When Prime Minister Harold Macmillan announced the launch of Premium Bonds back in 1956, it marked the beginning of a story that would span for generations. Seventy years on, Premium Bonds remain part of many of our lives – whether it’s buying them as thoughtful gifts, making traditions or sharing in the excitement of the prize draw.
And while the years may change, the way people gift Premium Bonds and enjoy the prize draw together has stayed largely the same, with new generations continuing to discover Premium Bonds and make them part of their own traditions.
We talked to some of our savers* to find out what Premium Bonds mean to them – and identified three different Premium Bonds personalities. Which one sounds most like you?
1. The Tradition Keeper
Those who introduce Premium Bonds to the next generation
For the Tradition Keeper, Premium Bonds have been part of family life for as long as they can remember. They may have received them as children from a grandparent, godparent or loved one.
Over time, they've carried that tradition forward by introducing younger generations to Premium Bonds.
I remember queuing up with my dad to buy them at the Post Office in the late 60s. Each week he would buy some for different siblings. Still got mine.
– Audrey, 65, Cumbria
My grandparents started buying me Premium Bonds when I was a child and, in turn, I bought Bonds for my daughter which family members add to for Christmas or birthdays.
– Laura, 45, Somerset
Started receiving Premium Bonds as presents from my grandparents along with my brothers. Carried on the tradition with my three sons and now my four grandchildren.
– Alan, 58, Maidstone
2. The Thoughtful Gifter
Those who choose Premium Bonds to mark moments that matter
Thoughtful Gifters believe that a meaningful present lasts long beyond the celebration. So Premium Bonds become their go-to gift for a new baby, child’s birthday, Christmas or other special milestone.
Rather than a gift that’s opened then forgotten, Premium Bonds can be kept, enjoyed and added to over the years, becoming a lasting reminder of the person who gave them.
Premium Bonds were given to me at birth by my godparents, so they remind me of two lovely people. I think of their generosity every time I win. It’s a great and safe gift that keeps on giving.
– Charles, 59, Loughborough
My grandparents and great-grandparents bought Premium Bonds for future generations as christening presents and this has kept up as more generations of the family are born.
– Ewan, 38, Perthshire
I gift Premium Bonds to my grandkids as birthday presents. It's easy and has nurtured an interest in saving in them.
– Tim, 66, Hereford
3. The Prize-Draw Enthusiast
Those who make the monthly draw a chance to connect
For the Prize-Draw Enthusiast, the draw is something to look forward to with the people they love. Checking the results each month becomes a shared moment – whether through a friendly rivalry with a sibling, a regular phone call to a grandparent, or a message in the family group chat.
For many people, the monthly prize draw becomes a tradition of its own. A reason to catch up and share the excitement, whatever the results. Some even stay up until midnight to check their results as soon as they're released!
Having Premium Bonds is definitely a tradition in my family. My Pop encouraged me to get them and he used to have great fun on the first of the month finding out how much we had all won… We message in the family WhatsApp and all chat about our winnings!
– Samantha, 33, Kent
My wife, children and I all have Premium Bonds, and we all enjoy checking them on ‘Premium Bonds Day’ each month to see if any of us have been lucky.
– Steven, 50, Fife
“My mum, my brother and I all have the maximum amount. Each month we message each other to see who won the most and who won the least. Effectively the podium places each month.
– Simon, 52, Croydon
Whichever Premium Bonds personality you relate to most, you’re part of a story that’s been building for generations. Here’s to the next chapter.
*Based on 237 unique responses from members of the NS&I customer community in June 2026, about what Premium Bonds mean to them and their friends and families across generations.
