If you’ve received a Postcode Lottery prize voucher, it might be a welcome surprise—but knowing exactly how to use it might not be immediately clear. While the main details are usually provided, some of the practical points can take a bit more looking into.
This blog post takes you through everything you might need to know, from where the voucher can be spent to how to use it at the till. It also covers whether it can be used more than once, what you can usually buy with it, and what happens if you don’t use the full amount in one visit.
If you’re holding a voucher and wondering what to do next, the information below can help you make the most of it.
What Is a Postcode Lottery Prize Voucher?
If you win a prize in certain People’s Postcode Lottery draws, rather than receiving a cash payout, you might be given a prize voucher. This comes in the form of a unique code, which you can redeem online through the Postcode Lottery’s Lotteryshop.
It’s worth noting that this voucher doesn’t work like a typical high street gift card—you won’t be able to use it in supermarkets, at physical tills, or in standard retail stores. Instead, it gives you access to a selection of free gifts available online.
The types of items you might find include books, kitchenware, small gadgets, and other practical or popular products. The number of items you’re able to claim usually depends on how many tickets you held at the time of the draw.
Where Can You Spend Your Postcode Lottery Prize Voucher?
If you receive a Postcode Lottery prize voucher, you might assume it can be used in shops—but that’s not the case. Rather than spending it in-store, you’ll need to redeem it online, using a link provided in your prize notification. This will usually arrive by email or by post if no email address is on file.
The link takes you to the Lotteryshop, which is a dedicated website run by the People’s Postcode Lottery. That’s the only place where the voucher can be used. You won’t be able to apply it in high street stores, supermarkets, or on third-party websites.
So, if you’ve received a voucher, it’s worth holding off on any shop visits and instead checking your prize notification carefully. Once you’ve followed the link, you’ll be able to browse and choose from the available prizes online.
How Do You Use a Postcode Lottery Prize Voucher at the Shop?
If you’ve won a Postcode Lottery prize voucher, using it is a bit different from a typical shop purchase—because it’s not actually used in a physical store.
Instead, you’ll start by following the link included in your prize notification. This will take you to the Lotteryshop online.
Once there, you simply enter your unique voucher code. After that, you can browse through the available prize options and choose the item or items you’d like, depending on how many prizes you’ve won.
When you’ve made your selection, just confirm your order and wait for your prizes to be delivered to your door.
That’s all there is to it—there’s no need to visit a shop, scan a voucher at the till, or complete any in-person checkout process.
Can You Split the Voucher Across Different Purchases?
If you’re wondering whether you can use your Postcode Lottery prize voucher over multiple occasions, the answer is no. The voucher doesn’t work like store credit or a gift card with a cash value.
Instead, it lets you select the number of prizes you’re entitled to based on how many tickets you played. For example, if you had two winning tickets, you might be able to choose two items—but you’ll need to redeem them all at once.
There’s no option to use part of the voucher now and save the rest for later. Once you’ve used your voucher, it’s considered fully redeemed, and any unused portion won’t carry over.
Are There Any Restrictions on What You Can Buy?
If you’re curious about what you can get with your Postcode Lottery prize voucher, there are some restrictions—but they’re tied to what’s actually available in the Lotteryshop.
You can only choose from the items offered there, which tend to be practical or popular household goods, small appliances, books, food hampers, and similar products. The selection changes regularly and, of course, depends on what’s currently in stock.
Because you’re not shopping in a regular store but selecting from a curated list of prizes, you won’t be able to use your voucher for things like alcohol, tobacco, or other age-restricted items. Additionally, the voucher can’t be exchanged for cash or credit.
What Happens if You Don’t Spend the Full Voucher Value?
Because the voucher doesn’t show a monetary value and you’re choosing from a set list of prizes, the idea of spending only part of it doesn’t really apply.
Each voucher lets you claim a specific number of prizes—usually one per winning ticket you hold. You can’t redeem part of the voucher now and save the rest for later; it needs to be used in full in a single visit to the Lotteryshop.
Once you’ve confirmed your order, the voucher is considered fully redeemed and can’t be used again.
If you don’t redeem your voucher before the expiry date, it will expire and cannot be replaced. So, it’s a good idea to use it as soon as you can to avoid missing out.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Postcode Lottery Prize Voucher
If you have a Postcode Lottery prize voucher, here’s how you can make the most of it:
- Redeem early: Popular items can sell out quickly, so it’s best not to leave it too long before you use your voucher.
- Check your email or post: Your unique voucher code and the link to the Lotteryshop will be sent directly to you, so keep an eye out for them.
- Use it before it expires: The expiry date is firm, so make sure to redeem your voucher in good time to avoid losing out.
- Select all your prizes in one go: If your voucher entitles you to more than one item, it’s important to claim them all during the same visit to the Lotteryshop.
- Keep your voucher code safe: The code is only issued once and won’t be replaced if lost, so store it somewhere secure.
- Read the instructions: Following the steps in your prize notification will help everything run smoothly and avoid any confusion.
By following these simple steps, using your Postcode Lottery prize voucher should be straightforward. Just remember—it’s not something you use in a shop, but rather a chance to pick a free prize online, which will then be delivered straight to your door.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.