NS&I update over how Premium Bonds customers are notified of prizes | Personal Finance | Finance
NS&I has clarified how it notifies Premium Bonds customers when they have won a prize after a customer reportedly had not been told they had won a prize.
The monthly prize draw takes place at the start of each month with NS&I sending out email and text messages to inform customers if they have won a prize.
However, one unhappy customer contacted the provider as there was seemingly a mismatch between them and their partner in this regard.
They explained: “Myself and my husband signed up for text alert if we win a prize. Sometimes you send them sometimes you don’t. Why? This month my husband won £150 and got a text, I won £200 and you didn’t bother to text me?”
NS&I was asked what the reason could be that this individual did not get the text alert. An NS&I spokesperson said: “Nine in 10 Premium Bonds prizes are paid directly into our customers bank accounts.
“People can choose to receive an alert either via text or email and can update their preferences at any time by logging into their online account at www.nsandi.com.
“In this case it maybe that they have set up different preferences in their online account for how they receive their notifications.”
Customers can find instructions about how to change their prize payment preferences on this page on the NS&I website.
You can also visit the NS&I website to register and change your contact details, find out your current holding and if you have any prizes to collect. If you are unable to manage your account online, you can call 08085 007 007.
Premium Bonds savers may be wondering if the savings scheme is right for them as the prize fund rate fell from the April draw, dropping from 4% down to 3.8%.
Tom Francis, head of advice at Octopus Money, warned Bond holders that they could be losing out if they don’t win any prizes.
He explained: “If you’re thinking of them as a way to grow your savings or keep up with rising costs, they’re probably not your best bet.
“They don’t pay interest, so unless you win a prize – which most people don’t – your money just sits there, losing value over time.”
Recent figures sourced by wealth firm AJ Bell found that two thirds of Bond holders have never won a prize, despite the average saver holding over £5,000 in Bonds.
Mr Francis said: “A small amount in Premium Bonds can make sense as part of a broader mix, especially if you’ve already made the most of things like ISAs and pensions.
“But for most people, your money will work harder in a decent savings account or a long-term investment that actually earns you something.”
