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NS&I has announced that it is increasing interest rates on both its Junior ISA and Direct ISA. Interest rates paid on Junior ISA will be increasing by 75 basis points from 2.50% AER to 3.25% AER. In addition, the interest rate paid on Direct ISA will be increasing by 15 basis points from 0.75% AER to 0.90% AER.

ERNIE has regenerated for the first time in 15 years, and is using quantum technology to generate random numbers. NS&I has also become one of the UK's first financial organisations to create an Alexa Skill, giving Premium Bonds customers another way to check their prizes.

ERNIE has moved into the quantum realm but over £60 million in prizes is still to be paid to winning Premium Bonds holders.

When we reduced the minimum investment into Premium Bonds to £25 at the start of February, we also reduced the minimum monthly standing order, making it even easier for people to get into the savings habit.

Premium Bonds continue to be a popular present for children at Christmas, especially from parents and grandparents who want to inspire the young people in their lives to enjoy the winning experiences they’ve had from ERNIE over the past 61 years.

Two lucky Premium Bond holders have started the New Year in the best possible way by landing the jackpot prize of £1 million - thanks to a little help from NS&I’s random number generator, ERNIE.

It’s been another bumper year in Premium Bonds, with 24 more millionaires crowned during 2018. Here’s a round-up of some of the big moments, many of which were thanks to input from our customers.