Millions of savers across the UK are checking their numbers this weekend as the results of the January Premium Bonds prize draw are officially released.
When Was the January 2026 Draw?
The monthly prize draw conducted by National Savings and Investments (NS&I) took place on Friday 2 January 2026. The results became available to the public from the following day, Saturday 3 January.
This government-backed savings scheme now boasts a staggering 24 million participants, who have collectively invested over £127 billion. Each month, two lucky bondholders become millionaires, with additional prizes ranging from £25 up to £100,000.
Understanding Your Chances of Winning
While the dream of a life-changing win captivates many, the actual probability remains relatively low. Statistically, every £1 bond has a 22,000-to-one chance of winning a prize each month.
Financial analyst Martin Lewis has calculated that the effective 'interest rate' for Premium Bonds, when averaging all winnings, stands at approximately 4 per cent. However, he emphasises that most savers will not see returns close to this figure, as the distribution is highly uneven and reliant on luck.
The scheme is entirely risk-free, meaning your initial investment from £25 to the maximum £50,000 is always protected. Unlike a standard savings account, your money does not earn interest. Instead, it enters a monthly lottery run by NS&I's famous random number generator, Ernie (Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment).
How to Check for a Win
Checking to see if you are one of this month's winners is a straightforward process. You have two main options:
1. The NS&I Website: Visit the official NS&I prize checker online and enter your unique Premium Bonds holder's number.
2. The NS&I App: For convenience, you can download the official NS&I application to your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to check results at any time.
With billions of pounds in prizes awarded since the scheme's inception, it's always worth taking a moment to see if fortune has favoured you this month.
