Pensioner bonds for over sixty fives

[HappydaysArehere]

Would be pleased to hear from people who have applied for the above. Thinking of applying for some but have heard of difficulties arising. Have heard that applicants were left for weeks with no acknowledgement when sending off in the post. Other difficulties were also referred to in the Telegraph. wondering if there would be difficulties getting money out. Never fancied postal accounts but as our savings are no longer replenished with any interest that can be referred to as anything but pitiful and are dwindling as a result it sounded as if we should look at this offer. Would appreciate any advice.

Having seen a lot of recommendations, we applied for these a few weeks ago (DH is over 65, I'm not so he took single 1 year and 3 year bonds at the maximum holding for each.

It seemed to make good sense as the money was in a 'building society and interest rates are so low - as you say, our savings are no longer replenished with any interest that can be referred to as anything but pitiful and are dwindling - exactly! I've not seen anything about problems - the things I've seen come down in favour of it being a sensible investment.

We applied for the first one by post, DH having lost his NS&I password (sigh) which had to be sent by post so we just printed a form off the website and posted off the application. We applied for the second bond online once the password had been resent and we had no problems.

You can check online on your NS&I account to be sure the bonds went through all right. We ticked for 'no paper confirmation' but I think they sent one anyway.

We had to transfer the money from the BS into DH's current account and wait till it was definitely there so he could use his DEBIT card to pay for the bonds online, so the process takes a little while, but no special issues.

Tax is deductible but at the maximum holding there should be a worthwhile but not astonishing windfall - a coach holiday to Margate rather than a tropical cruise

Thank you, that is really helpful. We don't have online banking but have downloaded the app form. It was just the thought of so much money disappearing into the ether which made us nervous!!

you don't need online banking, you just need the money ready in an account and you give the details of that account on the NS and I secure website. Don't apply by post.

the online application asks for lots of security info to be created so set aside some time.

BTW do not use a phone for banking or financial transactions, find a computer if you can.

I actually managed to help MiL do her application on the first day, as then it was thought the bonds could go in days. The goalposts were moved so there is now infinite money, just a date deadline.

I wonder if there is an election coming?

ps also look at current accounts for better interest, although these involve setting up standing orders.

I did both for my dad. Website was easy to use. Did both in 5 minutes just used his debit card.