A Premium Bonds saver was frustrated in their efforts to check if they had any prizes to collect as their Bonds were not recognised.
The customer contacted NS&I over X to ask for help with how to check “really old premium savings bonds”?
NS&I initially responded to ask them if the name and address were up-to-date on their account. They also directed them to the prize checker on the group’s website.
The customer said they had already tried using the prize checker, responding: “We have entered numbers but there are two very old ones that aren’t recognised, they start with one number then two letters followed by numbers.”
NS&I then pointed out a key piece of information they would need to check their Bonds.
The savings giant said: “You will need your holder’s number for this. To update your details and have an up to date Bond record with your holder’s number sent to you, please write to us at NS&I, Sunderland SR43 2SB, and request an updated Bond record (a summary of your holdings).”
The group also pointed the customer to information online about what details to include in the letter.
When writing in to the provider, it’s important to include as much information as possible, such as your personal details, details of your accounts and investments, and any reference numbers.
Another important thing to note is you need to sign the letter, as the provider cannot disclose any information with the account holder’s signature.
Regarding this stipulation, the NS&I website states: “If you are over 16 and the investment was made for you when you were a child, we might not have your signature on our records.
“In that case, your signature should be witnessed so we can transfer control of any investments to you. The witness must be aged 18 or over and must not be a member of your family. The witness must also sign the form.”
You can use the prize checker tool to check for prizes from any of the monthly prize draws, right back to the first one in 1957.
Each £1 Bond has an equal chance of being paired with a prize, with the odds of winning currently at 21,000 to one.
Savers often set up their accounts so if they win any cash, the funds are automatically reinvested in buying more Bonds.
