In an exciting turn of events for savers, the May 2025 Premium Bonds prize draw has created two new millionaires and awarded over 5.9 million prizes across the UK. The winners hail from Derbyshire and Suffolk, marking a significant month for the National Savings and Investment (NS&I) program.
The Derbyshire winner, who holds bond number 462DR240519, became a millionaire with a total investment of £25,361 in Premium Bonds, having purchased their winning bond in July 2021. Meanwhile, the Suffolk winner, with bond number 300ZZ346515, holds £35,000 in Premium Bonds, having bought their winning bond in April 2017. Both winners were greeted by Agent Million, an anonymous NS&I employee who travels the country to deliver the good news personally.
But the excitement didn’t stop at the jackpot. This month’s draw saw a staggering 5,941,150 prizes awarded, with a total value of £413,900,125. The prize fund rate for May was set at 3.8%, following a series of reductions by NS&I, which has lowered the prize rate for the fourth consecutive time since March.
The odds of winning in this month’s draw remained at 22,000 to 1 for every £1 bond. In addition to the two million-pound winners, there were 2,915 prizes ranging from £5,000 to £100,000, and a plethora of smaller prizes for those holding Premium Bonds.
For those eager to check their winnings, the NS&I prize checker tool is available online, and results can also be accessed through the NS&I app. As of May 2, 2025, holders can verify if they’ve won a prize. The tool allows users to check winnings from previous draws as well, making it easy for savers to stay updated.
However, not all Premium Bonds holders are as fortunate. According to NS&I, a staggering 2,547,426 prizes remain unclaimed, amounting to over £97 million. These unclaimed prizes do not expire, meaning even those who may have purchased bonds decades ago still have a chance to check for forgotten winnings.
In a broader perspective, data from AJ Bell reveals that 63% of Premium Bonds holders have never won a prize. This statistic highlights the reality that while millions participate in the draw, the majority do not see returns on their investments. Despite this, Premium Bonds continue to attract savers due to the tax-free nature of winnings, allowing individuals to minimize their tax liabilities.
Interestingly, the analysis indicated that the average holding for winners was £23,397, significantly higher than the average holding of all Premium Bonds holders, which stands at £5,406. This suggests that those who invest more substantially in Premium Bonds are more likely to win.
In addition to the national winners, many regions also celebrated their own local victors. For instance, in Sussex, over 200 winners were reported, including five individuals who each claimed £100,000. One winner from West Sussex had a winning bond valued at just £25, purchased in November 2013, with an overall holding of £50,000. Another winner from East Sussex, with an overall holding of £55,000, had a winning bond worth £50,000 purchased in December 2019.
Oxfordshire also saw its share of winners, with two residents who purchased their Premium Bonds over 25 years ago emerging victorious. Across the county, there were 40 winners this month, including a £50,000 winner who bought their bond only six months ago, and two winners whose bonds were purchased in 1998 and 1999.
As the excitement of the May draw unfolds, many are left wondering if they will join the ranks of the lucky winners. The smallest prize awarded this month was £1,000, while the maximum prize remains at an impressive £1 million.
For those who wish to participate in future draws, it’s essential to keep track of your Premium Bonds number. This number is required to check for wins and can be found on any communication regarding your bonds. Alternatively, the NS&I app provides an easy way to access your information.
In summary, while the May 2025 Premium Bonds draw has created new millionaires and awarded millions in prizes, it also serves as a reminder of the odds involved in such savings vehicles. With many holders never winning a prize, it’s crucial for potential investors to be aware of the realities of Premium Bonds.
As the interest in Premium Bonds continues, the allure of a surprise visit from Agent Million remains a unique selling point for many savers. The combination of potential cash prizes and the thrill of winning keeps the Premium Bonds program a popular choice among UK savers.
For those still holding out hope, remember to check your bonds regularly and keep your contact information updated with NS&I to ensure you don’t miss out on any future winnings.
With the next draw just around the corner, who knows what fortunes await in June?
