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Premium Bonds

(40 Posts)
Kateykrunch Tue 01-Aug-17 10:40:57

I am really hoping for a knock at the door from Mr. Million. This has set me wondering (I find the whole PB random number thing a bit ???, I have researched it and still dont fully understand how my bond number which is made up of numbers and letters can be generated).
What I really do wonder is, as there is a very small chance of winning, why do I manage to win £25 now and again, I'm grateful for this, BUT, it's such a small chance of winning, but I have won, so why never a big prize.....if you see what I mean......

Nandalot Wed 02-Aug-17 17:41:33

We don't have very much in, never add or take away and have never won. I can't believe you have all been so lucky! Going to buy a few more to see if this kick start theory works!

Lona Wed 02-Aug-17 20:13:22

I bought the maximum 9 months ago after selling my house and I've had winnings of £500 so far. I wonder how long my luck will last ?

NfkDumpling Wed 02-Aug-17 20:26:47

I've had bonds most of my adult life and did once win £1000. Usually though these days it's £25. Winnings over the last couple of years equate to 1.5%. I think it's all carefully worked out.

Liz46 Wed 02-Aug-17 20:34:15

I have had a number of £25 wins and, like NfkDumpling, have worked out my winnings at 1.5%.

Kateykrunch Fri 04-Aug-17 16:06:14

But.....how come if its so hard to win, when we do win....its only ever £25, how come its not £thousands or the big win. So, its not hard to win, but your winning numbers are not the high prize winning numbers, but why not, oh crikey, Ive tied myself up in a big know!! I know what I mean !!!

DanniRae Fri 04-Aug-17 16:47:23

Hi, Katey - The winning numbers are 'generated' by Ernie completely at random. So more £25 winners are generated than £50 winners, then less £100 winners and so on down to only 2 x million pound winners. As I understand it new Premium Bond numbers have no more chance of winning than those bought years ago. I have £25 wins quite often and seeing that Premium Bond envelope on the door mat is very exciting!

watermeadow Fri 04-Aug-17 19:52:05

I don't believe it's random. Every time I cash some in I promptly have a win. When I paid in one cheque the girl said, "We've had a lot of these this month".
I win 3 or 4 times each year, always £25 except once last year when I won £100. I put it towards a tumble drier.
My very first win was £25 in 1971 when my first baby was a year old and that bought a reconditioned twin tub washing machine. Until then I'd washed everything by hand.

Tony2018 Tue 02-Oct-18 19:35:03

It’s my favourite day of the month - premium bonds results day. Have won at least one £25 prize every month so far this year, so feeling disappointed that no prize this month. Still hoping it will be the big prize one of these days.

Gagagran Tue 02-Oct-18 19:41:06

I won 2x£25 this month but last month won £500 and £25 too. I do seem to win things - raffles, competitions, and premium bonds almost every month.

What's that saying "Better to be born lucky than rich". I think that's been true for me!

Rufussmum Wed 03-Oct-18 11:43:24

I sometimes win £25 but I have arranged to have that reinvested in new bonds each time. That way I don't spend the winnings and I (hopefully) increase my chances of winning in the future. If you go to the NS&I website you can arrange to have your winnings reinvested.

Rufussmum Wed 03-Oct-18 11:45:44

I read somewhere that the prize money is calculated in line with the bank rate so the number of prizes/amount paid out each month varies.

chicken Thu 04-Oct-18 16:12:17

Hadn't won more than £25 in months, then bought some more and have won 4x£25 this month. Maybe new bonds DO kickstart the wins!

Aepgirl Mon 04-Feb-19 18:26:04

I am fortunate that I have the full amount allowed, and most months win at least 2 x £25, for which I am very grateful, but a little more would be nice occasionally. Come on ERNIE, i’m A very loyal fan!

Kateykrunch Mon 04-Feb-19 19:56:01

I won 3 x £25 this month and 2 of the bond numbers were not too different. I find it really frustrating that the odds of winning are so low, but I can get 3 wins for a small amount. I have to say, I think that ERNIE needs a more thorough audit. If you look into how the bonds are selected, noise frequency!, and, you look at the differing bond numbers which incorporate letters and numbers and differing digit length, how any bonds are randomly selected is beyond me! Okay, okay, Yes, I would like a Million lol x