Buying NS&I Premium Bonds for a child is a great idea as it's a gift that will (potentially) keep on giving.
Anyone over the age of 16 can buy Premium Bonds on behalf of a child, meaning aunts, uncles and even family friends can get involved.
What's more, NS&I's decision to slash the minimum investment amount from £100 to £25 in 2019 means they're also a far more practical, or affordable, gift these days.
If you're sold on the idea, let's look at how to buy Premium Bonds for a kid.
Fancy buying bonds for yourself instead? Here are the easiest ways to purchase Premium Bonds.
How to buy Premium Bonds for your child
If you want to buy Premium Bonds as a gift for your child, parents and legal guardians can apply online, over the phone or by post.
You’ll need to have been registered with NS&I regardless of whether you are buying for the first time or purchasing more Premium Bonds.
As mentioned, you’ll need to invest at least £25 in Premium Bonds, with each £1 you invest providing one unique bond number.
Every number has a separate and equal chance of winning a prize, so if you buy more, your chances of winning improve.
Premium Bonds checker: when are the winning numbers drawn?
Until your child’s 16th birthday, you'll be responsible for the bonds.
You’ll receive any confirmation of transactions, payment for cashed in bonds or prizes won until your child’s 16th birthday.
Want to find out if you've won anything? Check out this article for the latest results.
Buying Premium Bonds for someone else’s child
If you’re eager to treat your grandchild, niece, nephew or even the child of a family friend, you can apply either online or by post and request an electronic or paper gift card to pass on to the child.
An acknowledgement of your investment will also be sent, but only the nominated parent or guardian can manage and cash in the bonds.
Selling Premium Bonds: best ways to cash them in and withdraw your money
There are a few things to consider before buying Premium Bonds for someone else’s child.
Of course, you will need to ensure the parent or guardian is happy to look after the bonds and agree to you handing over their details.
These details include the date of birth and address for both the child and parent or guardian, as well as the child’s Premium Bonds holder’s number (if they have one).
NS&I will check the identity and address of everyone on the application, so there’s a chance that documentation will be required.
To avoid any surprises, you should let the parent or guardian know that NS&I may be in touch to ask for documents to verify their identity.
Premium Bonds explained: how to buy, how to cash in, when prizes are announced and more
How long does the process take?
If you're buying the bonds as a gift to mark a specific occasion, you'll need to plan ahead and apply in advance.
NS&I aim to process the application and contact the child’s parent or guardian in seven to 10 working days but the identity and address of everyone on the application form need to be verified so it may take longer than this.
What happens if the child wins?
If the child beats the odds and wins a prize, it will be up to the parent or guardian to decide what to do with it.
In terms of tax considerations, there's nothing to worry about. While a child can't earn more than £100 in interest each year from savings, because Premium Bonds winnings are prizes this doesn't apply.
As a final point, make sure the child's details are kept up to date as there are many unclaimed prizes held by bondholders aged under 16.