Premium Bonds problems as customers struggle to access accounts

NS&I said that customers with a certain internet provider are being 'blocked' from the website.

By Nicholas Dawson, Finance Reporter based in London, covering personal finance with a focus on the state pension and retirement planning.

A man checks his bills

Premium Bonds customers have had issues accessing the website (Image: GETTY)

An issue with Premium Bonds customers being unable to access their online account is persisting.

A customer has contacted provider NS&I over X about the issue today (July 16) after a saver reported a similar issue yesterday.

They told NS&I they were "unable to login" to their account when using a Plusnet connection.

NS&I said in response: "It appears that something within how Plusnet provide your network is blocking our site.

"We have raised this internally, but early indications are that the issue is with Plusnet themselves. We'd advise you to raise the issue with them too.

"In the meantime, if you have mobile data, this should allow you to log in, or we can assist you over the phone too."

Another Plusnet user previously got in touch with NS&I yesterday (July 15) as the online service had "stopped" for them.

They shared a screengrab of an error message which they were getting "every time" they tried to log in.

A man checks his finances

Premium Bonds customers have had issues accessing the website (Image: GETTY)

The message said "the site can't be reached as "secure.nsandi.com took too long to respond".

NS&I said in response: "We have had similar reports from Plusnet customers experiencing this issue and it is being looked into.

"However, I can confirm that our website is functioning as expected. Please try using mobile data on your device and this should allow you to reach the page."

The customer later responded to say they had since managed to access the website. They explained: "Excellent - turned off wifi and the app worked. Thanks for this and will be contacting Plusnet momentarily."

Each £1 Premium Bond eligible for the monthly prize draw has an equal chance of being selected for a prize, including one of the jackpot prizes for £1million.

Savers often use their winnings to buy more Bonds, so increasing their chances of winning again.

Express.co.uk has contacted NS&I and Plusnet for comment.

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