A lucky premium bond holder from Cleveland has won a massive £1,000,000 jackpot after investing only £100. March's premium bonds jackpot winners were announced, with this fortunate Cleveland winner holding the second smallest amount invested ever to hit the jackpot. The winning bond, number 540HZ735699, was purchased in May 2023, making this individual the third premium bonds jackpot millionaire from the area.
Andrew Westhead, NS&I retail director, expressed excitement over the Cleveland winner's story, stating, "The Cleveland winner's story is particularly exciting, with just £100 invested in premium bonds in 2023. It just shows every £1 bond has an equal chance of winning the £1 million jackpot." This individual's incredible victory shines light on the unpredictable nature of premium bonds.
The other jackpot winner this month was from Cumbria, holding £35,000 worth of bonds. This win makes them the eleventh jackpot winner from Cumbria. Together, the winners represent the thrilling outcomes for premium bond holders as the total number of prizes awarded this month reached more than 5.9 million, paying out over £430 million to various premium bond holders.
Mr. Westhead added, "It’s not just about the £1 million jackpots though. Thanks to ERNIE, we’ve drawn 5.9 million prizes worth over £430 million this month." The result is a positive reflection for those who hold premium bonds, as many receive tax-free winnings which contribute to savings excitement.
For those considering investing this year, premium bonds provide an accessible way to save with just a minimum investment of £25. Each £1 bond is entered monthly, allowing savers the chance to win tax-free prizes ranging from £25 to £1 million. Unlike traditional savings accounts, premium bonds don’t pay interest; they offer the security of investments backed by HM Treasury, paired with the thrilling chance of winning considerable prizes.
Premium bond holders can check if they’ve won any prizes from the March draw starting from today, March 4, by visiting the NS&I website, utilizing the prize checker app, or simply asking their Alexa devices. Interestingly, there are unclaimed prizes still waiting to be claimed—15,232 unclaimed bonds worth £535,075 are currently available in Cumbria, and 11,672 unclaimed prizes worth £428,225 are recorded from Cleveland.
Across the UK, there are currently 2,530,260 unclaimed premium bonds prizes totaling £95,312,325. For customers who suspect they may have unclaimed prizes, they can easily check using NS&I’s online prize checker or the dedicated app.
Meanwhile, the NS&I also revealed more winners from the premium bonds draw. For the month of March 2025, two fortunate savers across the UK were awarded £1 million each. The first of these top prizes went to the random lucky bond number 408VD714629 from Cumbria, purchased back in August 2020, reflecting on long-term motivation to save. They bought £35,000 worth of bonds, making it their only holding for this month’s draw.
The second jackpot winner, remarkably, achieved the big prize from only £100 invested, showing once again the randomness of the draw. This second winner had purchased their winning bond number 540HZ735699 initially in May 2023. The excitement surrounding this win proves the thrill of premium bonds for both new and longtime savers alike.
Among the notable winners, there was also a person from Liverpool who took home £100,000 with their winning bond number 278JZ380729, which they bought back in August 2016 alongside £40,000 worth of bonds. Additional winners included those from the Wirral who claimed £50,000 prizes for their bonds purchased back between 2013 and 2024.
Aside from the high-tier winnings, smaller prizes were awarded throughout the draw, demonstrating how many individuals benefit from the enticing allure of premier bonds. Among £10,000 winners were four from Liverpool and eight from the Wirral area, reaffirming the geographical spread of luck.
Looking forward, the prize fund rate for Premium Bonds is set to change next month, decreasing from the current 4% down to 3.8%. While the prize fund rate remains unchanged at 22,000 to one, recent months have seen continuous declines, which might raise questions for those pondering the benefits of Premium Bonds.
Experts have warned savers of the nature of premium bonds. Clare Francis, director of Savings and Investments at Barclays Smart Investor, pointed out the lack of guaranteed returns associated with premium bonds, stating, "You could get something back, but you may get nothing, so in many ways, you’re taking a gamble." This emphasizes the importance of careful consideration for potential bond holders weighing options.
Overall, the recent success stories of premium bond winners not only highlight the chance for astonishing prizes but also entice individuals to invest. With luck potentially on their side, new savers might find confidence entering the world of premium bonds.