How to use the Premium Bonds prize checker

Introduction: Why the premium bonds prize checker matters

The premium bonds prize checker is the simplest way for bondholders to find out if they have won in NS&I’s monthly prize draw. Knowing how to check prizes matters because it helps you claim winnings promptly, avoid expired cheques and choose safer ways to receive prize money. With multiple checking options — online, app and voice skills — it is relevant to anyone holding Premium Bonds or managing accounts for family members.

Main body: How the prize checker works and available options

What you need to check prizes

To use the prize checker on the NS&I website you will need your holder’s number, which appears on your Bond record or by logging in to your account. The holder’s number can also be used in the dedicated prize checker app. Note that an NS&I number can only be used to check prizes in the app.

Apps and voice assistants

NS&I provides a prize checker app and even a Premium Bonds prize checker skill for Amazon Alexa, making it possible to check prizes using voice commands. The site also highlights the ability to check prizes for the whole family using just your voice. Reviews note the app’s narrow purpose — it simply checks whether you have won — and suggest it may be most useful if you suspect NS&I might not have contacted you automatically (for example, after a change of address).

Receiving prizes and security considerations

To avoid problems with notification or delayed payments, NS&I recommends having prizes paid straight to your bank account or reinvested into more Bonds — described as the quicker, easier and safer way to receive prizes. Customers should be aware that prize cheques expire after three months. The organisation also emphasises security: most banks only guarantee savings up to £120,000, while NS&I states it secures 100% of savings above this amount.

Conclusion: Practical steps and what this means for readers

Use your holder’s number to check prizes online, via the app or with the Alexa skill, and consider setting prizes to be paid directly into your bank or reinvested to avoid expired cheques. The app and voice options are convenient for family accounts, but may be unnecessary if NS&I contacts you automatically. For bondholders, adopting direct payment or reinvestment provides a faster, more secure route to receive winnings and reduces the chance of lost or expired prize cheques.