April 2025 has proven to be a lucky month for two individuals as National Savings and Investments (NS&I) announced the winners of its Premium Bonds draw, with each walking away with a staggering £1 million. The excitement of the draw highlights not just the potential for life-changing wins but also the ongoing popularity of Premium Bonds as a unique savings product.
The first jackpot winner hails from South Yorkshire, holding £43,165 in Premium Bonds. Their winning bond number, 494WG724922, was purchased in March 2022, with a value of £20,000. This win marks the third jackpot victory for South Yorkshire, showcasing the region’s growing luck in the Premium Bonds arena.
The second millionaire is from Hertfordshire and possesses the maximum allowable holding of £50,000 in Premium Bonds. Their winning bond, numbered 418AW560890, was bought in October 2020, valued at £30,000. This win adds to Hertfordshire’s tally, making it the seventeenth jackpot winner from the county.
In total, NS&I awarded over 5.9 million prizes worth more than £412 million in this month’s draw. The excitement surrounding these draws is palpable, as Andrew Westhead, NS&I Retail Director, emphasized the life-changing potential of Premium Bonds for savers. He stated, “Huge congratulations to our winners in South Yorkshire and Hertfordshire – these April jackpots highlight the life-changing potential of Premium Bonds for savers everywhere.”
While the spotlight is often on the jackpot millionaires, the April draw saw a wide array of other prize winners. A Premium Bonds holder from Hereford and Worcester, with a modest holding of £300 from February 2010, won a £50,000 prize, demonstrating that even smaller investments can yield significant returns.
The breakdown of prizes for April 2025 reveals that alongside the two £1 million winners, there were 78 winners of £100,000, 141 winners of £50,000, and numerous others across various prize tiers. In total, NS&I announced a staggering 5,914,009 prizes to be distributed, with prize values ranging from £25 to £1 million.
For those eager to check their winnings, NS&I provides a user-friendly prize checker tool available on their website and through a dedicated app. Premium Bonds holders can check for prizes starting April 2, 2025, using their holder’s number or NS&I number. The convenience of digital tools makes it easier for savers to stay informed about their investments.
However, amidst the excitement of winners, NS&I also reported a significant number of unclaimed prizes. In South Yorkshire alone, there are 23,241 unclaimed prizes worth a total of £867,850, with the largest unclaimed prize being £25,000 from the November 2022 draw. Similarly, Hertfordshire has 56,335 unclaimed prizes valued at £2,083,850, including two unclaimed £25,000 prizes from June 2023 and September 2021.
Premium Bonds offer a unique approach to savings. Unlike traditional savings accounts, they do not pay interest. Instead, they provide the thrill of potentially winning cash prizes. Each £1 bond is entered into a monthly prize draw, with a minimum investment of £25 and a maximum of £50,000. This structure allows individuals to save securely while enjoying the excitement of the monthly draws.
As of April 1, 2025, NS&I announced a reduction in the Premium Bonds prize fund rate from 4% to 3.80%. Despite this decrease, the odds of winning remain unchanged at 22,000 to 1. This adjustment reflects the current trends in the savings market, ensuring that NS&I can continue to balance the interests of savers and taxpayers.
Despite the reduction in prize fund rates, NS&I is still expected to distribute over £411 million in prizes for the April draw. The anticipated number of prizes remains robust, with more than 5.9 million prizes available, including two £1 million jackpots and over 2.1 million £25 prizes.
Premium Bonds have become a staple in the UK savings landscape since their introduction in 1956. They serve as a popular choice for savers of all ages, allowing parents to purchase or gift bonds for their children. As the draw continues to attract millions of participants, the allure of winning remains a significant draw for many.
In summary, the April 2025 Premium Bonds draw has once again demonstrated the excitement and potential rewards of this unique savings product. With two new millionaires celebrating their wins, the ongoing popularity of Premium Bonds is evident, and the opportunity for life-changing prizes continues to captivate savers across the UK.
