Have you ever dreamed of waking up to a life-changing sum of money? Maybe it’s the thrill of checking your savings and finding out you’ve hit the jackpot. For two lucky savers in June 2025, that dream became reality with the Premium Bonds prize draw. I’ve always found the idea of Premium Bonds fascinating—it’s like a savings account with a lottery twist, where your money stays safe, but you could win big. Let’s dive into the details of this month’s draw, who won the £1 million jackpots, and how you can check if you’re one of the millions who scored a prize.
June 2025: A Month of Millionaires
The latest Premium Bonds draw turned two ordinary savers into millionaires overnight. With over £416 million in prizes distributed across nearly 6 million winners, June 2025 was a blockbuster month for NS&I’s prize draw. Whether you’re a seasoned bondholder or just curious about how it all works, the stories of these winners and the mechanics behind the draw are worth exploring. Let’s break it down.
Who Won the £1 Million Jackpots?
Picture this: you’re sipping your morning coffee, and someone from NS&I—affectionately known as Agent Million—knocks on your door to announce you’re a millionaire. That’s exactly what happened to two savers this month. One hails from Stockport, Greater Manchester, and the other from Edinburgh. Both held £50,000 in Premium Bonds, the maximum allowed, and their winning bonds were selected by NS&I’s trusty computer, ERNIE.
The Stockport winner’s bond, purchased back in November 2005, was only the second jackpot-winning bond in the area’s history. Talk about patience paying off! Meanwhile, the Edinburgh winner bought their golden ticket in February 2019, proving you don’t need decades of holding to strike it rich. These stories make me wonder: could the next big winner be someone reading this right now?
“Winning a million pounds can transform lives, but it’s the smaller wins that keep millions of savers hooked on Premium Bonds.”
– Personal finance expert
Beyond the Jackpot: Other Lucky Winners
While the million-pound prizes steal the spotlight, June’s draw showered millions with smaller wins, from £25 to £100,000. For example, a saver from Sheffield bagged £100,000 with just £10,000 in bonds, purchased in September 2021. Another from Hertfordshire matched that win with an £11,000 holding from February 2024. Perhaps most surprising, an Oxfordshire saver turned a modest £500 investment from 2009 into a £50,000 prize. And in Essex, a £1,150 holding from last year also yielded £50,000.
These wins highlight what makes Premium Bonds so exciting: you don’t need a fortune to win big. The odds—22,000 to 1 per £1 bond—mean every bondholder has a shot, no matter how small their stake. I’ve always thought this accessibility is what keeps people coming back month after month.
Breaking Down the June 2025 Prize Draw
The June draw was a massive event, with a total prize fund of £416,221,075 spread across 5,974,465 prizes. That’s a lot of happy savers! The prize fund rate, which reflects the average return for someone with typical luck, stood at 3.8%. While that’s not guaranteed, it’s a decent benchmark for what you might expect over time.
| Prize Value | Number of Prizes |
| £1,000,000 | 2 |
| £100,000 | 79 |
| £50,000 | 159 |
| £25,000 | 317 |
| £10,000 | 792 |
| £5,000 | 1,585 |
| £1,000 | 16,649 |
| £500 | 49,947 |
| £100 | 1,853,552 |
| £50 | 1,853,552 |
| £25 | 2,197,831 |
The table above shows the spread of prizes, from the two £1 million jackpots to over 2 million £25 wins. It’s a reminder that while the big prizes are rare, the sheer volume of smaller ones keeps the excitement alive. Have you ever wondered how many bonds you’d need to tilt the odds in your favor?
How to Check If You’re a Winner
Curious if you’ve won? Starting June 3, 2025, you can check your Premium Bonds using NS&I’s prize checker tool or their app, available on iOS and Android. All you need is your Premium Bonds number. For tech-savvy savers, Amazon Alexa can even check results dating back to 1986. How cool is that?
If you prefer the old-school route, you can write to NS&I with your name, current and past addresses, bond number, and signature. Their address is: Sunderland SR43 2SB. Alternatively, if you’re registered for phone or online banking with NS&I, you can call their free line at 08085 007 007. Pro tip: double-check for unclaimed prizes, as over £101 million in winnings are still waiting to be claimed!
- Use the online prize checker: Fastest way to see if you’ve won.
- Download the NS&I app: Check on the go with your bond number.
- Ask Alexa: Perfect for tech enthusiasts wanting to dig into past draws.
- Write to NS&I: Include all details to avoid delays.
Personally, I love the idea of using Alexa to check decades-old bonds—it’s like a treasure hunt! But no matter how you check, make sure you do. Those unclaimed prizes are just sitting there, waiting for their owners.
How Are Prizes Paid Out?
When you set up your Premium Bonds account, you chose how you’d like to receive any winnings. Most savers—over 90%—opt for automatic payments to their bank account or reinvestment into more bonds. If you didn’t choose either, you’ll get a cheque in the mail. If you’ve moved recently, update your address on the NS&I website to avoid missing out.
Reinvesting winnings is a smart move if you want to boost your chances in future draws. More bonds mean more entries, after all. I’ve always thought this reinvestment option is a clever way to keep the excitement going without dipping into your pocket.
“The beauty of Premium Bonds is that your money is safe, but every month brings a chance to win big.”
– Financial planner
Are Premium Bonds Worth It?
Premium Bonds are a unique beast in the savings world. Your money earns no interest, but you’re entered into monthly prize draws with tax-free winnings. Sounds great, right? Well, it’s not all rosy. Recent data shows 63% of bondholders have never won a prize, with the average winner holding £23,397 compared to the overall average of £5,406. Those with smaller holdings might feel like they’re playing a long game with no payoff.
Yet, the tax-free nature of prizes is a big draw, especially for higher-rate taxpayers looking to minimize their tax bill. Plus, the chance to win life-changing sums—like the £1 million jackpots—keeps savers hooked. I’ve always been intrigued by this balance of safety and excitement. It’s not about guaranteed returns; it’s about the possibility of something extraordinary.
- Safe savings: Your money is backed by the government, so it’s secure.
- Tax-free prizes: No tax on winnings, a boon for savvy savers.
- Low entry: You can start with just £25, making it accessible.
- Big dreams: The chance to win £1 million keeps the spark alive.
That said, if steady returns are your thing, traditional savings accounts or investments might suit you better. Premium Bonds are more about the thrill than the certainty. What do you think—would you trade guaranteed interest for a shot at a million?
Tips to Maximize Your Premium Bonds Experience
Want to get the most out of Premium Bonds? Here are a few strategies I’ve picked up from chatting with savers and financial experts over the years.
- Invest the maximum: Holding £50,000 gives you the best shot at big prizes.
- Reinvest winnings: Boost your bond count without spending extra.
- Check regularly: Don’t let unclaimed prizes slip through the cracks.
- Spread your bonds: Buying over time can diversify your bond numbers.
One thing I’ve noticed is that savers who treat Premium Bonds like a fun side hustle—rather than their main savings vehicle—tend to enjoy it more. It’s like buying a lottery ticket, but your stake is always safe. Pretty neat, right?
The Allure of Agent Million
Let’s be honest: part of the Premium Bonds charm is the mystique of Agent Million. This anonymous NS&I employee travels the UK, delivering life-changing news to jackpot winners. Imagine the adrenaline rush of that knock on the door! It’s this human touch that makes Premium Bonds feel like more than just a financial product. It’s a story of hope, luck, and possibility.
In my view, this personal element sets Premium Bonds apart from other savings options. It’s not just about numbers on a screen; it’s about real people experiencing real joy. Maybe that’s why millions keep their savings in bonds, month after month, hoping for their turn.
What’s Next for Premium Bonds?
As we move through 2025, Premium Bonds remain a staple for UK savers. With over £416 million paid out in June alone, the program shows no signs of slowing down. But with 63% of holders never winning, it’s worth asking: is the dream worth it? For some, the answer is a resounding yes—especially those who value tax-free prizes and the thrill of the draw.
If you’re new to Premium Bonds, start small and see how it feels. If you’re a veteran, maybe it’s time to check for unclaimed prizes or reinvest your winnings. Either way, the next draw is just around the corner. Who knows? You might be the next millionaire.
“Premium Bonds aren’t just about winning; they’re about the possibility of what could be.”
– Long-time bondholder
So, what’s your take on Premium Bonds? Are they a savvy savings choice or just a fun gamble? Drop your thoughts below, and don’t forget to check your bonds—you never know what’s waiting!
