December Premium Bond Purchasers Alerted to Major Prize Wins
National Savings & Investments (NS&I) is urging customers who bought Premium Bonds in December 2025 to check their accounts immediately, as four lucky savers have each secured a substantial £100,000 prize in the monthly draw. This exciting news highlights the potential rewards of this popular savings product, especially for those who invested ahead of the festive season.
Details of the Four £100,000 Winners
The four fortunate bondholders saw their investments pay off handsomely on the very first entry of their bonds into the NS&I prize draw. The winning bonds, purchased in December, varied significantly in value, demonstrating that even modest holdings can yield life-changing sums.
- Two winners held the maximum allowance: Savers based in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, along with another in Cheshire East, each held the full £50,000 in Premium Bonds, securing their £100,000 windfalls.
- Other winners with substantial holdings: The remaining two prize recipients, from Essex and Brighton and Hove, held £19,150 and £38,025 in Premium Bonds respectively, proving that you don't need to invest the maximum to win big.
How Premium Bonds Work and Their Enduring Appeal
Since their introduction in the 1950s, Premium Bonds have provided a unique and accessible savings opportunity for millions across the UK. The first prize draw, conducted by the famous ERNIE (Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment), took place in June 1957, establishing a tradition of excitement and security.
Key features of Premium Bonds include:
- Tax-free prizes: All winnings are completely free from UK tax, making them an attractive option for savers.
- HM Treasury backing: Investments are 100% secure, as they are backed by the UK government, offering peace of mind alongside the thrill of the draw.
- Monthly prize draws: Each £1 Bond is entered into a monthly draw where prizes range from £25 to a life-changing £1 million, with the jackpot increased to this level from April 1994. NS&I now awards two £1 million prizes every month.
Important Rules and Current Rates for Savers
For those considering or already holding Premium Bonds, it's crucial to understand the eligibility criteria and current performance metrics. Newly purchased bonds must be held for one full calendar month after purchase before they become eligible for the prize draw, which explains why December purchases are now yielding results.
The variable annual prize fund rate for the February 2026 draw stands at 3.60%, with the odds of any single £1 Bond number winning a prize calculated at 22,000 to 1. Prizes are funded based on this rate applied across the total of all eligible Premium Bonds held, as NS&I explains, ensuring a fair and transparent system.
Individuals, including those under 16, can hold up to £50,000 in Premium Bonds, making it a versatile savings tool for families and individuals alike. This blend of security, government backing, and the chance to win substantial tax-free prizes continues to make Premium Bonds a distinctive and engaging way to save for the future.
