Overview
- The prize fund rate falls from 3.60% to 3.30% and the odds per £1 bond lengthen from 22,000:1 to 23,000:1 starting with the April 2026 draw.
- NS&I estimates fewer larger prizes in April, including £100,000 prizes dropping to 71 (from 78) and £50,000 prizes to 143 (from 154), with £25,000 at 284 and £10,000 at 712.
- Total prizes are projected at about 5,943,029 in April versus 6,183,066 in February, while the two £1 million jackpots remain unchanged.
- The provider expects roughly £375 million in tax-free prizes next month, noting Premium Bonds remain Treasury-backed with security and flexibility rather than guaranteed returns.
- Financial commentators urge savers to review alternatives offering guaranteed interest—such as top easy-access and cash ISA accounts above 4%—and caution that further NS&I reductions are possible if broader rates decline.