April 2025 has brought a wave of excitement for Premium Bonds holders across the UK as two lucky winners each claimed a life-changing £1 million in the National Savings and Investments (NS&I) monthly draw. The first winner, from South Yorkshire, holds bond number 494WG724922, which was purchased in March 2022. This individual has a total of £43,165 invested in Premium Bonds, making them the third jackpot winner from South Yorkshire to date.
The second million-pound prize was awarded to a resident of Hertfordshire, whose winning bond number is 418AW560890. This winner purchased their bond in October 2020 and currently holds a total of £50,000 in Premium Bonds, marking them as the 17th jackpot millionaire from that region.
Andrew Westhead, NS&I retail director, expressed his enthusiasm for the winners, stating, "Huge congratulations to our winners in South Yorkshire and Hertfordshire – these April jackpots highlight the life-changing potential of Premium Bonds for savers everywhere. It's not just about the jackpot millionaires – this month, ERNIE [the random number generator] awarded more than 5.9 million prizes worth over £412 million, giving many customers something to smile about."
In total, the April 2025 draw saw 5,914,009 prizes distributed, with amounts ranging from £25 to £1 million. The breakdown of prizes includes 71 winners of £100,000, 141 winners of £50,000, and many others claiming smaller amounts. Notably, there were 284 winners of £25,000 and 590 winners of £10,000, illustrating the wide array of opportunities for Premium Bonds holders.
For those eager to check if they have won, the NS&I prize checker app is available, allowing holders to verify their winning status starting from April 2. Premium Bonds, unlike traditional savings accounts, do not pay interest; instead, they enter holders into a monthly prize draw, where the odds of winning are equal for all bonds regardless of purchase date or amount.
As of April 2025, there are significant unclaimed prizes waiting to be claimed. In South Yorkshire, there are 23,241 unclaimed prizes totaling £867,850, with the largest single unclaimed prize at £25,000 from the November 2022 draw. The oldest unclaimed win dates back to 1957, held by an individual with £100 in bonds. Meanwhile, in Hertfordshire, 56,335 unclaimed prizes amount to £2,083,850, including two unclaimed £25,000 prizes from June 2023 and September 2021.
Premium Bonds have been a popular savings product in the UK since their launch in 1957, offering a unique combination of security and the excitement of potential big wins. With a minimum investment of £25 and a maximum of £50,000, they provide a risk-free way to save while allowing customers to dream of hitting the jackpot.
As the April draw has demonstrated, the excitement of winning a large sum can be life-changing. For those who have yet to check their status, the NS&I encourages holders to utilize the prize checker app or visit their website to ensure they don’t miss out on any potential winnings.
In addition to the jackpots, the April draw also included a notable case where a Premium Bonds holder from Hereford and Worcester, who had only £300 in bonds purchased in February 2010, won an impressive £50,000. This highlights that even small investments can yield significant rewards.
With over 24 million people participating in Premium Bonds, the community of savers continues to grow. The April 2025 draw is a reminder of the thrill that comes with the possibility of winning, as well as the importance of regularly checking for unclaimed prizes.
As the NS&I continues to award millions in prizes each month, it remains essential for holders to stay informed and engaged with their investments. With the next draw just around the corner, many will be hopeful for their chance to join the ranks of millionaires and celebrate the joy of winning.
