Historical Returns Calculator
Calculate how Premium Bonds would have performed over any historical period
Investment Amount
Select Time Period
Historical Prize Fund Rates
How Premium Bonds interest rates have changed since 1957
Understanding Historical Returns
Important Notes
- These are expected returns based on the statistical probability of winning. Actual returns would have varied significantly due to the random nature of prize draws.
- Past performance does not guarantee future results. Prize fund rates can change at any time based on NS&I policy decisions.
- The calculation assumes: Bonds held for the entire period with no withdrawals or additions, and uses the mathematical expected value rather than actual prize draws.
- Rate changes: Premium Bonds rates have varied from a low of 1.00% (December 2020) to a high of 4.65% (September 2023) in recent years. The all-time high was 7.75% in August 1984.
Why Rates Change
NS&I adjusts Premium Bonds prize fund rates based on:
- Bank of England base rate changes
- Competition from other savings products
- Government funding requirements
- Market conditions and economic outlook
Data Sources: NS&I Historical Interest Rates (May 2008 onwards); NS&I FOI response (March 2026) for pre-2008 data.