Premium bonds

[kim martin]

how do i find out if my old premium bond has won anything if i only have the serial number?

[Ethel]

If the serial number is the holder's number, use this site to find out.

http://www.nsandi.com/

[BigMac]

Sorry,Ethel, the serial number is not the holder's number.

So, if you have Bonds but no holder's number, you need to write to NS&I (see address below) saying that you are the holder of the bond and making sure you include your current address. You will be sent a holder's number - then you can use the 'have I won?' facility on the website.

But, if you have lots and lots of time on you hands, you could look in the annual supplement to the London Gazette, available at main Post Office branches.

NS&I say the main reason prizes lie unclaimed is that the bond holders have changed address and not notified them. This is how they say they contact winners:

Unclaimed prizes
Everyone is contacted automatically when they win a prize. But there are occasions when people have moved and not told us. If you win a prize and we can't get in touch with you, we will hold on to the prize until you contact us. Don't worry, there's no time limit for claims.

To check if you have an unclaimed prize, go to Have I won? and enter your holder's number (not your Bond number).

Or you can write to us at:

Premium Bonds
National Savings and Investments
Blackpool
FY3 9YP

Hope this helps.