NS&I unveils two new Premium Bonds millionaires as odds of winning improve

The Essex-based winner bought their winning bond just a few months ago, in April this year.

The latter also bought their winning bond recently, in December 2022.

There were more than 5.5 million prizes in this month’s prize draw, with a prize fund of £404,560,900.

Jill Waters, NS&I Retail Director, said: “Congratulations to our two millionaires from Hereford & Worcester and Essex. Both of our winners waited under a year to win the jackpot, with one winning after eight months and the other after just four months.

"This shows that big prizes can be won at any time, regardless of how long you’ve had your Premium Bonds. We hope each of our millionaires enjoys their winnings.”

NS&I will update the Premium Bonds prize checker for August 2023 by tomorrow.

The odds of winning a prize in the draw improved to their best level in 15 years this month, now standing at 22,000 to one, after NS&I increased the Premium Bonds prize fund rate from 3.70 percent to four percent from August.

The government-backed savings provider announced the boost in June, while also unveiling increases on various fixed-term products.

One-year Guaranteed Growth Bonds and Guaranteed Income Bonds have been boosted to five percent from four percent and 3.90 percent respectively.

Existing customers with these bonds rolling over into new two-year and three-year fixed-terms can also choose to benefit from higher rates, NS&I announced.

NS&I Chief Executive, Dax Harkins, said at the time: “Guaranteed Growth Bonds and Guaranteed Income Bonds are popular with our customers and I’m pleased that we’re able to announce these changes today for new and existing customers to take advantage of.

“Customers holding Direct Saver and Income Bonds will also see a boost from today, with their interest rates going up, and millions of Premium Bonds holders will also have a better chance of winning a prize from the next draw.”

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How to check for Premium Bonds prizes

NS&I says the quickest way to find out if a person has won is by using their prize checker, which is updated on the day after the first working day of each month.

The prize checker is available on the NS&I website and there is also a prize checker app.

People with an Amazon Alexa can also check via the Premium Bonds prize checker skill.