Premium Bonds are a great option for a different way of saving – winning prizes rather than gaining interest. At least that’s what we’ve been taught to believe, right? In a pre- tax-free savings and pre-FSCS world, with low savings interest rates, they might have made a lot more sense. But now it’s harder to see their merits.
But the good news is that just like with regular savings, you can take your money out of Premium Bonds at any time. Here’s how you do it.
Cash in Premium Bonds online or by phone
The easiest way to cash in Premium Bonds is to call or use the online form. For both of these options you’ll already need to be registered with the NS&I online and phone service, and have your NS&I holder’s number and password to hand. Then, either call 08085 007 007 or go to the NS&I site and login to your online account. Once the process is completed, the value of the Premium Bonds you’ve cashed in will be transferred into the bank account that you nominated when you registered.
Cash in Premium Bonds by post
If you’re not registered for the NS&I online and phone service (so don’t have login details and a password) or if you want to cash in specific premium bond numbers, then you’ll have to print out and fill in the “cash in Premium Bonds” form on the NS&I website. You then post it to NS&I, Sunderland, SR43 2SB.
When filling in the form you’ll need your NS&I number. You’ll have to select the amount of Premium Bonds you would like to cash in (all of them or some of them – and in that case, how much). If you’re only cashing in some of your Premium Bonds, then you’ll need to enter the specific serial numbers of those bonds. If you don’t mind which ones you cash in, you can tick “no” to that question and NS&I will cash in your oldest Premium Bonds first.
Choose how to receive the cash from your Premium Bonds (if applying by post)
Section 6 of the above form gives you two options of how to cash in your Premium Bonds:
To a nominated bank account. Here, you’ll need to fill in the details of the current account that you would like to have the value of the bonds paid directly into.
By warrant. This option means that you will be sent the funds by cheque in the post. (NS&I had previously indicated that it would be phasing out cheque payments by March 2021, but it since has reversed this decision, so you can still opt to receive your payment by cheque.)
NS&I usually takes around 8 days to process a “cash in” form, so it will take at least 8 days plus postage delivery time before a cheque reaches you. If you have sent in the form but haven’t received anything from NS&I in the post after that time, contact them by calling 08085 007 007. You can also use the live web chat service: Monday to Friday from 7am to 10pm, and weekends from 8am to 8pm. Or tweet NS&I at @nsandihelp.
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What to do after you’ve cashed in your Premium Bonds
That is totally up to you. But there are many reasons why people choose to cash in their Premium Bonds, such as releasing the money to make a big purchase or to invest in something else. Perhaps you’re aiming to get on the property ladder or you just fancy going on a great holiday!
We go through some of the most popular options below and highlight the Finder guides that might help, whatever it is you decide to do with the money you’ve cashed out of your Premium Bonds.
Get a mortgage. Decided to take money out of your Premium Bonds to help with a house deposit? Check out our mortgages guide.
Open a fixed rate savings account. Not had much luck winning anything in the Premium Bonds prize draw? You might decide to move your savings into a fixed rate bond instead, where you can get a guaranteed interest rate. You can also discover other types of savings accounts here.
Invest in the stock market. If you like watching the stock markets, you may be hoping to generate some returns on your money by buying company shares or investing in a stocks and shares ISA. Read our investment section to find out more. Remember your capital is at risk if you invest.
Add to your pension. If you’re thinking about saving more for your retirement you may opt to top up your pension fund. It’s a complicated area, so visit our pensions section to discover more.
Spend it. Got your eye on a dream holiday? If your cashed out Premium Bonds are earmarked for that trip of a lifetime, read our travel money guide to make sure you’re getting the best deal on your spending while you’re abroad.
The maximum amount you can have in Premium Bonds has been £50,000 since it increased from £40,000 in 2015.
No, the executor of the estate of the deceased may cash in their Premium Bonds or ask for them to remain in the holdings.
If you have applied using the postal form, it takes around 8 days (plus the amount of time it takes for the cheque to be sent to you in the post, if that’s the payment option you’ve chosen).
Premium Bonds don’t expire, so as long as you haven’t cashed them in, they will still be valid.
The minimum amount you can invest in Premium Bonds for the first time is £25. Once you are an existing customer, each investment must also be at least £25.
Who is most likely to be researching how to cash in premium bonds?
Finder data suggests that men aged 65+ are most likely to be researching this topic.
Response
Male (%)
Female (%)
65+
18.82%
14.93%
55-64
10.63%
9.61%
45-54
8.99%
7.79%
35-44
5.73%
5.78%
25-34
5.41%
4.79%
18-24
3.84%
3.70%
Source: Finder sample of 8,169 visitors using demographics data from Google Analytics
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Michelle Stevens is a deputy editor at Finder, specialising in banking, credit, loans and mortgages. She has a journalism degree from the University of Sheffield and has been a journalist for 15 years, writing on topics including fintech, payment systems and retail. In her spare time, Michelle likes to travel, explore new foodie experiences and attempt to improve her own culinary skills. See full bio
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78 Responses
AnthonyOctober 7, 2018
Is it possible to check if my parent’s Premium Bonds have been cashed?
Finder
JhezelynOctober 8, 2018Finder
Hello Anthony,
Thank you for your comment.
You can ask NS&I’s Tracing Service team to track it down for you. All you need to do is go to NS&I’s website, read the Tracing Service brochure and download the form. Fill out the form and send it to the Tracing Service address found at the bottom of the form.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
JohSeptember 4, 2018
I want to cash in my premium bonds and give the money to my daughter. Can I specify her account when completing the form or ask that the warrant is made payable to her? or does the money have to come to my account/me first?
Finder
JhezelynSeptember 5, 2018Finder
Hello Joh,
Thank you for your comment.
There is a form on where you have to fill out when you cash your bond. I’m afraid you need to enter your nominated bank account which is on their records. Hence, your money will be paid to your account, not your daughter’s account. You can also verify this by contacting NS&I directly.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
DawnAugust 23, 2018
Going through my father and mother paperwork and I have some premium bonds which are in my father’s name he died 4 years ago and my mum died in November 2017. Can I cash them in and what paperwork work do I need to do this?
Finder
JhezelynAugust 24, 2018Finder
Hello Dawn,
Thank you for your comment.
Yes, you can cash the premium bond of a deceased person. Just follow the step by step guide after a bereavement which is found on the NS&I website. They have a comprehensive guide to claiming on behalf of a deceased person.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
DuncanAugust 22, 2018
good morning
My aunt has died and owned premium bonds. i have a grant of probate as her executor. my sister is also an executor but has since also died. what do i need to do now to cash in my aunt’s premium bonds please? i have proof of probate and also my sister’s death certificate. i assume you will need these to be sent to you. what else is required please?
Finder
JoshuaAugust 23, 2018Finder
Hi Duncan,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
After you aunt died, you, as the executor of the estate, is able to cash the investment, though you also have the option to keep it in its holdings.
Please note that if 12 months have passed after your aunt died and you haven’t cashed it yet, the premium will enter in the prize draw. You may then be able to claim any prizes. Moreover, please remember that the bonds are non-transferrable and thus, it will remain in the name of your aunt.
To encash the premium bond, you need to notify the National Savings & Investments (NS&I). You need to fill up the death claim form. You may also download their step-by-step guide on how to make a claim here. From that guide, you will know exactly what documents are needed.
If you need a more personalised answer, you may want to directly get in touch with NS&I.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
RayAugust 20, 2018
How do I cash in bonds of someone deceased?
Finder
JhezelynAugust 22, 2018Finder
Hello Ray,
Thank you for your comment.
Whether you’re the next of kin, a family member, or a person in charge, you can cash the premium bond of the deceased person just by following the step by step guide after a bereavement which is found on the NS&I website. They have a comprehensive guide to claiming on behalf of a deceased relative.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
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Is it possible to check if my parent’s Premium Bonds have been cashed?
Hello Anthony,
Thank you for your comment.
You can ask NS&I’s Tracing Service team to track it down for you. All you need to do is go to NS&I’s website, read the Tracing Service brochure and download the form. Fill out the form and send it to the Tracing Service address found at the bottom of the form.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
I want to cash in my premium bonds and give the money to my daughter. Can I specify her account when completing the form or ask that the warrant is made payable to her? or does the money have to come to my account/me first?
Hello Joh,
Thank you for your comment.
There is a form on where you have to fill out when you cash your bond. I’m afraid you need to enter your nominated bank account which is on their records. Hence, your money will be paid to your account, not your daughter’s account. You can also verify this by contacting NS&I directly.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
Going through my father and mother paperwork and I have some premium bonds which are in my father’s name he died 4 years ago and my mum died in November 2017. Can I cash them in and what paperwork work do I need to do this?
Hello Dawn,
Thank you for your comment.
Yes, you can cash the premium bond of a deceased person. Just follow the step by step guide after a bereavement which is found on the NS&I website. They have a comprehensive guide to claiming on behalf of a deceased person.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
good morning
My aunt has died and owned premium bonds. i have a grant of probate as her executor. my sister is also an executor but has since also died. what do i need to do now to cash in my aunt’s premium bonds please? i have proof of probate and also my sister’s death certificate. i assume you will need these to be sent to you. what else is required please?
Hi Duncan,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
After you aunt died, you, as the executor of the estate, is able to cash the investment, though you also have the option to keep it in its holdings.
Please note that if 12 months have passed after your aunt died and you haven’t cashed it yet, the premium will enter in the prize draw. You may then be able to claim any prizes. Moreover, please remember that the bonds are non-transferrable and thus, it will remain in the name of your aunt.
To encash the premium bond, you need to notify the National Savings & Investments (NS&I). You need to fill up the death claim form. You may also download their step-by-step guide on how to make a claim here. From that guide, you will know exactly what documents are needed.
If you need a more personalised answer, you may want to directly get in touch with NS&I.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
How do I cash in bonds of someone deceased?
Hello Ray,
Thank you for your comment.
Whether you’re the next of kin, a family member, or a person in charge, you can cash the premium bond of the deceased person just by following the step by step guide after a bereavement which is found on the NS&I website. They have a comprehensive guide to claiming on behalf of a deceased relative.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn