National Savings and Investments has sent a "next working day" warning to anybody with Premium Bonds.

The treasury-backed provider said there could be issues relating to bank account payments and delays.

"Yesterday morning I transferred money for the first time into my Premium Bonds account via my online banking," a Twitter/X user asked.

"The money has been taken out my bank as a 'pending transaction' - however, it has not gone into my Premium Bonds account as the balance hasn’t changed."

NS&I asked: "When you made the bank transfer, did you put your account holders number as the payment reference?"

The customer responded: "Off the top of my head I don't think I did, I remember seeing the instructions underneath and thinking it said account holders name so just put my name in."

NS&I said: "If you have put your name instead of the holders number, the funds will be returned back to your bank. As soon as these have, you can then send the payment again with the holders number as the reference."

NS&I said: "When a bank transfer has been rejected, we send it back to you the next working day."


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On its website, NS&I said: "You can top up by bank transfer or standing order for Premium Bonds, Income Bonds, Direct Saver, Direct ISA, Junior ISA and Investment Account.

"Simply give the details to your bank and tell them how much to transfer and when. You'll normally be able to do this online, by phone or in a branch. There's no need to enter your card details and we'll update your account when we've received the money.

"In most cases the money will leave your bank account straight away, and it can take up to two hours to reach your NS&I account. It can sometimes take longer to leave your bank account, for example if your bank needs to make extra checks.

"For your peace of mind, we’ll email or text you when we receive your payment."