Did you know you can save money on rail fares with a Railcard?
Your Railcard will give you up to a third off most UK train tickets, including Advance tickets, Standard and First Class Anytime tickets, and off-peak travel. You might also be surprised to learn just how many people qualify for Railcard discounts on their train journeys. There are options for students and young people, families, couples, over 60s, veterans and people with disabilities.
When you buy your Railcard online, you can link it to the Railcard app and start benefiting from cheaper rail fares instantly. You’ll also unlock a range of partner discounts, helping you save money on activities and accommodation once you reach your destination too.
Keep reading to find out what Railcard deals are available to help you get the most out of your purchase. We’ll also let you know how to buy or renew your Railcard online and answer all of your burning questions.
More ways to save with Railcard
When you buy your Railcard through TopCashback, we’ll give you a portion of your spend back as cashback. You can think of it like a post-purchase discount without the hassle of searching for Railcard discount codes.
Once you’ve bought your card, you can start saving straight away. And the more you use your Railcard to get discounted train tickets, the quicker those savings will add up. You could make up the price of your Railcard in just a few journeys, so you can think of anything you save after that point as being a bit like free money.
Being smart about when you buy your Railcard can also help you maximise your savings. For example, you can buy a three-year 16-25 Railcard up until the day before your 24th birthday, which means you can enjoy discounts up until the day before your 27th birthday.
Some places also offer free Railcards to their customers as reward incentives. This means you could unlock reduced train fares at absolutely no cost to you. For example, some banks offer free student Railcards (16-25 Railcards) when you set up a student current account with them.
Cheap train tickets aren’t the only way you’ll save money when you sign up for a Railcard. There’s also the chance to bag Railcard discounts at a range of their reward partners, including Gousto, Craft Gin Club and Readly. Partner discounts are subject to change, so check their website for the latest info.
You can also save on experiences and accommodation when you travel. Railcard holders can bag up to 50% off theatre tickets, helping you to enjoy a night to remember at a fraction of the cost.
What types of Railcards are there?
Did you know there’s a Railcard option for everyone between the ages of five and 30? There are also cards for some groups of over-30s too.
Families with children can get a Family and Friends Railcard covering up to four adults and four children aged five to 15 travelling together. You’ll get a third off rail travel for the adults and 60% off for the children, helping you save some spending money to enjoy at your destination.
There’s also a 16-17 Saver that’ll get you 50% off most fares, and a 16-25 Railcard offering a third off train tickets for a year or three years, depending on the duration you select. After this, there’s a yearly 26-30 Railcard, which you can renew each year until your 30th birthday.
If you frequently travel with another person, such as a partner, a Two Together Railcard can help you cut costs. There are no age limitations for this card, although it’s only valid when the two named people on the card are travelling together. People of any age can also buy a Network Railcard and bag a third off rail fares in London and the South East.
There’s also the Senior Railcard for over 60s, Disabled Persons Railcards for those with a disability that makes train travel difficult, and Veterans Railcards for UK Armed Forces.
How to get a Railcard online
To apply for a Railcard, you’ll need a valid debit or credit card, evidence of eligibility (a UK driving licence, passport or EEA national identity card), and a suitable passport-style photo.
While you can often buy Railcards in person at a train station, this means you won’t earn cashback on your purchase, so it will be cheaper to buy your Railcard online.
Click through to the Railcard website using the button on this page, then select which Railcard type applies to you. If you’re not sure which option is the right one, answer a couple of questions in the Help Me Choose box lower down the page to get advice.
Depending on the type of Railcard, you may be able to choose its duration. Going for the three-year option is often cheaper in the long-term because these come with a discount. Select if you’d like to have a physical card or a digital Railcard that can be accessed within the Railcard app (this is the quicker and often more convenient option).
You’ll then be taken to an online form where you’ll need to fill out your personal details and provide proof of ID. Once you’ve purchased your digital Railcard, it should be available for use instantly within the Railcard app.
How to renew your Railcard online
Railcards don’t automatically renew, and it’s your responsibility to make sure you’re travelling using a valid Railcard that hasn’t expired.
If your Railcard is expiring, you’ll need to make sure you still qualify for another Railcard. For example, if you’re no longer a student or have moved into a different age bracket, you may need a different Railcard from the one you had previously.
If you’re still eligible for the same type of card, you can renew it within 30 days of the expiry date. To get your Railcard renewal underway, head to their website and click Renew My Railcard. Enter your Railcard login details, and you’ll then be able to see any cards registered to your account. Click Renew Railcard to automatically request your new card.
Don’t worry if you’re past the 30-day mark or need to buy a different Railcard type. You can start from scratch and buy a new card by clicking through to the Railcard website from this page.
Whether you’re buying a Railcard, don’t forget to stretch your budget further when you order through TopCashback. We’ll give you a portion of your spend back, leaving you with more cash in your pocket to put towards your next adventure.
All information, deals and offers mentioned within this content are correct at the time of writing.
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