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NS&I: Premium Bond reviews

Name: Premium Bond
Rating: 2.94 (145 reviews)

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2.82

Based on 145 reviews, last reviewed 23rd May 2025

No new 5 star reviews

in the past 90 days

67% decrease in 1 star reviews

in the past 90 days

35%

13%

44%

Latest highest rating:

4

Since early 1960’s. I bought £30 worth in the early 1960s (when they were £1) and have had several wins of £25.. Last December I won £25 and this April another £25. Jus... Read more Reviewed on: 23rd May 2025

Latest lowest rating:

1

40k in premium bonds for 5 months and only won £175. 40k in premium bonds for 5 months and only won £175. 3 months won nothing. Much better off in shares or high interest savings account. Reviewed on: 6th March 2025

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About this product

NS&I bond reviews are honest reviews written by people like you. While many people look at the interest rates on offer, what about the NS&I's customer service? Smart Money People is fast becoming the UK's leading source of independent NS&I bond reviews. We need your help! By writing your honest reviews, you can help increase trust and transparency in the financial world.

NS&I Premium Bond reviews (145)

Review of the NS&I, Premium Bond:

Only invest if you enjoy paperwork and mental torture

This is simply the worst set up investment service you will ever encounter - the call centre advisors readily offer that it's because they're a 'government service' - meaning a lot of money being thrown at process and bureaucracy in the name of your 'security'. So secure that within a month of filling out the same paperwork I'd filled out 2 years before (which takes a week to arrive by snail mail) and having to post a form back to reactivate my account - just to invest - they had de-activated it again because my password had expired. My password expired within a month so I have to do the whole process again. You can't make it up. I only invest/ check on the account every 1-2 years and I am told that I am 'barely using' my account and that's why I'll keep having to go through a 2 week process each time to do anything. It's bonds, not everyday banking. The time you'll invest in admin on your bonds will, in all likeliness, not be worth any money you'll win and should be a serious consideration. Essentially, they cannot cope with the modern world. They are an anacranism that desperately needs someone to come in and overhaul the whole thing to re-work the service to suit the needs of the customers. Currently this is a typical, geriatric, government service where you're not a customer, you're the public and they are doing you a favour. Unless you have time to burn and don't mind excruciating repetition, put your money anywhere else. Reviewed on: 17th September 2016

They have not issued the bonds or returned my money...

They have not issued the bonds or returned my money ,on going for the past year Reviewed on: 26th October 2024

Simple process and good return.

Simple process and good return. A safe option for saving your money with a higher than average prize return Reviewed on: 11th October 2024

NIGHTMARE COMPANY.

NIGHTMARE COMPANY. DO NOT THINK YOUR MONEY IS SAFE WITH THIS COMPANY. THEY OWE ME £7,500 ! AFTER MY FATHER DIED THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING BUT BLOCK MY MONEY AND ARE DOING THEIR UTMOST TO BE HIGHLY DISRESPECTFUL OF SOMEONE WHO HAS LOST THEIR FATHER AND NOT GIVE ME MY MONEY. COMMON SENSE AND EMPATHY THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF. DISGUSTING TREATMENT Reviewed on: 18th June 2024

The lucky lottery

Premium bonds has not only given me passive income every month, it has also given me the experience of building discipline. I have saved diligently to be able to build up a pot of bonds, and it has also given me the opportunity to feel like I'm playing the lottery. However, it is much more safe as you never lose money, but you still have the potential to win large amounts. Reviewed on: 26th May 2024

They always respond extremely quickly.

They always respond extremely quickly. Money transfers are immediate whether it is purchasing bonds or selling them. Reviewed on: 18th April 2024

It is a lottery. Make sure you are aware.

I like the idea of the lottery, but so far winning very, very little and way beyond what I'd get in a savings account! Reviewed on: 15th March 2024

Interesting savings option

I like the idea of premium bonds, though I’ve not yet won. I consider it a free lottery. Reviewed on: 13th March 2024

Good return

Good return monthly with upper savings limit. Tax free and money is safe and easily accessible if needed Reviewed on: 23rd February 2024

Free lottery.

Won a bit of money in few draws. It’s like having a free lottery. Reviewed on: 20th February 2024

Premium Bonds are the one everyone knows when it com...

Premium Bonds are the one everyone knows when it comes to NS&I, with a limit of £50,000 and no guaranteed return they might not be for everyone but your money is 100% safe from financial collapse of institutions and the winnings are 100% tax free so if you're likely to pay tax on interest then Premium Bonds may be for you. The monthly lottery can be an exciting moment of surprise for those with the right temperament not to be disappointed if they're unlucky. Reviewed on: 27th January 2024

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