.com/prize-checker
- Enter your holder's number (or NS&I number)
- Complete the security check
- View your results
What You Can See
- Prizes won in the last 6 monthly draws
- Any unclaimed prizes (going back years)
- Whether prizes have been paid or are pending
💡 Finding Your Holder's Number
Your holder's number is a unique identifier for your Premium Bonds account. You'll find it on:
- Bond purchase confirmations
- Prize payment notifications
- Your NS&I online account
- The NS&I app
Method 2: NS&I Mobile App
The NS&I app offers the most convenient way to check on the go:
- Download from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)
- Register or log in with your NS&I credentials
- Your prizes appear on the home screen
App Features
- Push notifications: Get alerted immediately when you win
- Prize history: View all your past wins in one place
- Holdings view: See your total Premium Bonds value
- Payment settings: Manage how you receive prizes
✅ Enable Notifications
Turn on push notifications in the app to find out as soon as you've won — no need to remember to check each month!
Method 3: Alexa Voice Assistant
If you have an Amazon Echo or Alexa-enabled device:
- Open the Alexa app and search for the NS&I skill
- Enable the skill and link your NS&I account
- Say: "Alexa, ask NS&I if I've won"
- Alexa will tell you about any recent prizes
Method 4: Check by Post
If you don't have internet access, you can still check your bonds:
- Prize warrants: For prizes over £50, NS&I sends cheques by post
- Annual statement: Request an annual statement of your holdings and wins
- Phone: Call NS&I on 08085 007 007 (free from UK landlines)
Checking for Unclaimed Prizes
Over £80 million in Premium Bonds prizes remain unclaimed. Make sure you haven't missed any:
How to Search for Unclaimed Prizes
- Go to the NS&I Prize Checker
- Click "Check for unclaimed prizes"
- Enter either:
- Your holder's number, OR
- Your surname and postcode
- View any unclaimed prizes linked to your details
⚠️ 6-Year Claim Limit
Prizes must be claimed within 6 years of the draw date. After this, unclaimed prizes are returned to the Treasury. If you have old bonds you haven't checked in years, do it now!
What to Do If You've Won
Congratulations! Here's what happens with your prize:
Automatic Payment (Recommended)
If you've set up automatic payment, prizes go directly to your nominated bank account within 3 working days of the draw. No action needed!
Reinvestment
If you've chosen reinvestment, prizes are automatically used to buy more bonds (until you reach the £50,000 maximum).
Prize Warrants (Cheques)
For prizes over £50 without automatic payment set up, NS&I sends a cheque. These are valid for 6 years but it's best to cash them promptly.
When Are Prizes Drawn?
| Event | Timing |
|---|---|
| Prize draw | 1st working day of each month |
| Results available | From ~9am on draw day |
| Bank payments | Within 3 working days |
| Cheques sent | Within 5 working days |
Our Premium Bonds Checker Tool
We've built an advanced checker that helps you do more than just see if you've won:
- Verify bond numbers: Check if specific bond numbers are valid
- Track performance: Compare your wins against expected returns
- Historical analysis: See patterns in your winning history
Try Our Advanced Checker
Get more insights into your Premium Bonds with our free tools.
Common Questions
How often should I check for prizes?
Prizes are drawn once per month, so checking monthly is sufficient. If you set up app notifications or email alerts, you'll be notified automatically when you win.
Why haven't I won anything?
With odds of 1 in 22,000 per bond, smaller holdings often go months without winning. With £1,000 invested, you have about a 4% chance of winning each month. This is normal — not a sign of a problem with your bonds.
Can someone else check my bonds?
To check using the NS&I prize checker, you need your holder's number. For security, don't share this number. Family members can check their own bonds separately.
I found old bonds — can I still claim prizes?
Bonds remain valid indefinitely, but prizes can only be claimed for 6 years from the draw date. Check immediately for any unclaimed prizes, then set up automatic payment to avoid missing future wins.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. For official prize checking and account management, always use the official NS&I website and app. Our tools are supplementary and do not replace official NS&I services.