In the latest National Savings and Investments (NS&I) Premium Bonds draw for May 2025, two fortunate individuals have each become a millionaire after winning the top prize of £1 million. The winning bond numbers were 462DR240519, held by a winner in Derbyshire, and 300ZZ346515, belonging to a new millionaire from Suffolk.
The Derbyshire winner, who purchased their winning bond in July 2021, holds a total of £25,361 in Premium Bonds. Meanwhile, the Suffolk winner, who bought their winning bond in April 2017, has a total holding of £35,000. Both winners are celebrating their new-found wealth thanks to the government-backed savings scheme.
Each month, millions of savers participate in the Premium Bonds prize draw, which does not offer traditional interest but instead provides the chance to win tax-free prizes ranging from £25 to £1 million. In total, 5.94 million prizes worth £413 million will be distributed in this month’s draw, with 130,705,305,671 bond numbers eligible for selection.
For those wondering about their chances, every £1 bond has a 22,000-to-one chance of winning a prize. The prize fund rate was recently adjusted from 4% to 3.8% beginning with the April 2025 draw, although the odds of winning remain unchanged.
NS&I’s Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment, affectionately known as ERNIE, is responsible for selecting the winning numbers. This system has been in operation since the launch of Premium Bonds in 1957, ensuring a random and fair selection process.
Aside from the two millionaires, the draw also saw 79 individuals win £100,000 each, contributing to a total of over 19,000 high-value prizes awarded this month. The excitement surrounding the Premium Bonds draw continues to attract new participants, with approximately 24 million people currently holding more than £127 billion in bonds.
While the allure of potentially winning large sums is significant, it’s worth noting that many participants may never win a prize. Analysis by financial expert Martin Lewis suggests that the effective ‘interest rate’ on Premium Bonds, when considering all winnings, is around 4%, although most savers will not experience returns anywhere near this figure.
For those keen to check if they have won, NS&I offers an online prize checker available on their website, as well as a mobile app. This allows participants to see not only this month’s winners but also any unclaimed prizes from previous draws. Additionally, Amazon Alexa users can enable a skill to check their Premium Bonds prizes conveniently.
As the cost of living continues to rise, many savers are looking for secure ways to invest their money. Premium Bonds provide a risk-free option, as the original investment is always safe, even if the chances of winning are relatively low.
In the May draw, a noteworthy highlight was a Premium Bonds saver from Sefton who won a £100,000 prize from a mere holding of £175. This remarkable win, which saw the value of their investment increase by 57,043%, serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the Premium Bonds scheme.
With the minimum investment set at £25 and a maximum of £50,000, Premium Bonds remain accessible to a wide range of savers. The average Premium Bonds holder has approximately £5,406 invested, reflecting a diverse participation across various financial backgrounds.
As the excitement builds each month with the announcement of winners, the Premium Bonds draw continues to be a popular choice for those seeking a blend of savings and the thrill of potentially winning big. The next draw is scheduled for June, and participants are eager to see if they will join the ranks of millionaires.
As always, it’s essential for savers to manage their Premium Bonds wisely. Those who opt for online management can reduce the chances of their winnings going unclaimed. With prizes that do not expire, participants are encouraged to check for any potential unclaimed prizes from past draws.
In conclusion, the May 2025 Premium Bonds draw has once again created excitement and opportunity, with two new millionaires and a plethora of other winners celebrating their good fortune. The ongoing popularity of Premium Bonds highlights the unique appeal of this savings product, offering a chance to win life-changing sums while ensuring the safety of the original investment.
