Notifying Premium Bonds Winners: Who is Agent Million?

Understanding Premium Bonds and Prize Notifications

Premium Bonds are a unique investment option in the UK, allowing individuals to save while also participating in a lottery-style prize draw. As a holder of Premium Bonds, it’s essential to grasp how this system operates, how to check for winnings, and the process through which winners are informed.

When Can You Check for Winnings?

From the day following the first working day of each month, holders can verify if they’ve won anything between £25 and £100,000. For instance, the results of the July draw will be accessible from the 2nd of July. However, if you happen to win the coveted jackpot prize of £1 million, you can expect a visit from the renowned Agent Million, who personally delivers the good news.

In July alone, two fortunate winners from Norwich and Nottingham received this extraordinary visit, while nearly six million other prizes were distributed, totalling over £415 million.

How Are Winners Notified?

Email Notifications

For those who have opted in to receive email notifications, winning alerts are sent regardless of the prize amount. However, these emails do not disclose the actual prize value. Instead, they prompt recipients to check their winnings through the official prize checker app, the online prize checker, or via an Alexa-enabled device.

High-Value Prizes

Winners of prizes ranging from £10,000 to £100,000 will receive a prize claim form through the post. This form allows them to specify their preferred payment method, whether it’s direct deposit into a bank account or reinvestment into additional Premium Bonds.

The Role of Agent Million

Who is Agent Million?

Agent Million is a specially designated NS&I employee responsible for delivering the £1 million jackpot news to winners. The identities of these agents are kept confidential to protect both their privacy and that of the winners. This anonymity is crucial, as winning such a substantial amount can be life-altering, and the decision to share the news should rest solely with the winner.

The Agent Millions are based in Lytham St Annes, the historical home of Premium Bonds, and travel across the country to notify winners. Although they are bound by confidentiality regarding their role, they may share their work with select family members for practical reasons.

In-Person Visits

Agent Million always visits jackpot winners in person to deliver the news. During the pandemic, these visits were paused to ensure safety, but since May 2022, the agents have resumed their travels.

If a winner is on holiday at the time of their win, Agent Million will reach out through other means to convey the news.

Verification and Payment Options

Confirming Identity

For security reasons, specifics about how Agent Million verifies the identity of winners cannot be disclosed. However, it is ensured that the prize money is awarded to the rightful recipients.

Payment Method Choices

Winners of the £1 million jackpot have various options for receiving their prize. They can choose to have the funds deposited into an NS&I Direct Saver account or any bank account of their choice. All funds held with NS&I are secure, as they are backed by HM Treasury, providing an extra layer of assurance for winners.

Financial Guidance for Winners

Since April 2022, £1 million jackpot winners have been given the opportunity to seek financial advice from certified financial planners across the UK. This initiative has expanded the pool of available advisers to over 8,000, offering a broader range of support compared to previous arrangements.

The NS&I prize draw team maintains communication with jackpot winners and encourages them to take advantage of professional financial advice to navigate their newfound wealth.

Average Holdings Among Winners

Interestingly, the average holding for a £1 million jackpot winner is approximately £24,421, as calculated in November 2024. Since the jackpot’s introduction in 1994, there have been 542 Premium Bonds millionaires. Notably, one individual from Newham, London, won £1 million in July 2004 with a mere holding of £17, having purchased their winning bond in February 1959—demonstrating that patience can indeed pay off.

To find out if you’ve won a prize with your Premium Bonds, simply enter your details into the NS&I Premium Bonds Prize Checker.