NS&I Premium Bonds February 2026 winners: two £1 million jackpots and prize checker details

February’s Premium Bonds draw has produced two new £1 million winners, with results now available through the NS&I Premium Bonds prize checker. The February 2026 draw is also reviving attention on a quieter reality of the product: millions of prizes remain unclaimed, often because holders moved, forgot their numbers, or still receive winnings by cheque.

February 2026 million-pound winners and where they live

The two £1 million jackpots for the February 2026 Premium Bonds draw went to holders in Central Bedfordshire and Liverpool. In both cases, the winners held the maximum £50,000 in Premium Bonds.

The practical takeaway for savers is that jackpot winners are frequently people with long-standing holdings and the full balance—simply because more eligible bond numbers means more chances each month.

Prize fund and how many people won

February’s draw awarded over £408 million across more than 6.1 million prizes, spanning everything from £25 up to £1 million. That scale explains why Premium Bonds can feel like a “small win” product for many people: the draw produces a huge number of £25 prizes, while the eye-catching top prizes are rare.

Here are the headline draw stats many savers look for first:

When the February results appeared and why timing can confuse people

Premium Bonds draws are tied to the first working day of the month, and the online tools typically show results shortly after. For February 2026, the first working day fell on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, with the prize checker reflecting results on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 (ET).

That “day-after” rhythm is why some people search for “February winners” on the first day of the month and think results are missing—especially when weekends and bank holidays shift the schedule.

How to use the Premium Bond prize checker and what you need

The fastest way to find out if you’ve won is the Premium Bonds prize checker. It can show:

• any prize from the current draw,

• prizes from recent draws,

• and older prizes that have not been claimed.

To check, you generally need your holder’s number (not your bank details). Many holders find it in their account, on a bond record, or in prior correspondence. Some people also have an NS&I number, which can be used in the app-style checking tools depending on the method.

If you have Premium Bonds for children or family members, each person has their own holder’s number, which is why families often run multiple checks.

Unclaimed prizes: why they happen and what to do

A major reason “premium bond checker” searches spike around draw time is that people discover they have older prizes waiting. Unclaimed prizes tend to build up when:

• a holder changes address and doesn’t update details,

• winnings are issued by cheque and never banked,

• bonds were bought decades ago and then forgotten,

• or records are split across old paperwork and newer online accounts.

One important point: Premium Bonds prizes do not expire, even for very old holdings. That means checking isn’t just for February 2026—it can surface a prize from years ago if it was never collected.

What to watch next for Premium Bonds in 2026

Two things will shape how attractive Premium Bonds feel through 2026:

1. Prize rate adjustments: if the prize rate changes again, expected returns shift even if your balance stays the same.

2. Interest-rate competition: when easy-access savings accounts offer higher guaranteed rates, Premium Bonds can look less appealing unless you value the chance of large tax-free prizes.

For most holders, the immediate action is simple: run the prize checker for February 2026, then confirm your contact details and preferred payment method so any future winnings arrive without friction.

Sources consulted: National Savings & Investments (NS&I), MoneyWeek, The Independent, Which?