Confusion as bank account mystery error blocks transaction

Savings giant contacted over Premium Bonds error

A saver was left baffled when an error message stopped them from cashing in their Premium Bonds. The concerned customer contacted savings giant NS&I to try to find out what was wrong.

They said: "What does the error message mean? 'This operation cannot be completed due to a reservation on a Bond'. I'm trying to cash in bonds and close the account." NS&I replied and asked them if they had previously requested to withdraw from their Bonds.

The company added they could work this out if their available balance was different from their holding balance. But the confused customer said: "No the balance available is the same amount that I’m trying to withdraw. Hence reducing the balance to zero and closing the account.

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"I did purchase some new Premium Bonds at the end of September but not sure why this should be an issue." Even the team at NS&I was left scratching their heads about the issue, the Express reports.

They admitted they were unsure what was causing the issue. NS&I said: "We're unsure what could be resulting in this error without access to view your account information.

"To assist you, we'd advise you please call us and ask to speak to an agent." They pointed them to the helpline 08085 007 007, which is available Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm.

But the saver said this would be difficult for them to do, as they were currently travelling in Vietnam, so a call to a UK number would be very expensive. NS&I then suggested: "You can also call +44 1772 329 880 using Skype. You may still have to use credit to make the call if overseas - however, it is possible that Skype will charge less than your phone service provider."

One key benefit of Premium Bonds is you can cash them in at any time. People sometimes keep their Bonds as an emergency pot of savings for this reason.

Premium Bonds also offer an exciting way of building up your savings, as rather than getting an interest rate, the Bonds go into a monthly prize draw.