NS&I warning: Saver who bought £400 premium bond in 2010 just won £100,000 — Are you sitting on an unclaimed fortune?

A lucky saver from Stoke-on-Trent has turned a modest £900 investment in Premium Bonds into a staggering £100,000 windfall — and the story has reignited a vital warning for millions of NS&I customers to check for unclaimed prizes.

According to the latest National Savings and Investments (NS&I) draw results, the unnamed winner purchased the bond worth £400 back in June 2010. More than 15 years later, the small investment paid off in spectacular fashion, proving that even older and smaller holdings can hit the jackpot.

The lucky bond — numbered 168YJ252329 — was part of a total holding of just £913, highlighting how unpredictable the Premium Bonds prize system can be. For many, it’s a hopeful reminder that big wins aren’t reserved only for those who’ve invested the maximum £50,000 limit.

But financial experts are cautioning savers not to be complacent. NS&I revealed that thousands of account holders still have unclaimed prizes, some dating back decades. Savers are therefore urged to use the official NS&I prize checker — available on the website and app — to see if they might unknowingly be sitting on tax-free winnings.

Premium Bonds: A Game of Luck, Not Interest

Unlike traditional savings accounts, Premium Bonds don’t earn interest. Instead, each bond — valued at £1 — enters a monthly prize draw, giving holders the chance to win between £25 and £1 million. The scheme, backed by the UK Treasury, offers complete security for savers since their money remains government-protected.

However, the odds of winning remain slim. Tom Francis, Head of Digital Advice at Octopus Money, described Premium Bonds as “a thrill-based saving option” rather than a reliable return vehicle.

“Our research shows Premium Bond holders wait an average of 3.5 years before they win even the smallest prize,” he noted. “And 94% of jackpot winners hold over £10,000 worth of bonds.”

Francis advised that while the excitement of possibly winning a life-changing sum is alluring, savers seeking consistent growth might be better off exploring alternatives like Cash ISAs or Stocks and Shares ISAs, which deliver measurable and compounding returns over time.

October’s Millionaire Winners Revealed

This month’s draw crowned two new millionaires. One came from Scotland, holding a £10,000 bond purchased in April 2022, while the second hailed from Greater Manchester, whose winning bond worth just £100 was bought in January 2023.

Several others from Outer London, Cornwall, and County Durham also scooped six-figure prizes with holdings ranging between £13,000 and £48,000 — again proving that luck can strike from anywhere.

Check Your Bonds — You Could Be Next

According to NS&I, every £1 bond has an equal chance of winning, though naturally, those with larger total holdings increase their odds simply by having more entries in the draw.

Still, stories like the Stoke-on-Trent winner show that even small savers can experience huge rewards. The key is ensuring no winnings go unnoticed — something many people overlook for years.

To see if you’ve won, visit the official NS&I prize checker online or download the NS&I mobile app for instant updates. Prizes can also be tracked through your NS&I account dashboard.

FAQ

Q1: How can I check if I’ve won a Premium Bonds prize?
You can check by visiting the NS&I website or using their mobile app to enter your bond numbers in the official prize checker tool.

Q2: How much can you win with Premium Bonds?
Prizes range from £25 up to £1 million, all tax-free.

Q3: How likely am I to win a Premium Bond prize?
The odds are currently 1 in 21,000 per £1 bond, but winners with larger holdings have better overall chances due to higher entries.

Q4: Are Premium Bonds safe?
Yes. NS&I is backed by the UK Treasury, meaning your capital is fully secure.

Q5: Can old Premium Bonds still win?
Absolutely. Even bonds purchased decades ago remain eligible for monthly draws unless they’ve been cashed in.