As the first working day of November 2025 arrived, millions of savers across the UK checked their National Savings & Investments (NS&I) accounts with anticipation. For two lucky individuals, this month’s Premium Bonds draw delivered life-changing news, a £1 million jackpot win.
With over six million tax-free prizes awarded and a total prize pot exceeding £401 million, this latest draw once again demonstrates the widespread popularity of Premium Bonds in the UK.
This blog takes a deep dive into the latest results, how Premium Bonds work, how to check if you’re a winner, and what this month’s draw means for savers going forward.
What Are NS&I Premium Bonds and How Do They Work?
Premium Bonds are a unique savings product offered by NS&I, the government-backed savings institution. Unlike traditional savings accounts that earn interest over time, Premium Bonds provide an opportunity to win tax-free cash prizes through a monthly lottery-style draw.
Each bond costs £1, and for every £1 you invest, you receive an entry into the monthly prize draw. While you won’t receive any interest, your capital is fully secure as NS&I is backed by HM Treasury.
Why Are Premium Bonds So Unique?
- They offer tax-free prizes ranging from £25 to £1 million.
- There’s no risk to your original investment.
- The scheme is open to anyone aged 16 or over.
- You can hold up to £50,000 in Premium Bonds.
The structure of the prize draw replaces predictable returns with a sense of excitement and possibility, which has cemented its appeal among UK savers for nearly seven decades.
How Does the NS&I Monthly Prize Draw System Operate?
At the heart of the Premium Bonds experience is the monthly prize draw. Held on the first working day of each month, it’s powered by ERNIE, short for the Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment, a government-run random number generator.
How Are Prizes Funded?
Each month, the total prize fund is calculated based on the prize fund interest rate, currently set at 3.60% as of August 2025. This rate is applied to the total value of all eligible bonds to determine how much prize money will be distributed across various tiers.
The odds of winning per £1 bond remain fixed at 1 in 22,000, meaning each bond has an equal chance of winning, regardless of when it was purchased or how long it has been held.
Bond Eligibility and Draw Volume
For November 2025, over 133 billion bond numbers were eligible for the draw. With more than 6 million prizes awarded, the sheer scale of the monthly operation reflects both the popularity and scope of Premium Bonds as a national savings product.
Who Won the £1 Million NS&I Premium Bond Jackpot in November 2025?
The top headline this month was the announcement of two new millionaires, thanks to the November 2025 Premium Bonds draw.
Both winners held the maximum allowable balance of £50,000, showing how full investment can increase one’s chances, though every bond still carries equal odds.
- Shropshire Winner
- Bond Number: 258GE105589
- Purchase Date: October 2015
- York Winner
- Bond Number: 568FY679677
- Purchase Date: February 2024
These are not the first winners from these regions, and their stories serve as a reminder that Premium Bond jackpots can land anywhere. In fact, this is the second time York has produced a £1 million winner, making it a city now twice touched by fortune.
One delighted winner said:
What an amazing surprise. I’m going to treat myself to a new ukulele. We’re off to Australia first class next year, champagne and comfort all the way.
Celebrating a Legacy of Luck
This month’s draw coincides with a significant milestone, 69 years since Premium Bonds were introduced. First launched in November 1956, and with the first draw in June 1957, they have now awarded over £38.7 billion in prizes to UK savers.
What’s the Full Breakdown of November 2025 Premium Bond Prizes?
November’s draw brought good news to many across the UK, with over 6 million tax-free prizes awarded, totalling more than £401 million in value. The rewards range from small boosts to life-changing jackpots.
Prize Tier Distribution Table
| Prize Value | Number of Prizes |
| £1,000,000 | 2 |
| £100,000 | 76 |
| £50,000 | 153 |
| £25,000 | 305 |
| £10,000 | 761 |
| £5,000 | 1,525 |
| £1,000 | 16,042 |
| £500 | 48,126 |
| £100 | 1,706,146 |
| £50 | 1,706,146 |
| £25 | 2,597,666 |
This distribution demonstrates that while the £1 million prize is incredibly rare, there are millions of chances to win smaller, yet still meaningful amounts.
Regional Highlights
In County Durham, for example, residents scooped over £575,000 in prizes. Some significant wins included two £100,000 prizes, several £50,000 payouts, and multiple wins in the £25,000 tier, proving that high-value prizes are spread widely across the country.
Are There Unclaimed NS&I Premium Bond Prizes Waiting for You?
Surprisingly, more than 2.6 million prizes worth over £110 million remain unclaimed across the UK. In Shropshire alone, there are over 10,800 uncollected prizes valued at around £438,250, including one worth £10,000 from February 2022. Meanwhile, in York, the largest unclaimed prize is £25,000 from March 2024, alongside several smaller wins.
To avoid missing out on your prize:
- Ensure your contact and banking details are up to date.
- Register for online or app access to manage your account.
- Choose BACS payments to have prizes deposited directly to your bank account.
- Regularly check the NS&I prize checker.
Unclaimed prizes never expire, so even long-forgotten bonds from decades ago could still be hiding a reward.
How Can You Check If You’ve Won a Premium Bond Prize?
Checking your Premium Bonds is a simple, quick process. NS&I offers several secure and user-friendly methods for verifying if you’re a winner.
Methods for Checking Results:
| Platform | Description |
| Online Portal | Secure access via NS&I website |
| Mobile App | Check results anytime via iOS or Android |
| Prize Checker Tool | Input bond/holder number for instant results |
| BACS Notification | If enrolled, winners are notified via email |
The results are usually available from the first working day of each month. For the November 2025 draw, results were released on Monday, 4 November.
How Do NS&I Premium Bond Prizes Compare to Traditional Savings?
One of the biggest considerations for savers is whether Premium Bonds offer better value than other financial products like ISAs, high-interest savings accounts, or fixed-rate bonds.
A Unique Proposition
Premium Bonds don’t offer guaranteed returns, but they do offer:
- 100% capital protection
- Tax-free prizes
- Easy access to your money
- A potential windfall each month
However, the lack of guaranteed interest can make them less suitable for those depending on predictable growth.
Rate Adjustments and Returns
The current prize fund rate is 3.60%, slightly lower than recent high-interest savings options. That said, Premium Bonds appeal to those who prioritise security, liquidity, and excitement over consistent yields.
For many, they form a part of a diversified savings plan, rather than being the sole savings vehicle.
What Makes Premium Bonds So Popular Among UK Savers?
Premium Bonds have long been a favourite among UK savers, blending the safety of savings with the thrill of a monthly prize draw. With over 22 million holders across the country, they’ve become both a financial habit and a cultural tradition.
From children receiving them as gifts to retirees relying on them for excitement, Premium Bonds appeal to all ages.
Their popularity lies in their unique mix of benefits, full government backing ensures zero risk to your initial investment, while the monthly draws add an element of fun and anticipation.
The chance to win tax-free prizes, including life-changing jackpots, keeps savers engaged, making Premium Bonds a trusted and entertaining way to grow wealth safely in the UK.
What Should Savers Take Away from the November 2025 Draw Results?
This month’s draw serves as a valuable reminder for savers and bondholders alike. The scale of participation and prize distribution reveals some important insights:
- Big wins do happen, but they’re rare. Patience is key.
- Smaller prizes dominate, with the bulk of awards between £25 and £100.
- Unclaimed prizes remain a serious issue, check regularly to ensure you’re not leaving money on the table.
- NS&I’s backing means Premium Bonds remain one of the most secure places to save, even without guaranteed returns.
For many, Premium Bonds strike a perfect balance between low risk and high anticipation, offering a savings product that’s as emotionally engaging as it is financially sound.
Conclusion
The NS&I Premium Bonds draw for November 2025 has rewarded millions, once again proving why this savings option remains a national favourite.
With over 6 million prizes, £401 million in payouts, and two new millionaires added to the ranks, Premium Bonds continue to deliver excitement and security in equal measure.
Whether you’re a long-term holder or considering your first investment, don’t forget the key takeaway, check your numbers regularly, manage your account digitally, and stay in the draw. You never know when your £1 could turn into a life-changing windfall.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often are Premium Bond prize draws conducted by NS&I?
Prize draws occur monthly, typically announced on the first working day of each new month.
Can children hold Premium Bonds, and how are they managed?
Yes, children under 16 can hold Premium Bonds, though they must be purchased and managed by a parent, guardian, or grandparent.
What is the minimum and maximum investment in NS&I Premium Bonds?
The minimum investment is £25, and the maximum per person is capped at £50,000.
Do Premium Bonds ever expire or lose their eligibility?
No, Premium Bonds remain eligible for every monthly draw indefinitely unless they are cashed in by the bondholder.
Is it possible to increase your chances of winning with a larger investment?
Yes, while the odds per bond stay the same, holding more bonds increases your total entries in each draw.
What happens if I lose my bond number or account details?
You can retrieve lost bond details by contacting NS&I or accessing your online account using personal identification information.
Are Premium Bond winnings subject to UK taxation?
No, all winnings from Premium Bonds are entirely tax-free, regardless of the amount won.
