Quick Read
- Over £100 million in Premium Bond prizes remain unclaimed, according to NS&I.
- Prize winners are chosen monthly by ERNIE, with two £1 million jackpots each month.
- Checking for unclaimed prizes is easy via the NS&I prize checker app or website.
It’s a new year, and for millions of Britons, that means another chance to win cash prizes through Premium Bonds—a savings product that combines the security of National Savings and Investments (NS&I) with the thrill of a monthly lottery. But while two lucky individuals wake up each month to find a £1 million windfall, there’s another, less glamorous headline emerging: more than £100 million in prizes remain unclaimed, quietly waiting for their rightful owners.
According to a recent analysis reported by GB News, millions of people across the UK may be sitting on unclaimed winnings. Whether you’re a long-time saver or opened your first bond account last year, now is the time to check. The urgency comes as NS&I prepares to announce the first Premium Bonds winners of 2026, but the real story is the hidden fortune many have forgotten about.
Unlike traditional savings accounts, Premium Bonds do not offer a set interest rate. Instead, every bondholder is entered into a monthly draw, where the prizes range from £10,000, £50,000, £100,000, and up to two £1 million jackpots. In 2025 alone, NS&I awarded over 71 million prizes, totaling nearly £5 billion. Yet, with more than £100 million left unclaimed, it’s clear that many savers are missing out.
So, why do these prizes go unclaimed? Nicola Morgan, a personal finance expert at Confused.com, points to a simple but common issue: “Premium Bonds are a popular way to save, but it can be easy to forget about them once they’re set up. With millions holding bonds, there’s a good chance some have money waiting for them and don’t realize it.” It’s a problem compounded by changing contact details, lost account numbers, or simply the passage of time.
Fortunately, NS&I has made it easier than ever to check if you’ve won. All you need is your holder’s number or account number. The NS&I prize checker is available as both a mobile app and a website tool. If you’ve misplaced your details, NS&I customer service can help you recover them, ensuring no prize is left behind due to administrative hurdles.
The numbers are striking. In 2025, more than 470,000 new Premium Bonds accounts were opened, with an average balance of £10,674. Notably, nearly 80,000 accounts were opened for children under 16, who collectively won over £91 million in prizes—including 22 young savers who hit the jackpot with prizes of £100,000 or more. The total value of eligible bonds jumped by over £5.8 billion during the year, highlighting the enduring appeal of this unique savings product.
Behind the scenes, the prize draw is powered by ERNIE (Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment), a system that’s been in place for 68 years. ERNIE’s random draws ensure fairness and excitement, keeping the product fresh for new and long-standing savers alike. As NS&I retail director Andrew Westhead puts it, “Premium Bonds continue to bring excitement and opportunity to savers far and wide. From our long-standing Bond holders to our thousands of new customers, we’re proud that NS&I is trusted by millions, and we’re looking forward to paying out millions more tax-free prizes in 2026.”
Yet, the story isn’t just about winning—it’s about claiming what’s yours. With so much left unclaimed, the call to action is clear: don’t let your winnings gather dust. Take a moment to check your bonds. Even if you’ve forgotten your details, NS&I will help you recover them. And if you’re thinking about your financial resolutions for 2026, consider reviewing your savings strategy. Morgan suggests exploring cash ISAs, cutting unused subscriptions, and making the most of loyalty points—simple steps that can boost your financial wellbeing alongside your Premium Bonds.
The Premium Bond prize checker is your gateway to potential windfalls. It’s a straightforward process: enter your holder’s number, tap the app or website, and see if you’re among the latest winners. For those who haven’t checked in a while, now’s the perfect time. After all, with £100 million waiting, the odds are better than you might think.
As the new year unfolds, NS&I’s message to savers is simple: excitement, opportunity, and a gentle reminder not to leave your winnings unclaimed. Whether you’re a seasoned saver or a newcomer, the next big prize could be yours—if you remember to check.
The facts reveal a persistent gap between the thrill of winning and the reality of claiming. With NS&I’s systems making prize checking easier than ever, the real challenge lies in awareness and action. As 2025 begins, the opportunity for Britons to reclaim their forgotten fortunes is both timely and critical. The story is less about luck, and more about taking control—making sure every pound you’ve earned finds its way home.