If you are one of the fortunate individuals who have retained Premium Bonds from the 1960s, you may be seeking information regarding their eligibility for prizes. Recently, a Premium Bonds customer approached NS&I for assistance in verifying potential prizes associated with their old Bonds. The customer, in possession of Bonds spanning 60 years, expressed uncertainty in locating the holder’s number for the Bonds. Their inquiry specifically pertained to ascertaining whether their “ancient” paper Premium Bonds from the 1960s had received any prizes, particularly given that they only possessed the Bond numbers and lacked a holder number.
In response, NS&I, the prominent savings institution, provided the customer with detailed guidelines on the necessary course of action. In such instances, the customer is required to compose a formal letter addressed to NS&I’s office in Sunderland. The letter should include the full name, address, date of birth, and signature. It is imperative to furnish any previous names or addresses, alongside a specific query, within the letter.
You may be questioning whether old Bonds remain eligible for monthly prize draws, or whether they expire after a certain period. According to NS&I, provided the Bonds have not been cashed in, they remain valid and continue to participate in the monthly prize draws.
However, in adherence to safeguarding the account holder’s privacy, NS&I necessitates that any communication be accompanied by a signature, including letters pertaining to Premium Bonds. For further guidance on the content to be included in your letter to NS&I, comprehensive information can be found on their official website.
In a separate instance, another customer approached NS&I concerning their recently acquired Bonds and their eligibility for the upcoming monthly prize draw. The customer had invested £500 into Premium Bonds and sought clarification on their inclusion in the April draw. NS&I, in response, requested clarification on whether the Bonds were meant for a new account or an addition to an existing one, along with confirmation about the Bonds appearing in the customer’s online account.
After validating the purchase details and the visibility of the new Bonds in the online account, NS&I offered an explanation of the timeline for the funds to be reflected in the account and become eligible for prize draws.
Therefore, if you possess old Premium Bonds and aspire to ascertain potential winnings, it is crucial to adhere to the prescribed process for correspondence with NS&I. Moreover, if you are contemplating the acquisition of new Bonds, it is essential to comprehend the timeline for their eligibility to participate in the prize draws.
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