Two fortunate savers in the UK have started December as newly-minted millionaires after National Savings and Investments (NS&I) revealed the results of its latest Premium Bonds prize draw.
Meet the New Millionaires
The first top prize of £1,000,000 was awarded to a bondholder from Cornwall. Their winning bond, numbered 615WP633178, was purchased in February 2025. They held a total of £20,000 in Premium Bonds for the December draw.
The second seven-figure windfall went to a customer based in Norwich. Their lucky bond, 591RD417238, was bought earlier, in August 2024. This saver had a larger total holding of £35,000 entered into this month's draw.
Small Stakes, Big Rewards
While the headline wins are life-changing, the December draw also proved that you don't need a large investment to secure a significant prize. The odds of any single £1 bond winning a prize remain at 22,000 to 1.
One saver from West Sussex, with a modest holding of just £130, won an impressive £25,000. This underscores the principle that every bond has an equal chance, regardless of the total portfolio size.
Long-Term Holders Hit the Jackpot
The draw was particularly kind to several individuals who have held their bonds for decades, demonstrating the virtue of patience. A full list of these notable winners includes:
- £5,000 - Edinburgh - Bond 1CB176282 (Purchased March 1965, total holding £6)
- £10,000 - Northern Ireland - Bond 2CF586637 (Purchased November 1975)
- £5,000 - Bristol - Bond 7KF515686 (Purchased July 1971, total holding £10)
- £10,000 - East Suffolk - Bond 3NB160832 (Purchased December 1978)
- £5,000 - Essex - Bond 10KB097116 (Purchased January 1977, total holding £12)
- £10,000 - Buckinghamshire - Bond 13BN653263 (Purchased May 1985)
- £50,000 - Buckinghamshire - Bond 20PL502986 (Purchased January 1985)
How to Boost Your Chances
While luck is the defining factor, savers can statistically improve their odds by increasing their holdings. The maximum allowable investment in Premium Bonds is £50,000. Many account holders opt to reinvest any prize winnings automatically to purchase more bonds, thereby entering more numbers into each subsequent monthly draw.
The December results serve as a timely reminder of the unique appeal of Premium Bonds, which offer a secure place for savings alongside the dream of a tax-free windfall, from a £25 prize right up to a million-pound jackpot.
