Liverpool And Bedfordshire Savers Win February Premium Bonds Jackpot

Premium Bonds, the much-loved savings product from National Savings & Investments (NS&I), has made two new millionaires this February, sparking excitement across the UK. As the results for the February 2026 prize draw rolled in, savers from Liverpool and Central Bedfordshire found themselves at the center of attention, each scooping an enviable £1 million jackpot. For many, these stories serve as reminders that fortune can smile on anyone—whether you’ve held on to your bonds for decades or only recently joined the club.

According to NS&I, the monthly prize draw, held at the start of each month, continues to offer every £1 Bond the same shot at a windfall. The odds, as of February 2026, stand at 22,000 to one for each bond, and the prize fund rate currently sits at 3.6%. Prizes range from a modest £25 all the way up to the life-changing £1 million, with two such jackpots awarded every month.

This month, the Liverpool area celebrated in style. The first £1 million winner, a long-time Premium Bonds saver, purchased their lucky Bond (number 40QJ919368) back in October 2004 as part of an initial £2,000 investment. Over the years, this diligent saver gradually built their holding up to the maximum permitted—£50,000. Now, more than two decades after that first purchase, their patience has paid off in spectacular fashion. As reported by multiple outlets, this win marks a major moment for both the individual and the city, placing Liverpool alongside a select group of UK regions to have produced a £1 million Premium Bonds jackpot winner.

The second top prize of £1 million went to a saver in Central Bedfordshire. Their winning Bond (number 489TB013219) was acquired much more recently, in February 2022, as part of a £17,500 investment. Like their Liverpool counterpart, this winner also held the maximum £50,000 in Bonds at the time of the draw. The contrasting stories of these two winners—one a long-term saver, the other relatively new to the scheme—highlight the unpredictable but tantalizing nature of Premium Bonds. As NS&I notes, every bond has an equal chance, regardless of when it was purchased.

But the February 2026 draw didn’t just favor the millionaires. Across the country, many other savers enjoyed a windfall. In the Liverpool and Merseyside area alone, the draw produced a £50,000 prize (Bond 427GM704870), several £25,000 prizes (including Bonds 440BA235900 for Liverpool and 354CM060528 for Wirral), and multiple £10,000 wins. These successes underscore the strong showing for the region this month and offer encouragement to both seasoned and newer bondholders.

Bristol also had reason to celebrate, as three separate £50,000 prizes landed in the City of Bristol region. According to local reports, one lucky Bond (611QX230615) was purchased as recently as January 2025, proving that even fresh investments can yield substantial rewards. Two other Bristol Bonds (259AV543412 and 346PK091453) matched the £50,000 prize, while three £25,000 prizes (including Bonds 650MH228238 and 456JN587363) brought further cheer to the area.

Remarkably, some of the biggest February winners were holders of bonds purchased decades ago. One standout story comes from Devon, where a saver’s Bond (TS968214), bought in July 1973 with just £90, secured one of the larger prizes. Similar tales emerged from Plymouth and South East Wales, where bonds bought in October 1975 and April 1977, respectively, each won £5,000. The South East Wales winner, for example, held only £86 in total going into the draw—proof positive that even small, long-standing investments can pay off handsomely.

Despite these feel-good stories, the broader context for Premium Bonds has shifted over the past year. NS&I has reduced the prize fund rate three times in 2025: from 4.15% to 4.00% in January, 4.00% to 3.80% in April, and 3.80% to 3.60% in August. While the odds per bond have remained at 22,000 to one since December 2024, these rate cuts mean less money is distributed overall, particularly for the largest prizes. As the BBC put it, "your chances of taking home a large prize win are diminished," even though the number of smaller prizes remains steady.

Still, Premium Bonds retain their broad appeal. One reason is their unique structure: rather than earning interest, each bond is entered into a monthly, randomly generated prize draw. This blend of saving and chance continues to attract millions, especially as all prizes are tax-free. The maximum investment per account is set at £50,000, and those who win can choose to have their prizes paid directly into their bank account or automatically reinvested into more Premium Bonds—up to the holding limit. NS&I now pays nine in ten prizes via these methods, a move designed to reduce the problem of unclaimed prizes.

Speaking of unclaimed winnings, there’s a staggering sum still waiting to be collected. As of February 2026, NS&I reports 2,695,399 unclaimed prizes, totaling £112,985,200. The institution advises that the "best way" to avoid missing out is to register bank details or opt for automatic reinvestment. For those who suspect they might have a forgotten windfall, NS&I’s website and prize checker app offer quick ways to search for unclaimed prizes using a holder’s number.

For many, the stories of this month’s millionaires will serve as inspiration to check their own accounts or perhaps even to invest anew. With every £1 bond holding the same odds, and stories of both recent and decades-old investments striking it lucky, the Premium Bonds system continues to capture the imagination of savers across the UK. Whether you’re a seasoned saver or just getting started, the chance to join the ranks of the lucky few is always just a draw away.

As the dust settles on February’s draw, the message from NS&I is clear: check your numbers, keep your details up to date, and remember—sometimes, patience really does pay off.