Buying Premium Bonds: easiest way to purchase bonds online, by phone, by post or as a gift

Buying Premium Bonds from NS&I couldn't be simpler: you can do so online, by phone or by post – whether you live in the UK or abroad.

How to buy Premium Bonds

It’s easy to buy Premium Bonds, all you have to do is apply through the NS&I website.

Alternatively, you can apply over the phone by calling 08085 007 007 or +44 1772 329880.

They can even be purchased for children under 16, say if you wanted to buy them for a niece, nephew or simply a friend's child (more on this later).

The parents or guardians will need to be nominated to look after the child’s funds until they turn 16.

When you buy a Premium Bond, you’ll get a unique bond number for every £1 you invest. After you’ve had them for a full month, they’ll be included in the draw.

All you need is £25, but you can invest up to £50,000.  

Already bought some bonds? Check if you're a big-money winner in the most recent draw. 

I live outside the UK. Can I still buy Premium Bonds?

The first thing you should do is check whether local regulations allow you to hold Premium Bonds. Strict gambling and lottery laws in the US mean that it might not be possible or practical to hold Premium Bonds while you’re there.

If you’re in a country that allows you to hold them, you’ll have to make your initial application by post. Once your holding has been set up, you can register for NS&I’s online or phone service.   

From there, you can manage your account online or by phone (if you don’t mind the charges) – that includes buying more bonds or cashing them in.

Your other option is to receive prizes by BACS to a UK bank or building society account or an NS&I Direct Saver or Investment Account (you’ll be notified of changes by email) and paperless documents.

Bonds can only be bought online or by phone using a personal debit card issued by a UK bank or building society. But wherever else you live in the world, prizes will be paid out in pound sterling. 

Can I buy Premium Bonds for someone else?

There are two scenarios where you can buy Premium Bonds for someone else.

First, you can buy them for another adult provided you are acting as their power of attorney. 

As mentioned earlier, you can also buy them for a child aged under 16.

Previously, grandparents and great-grandparents were the only other group able to purchase Premium Bonds for kids, but these rules were relaxed, so you can now buy them for any child regardless of relation. 

You can buy Premium Bonds for kids online by visiting this NS&I gift page or by post. If you’re buying Premium Bonds for your own child, you can also apply over the phone.

If you’re applying by post, you need to visit this page, fill in the appropriate form and post it on to: 

NS&I
Sunderland
SR43 2SB

If you encounter any problems getting Premium Bonds, you can phone NS&I, send an email, use the webchat feature or tweet @nsandihelp.