Is it better to have a plastic or digital Railcard?

Digital Railcards are stored within the Railcard app on your smart phone or tablet, meaning there's no need to carry the physical card around with you. They can be stored on up to two devices and used quicker than plastic Railcards as they do not need to be sent in the post.



People Also Ask

You cannot swap a plastic Railcard to a digital Railcard. However, when the time comes to renew your Railcard you can do this online and choose to have a digital Railcard.

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Yes. Although your Railcard will live in your Trainline App, it can still be used with tickets bought elsewhere.

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In most cases, your digital Network Railcard will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your digital Network Railcard.

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A: Yes. You must show your valid Network Railcard (digital or plastic) when you buy your ticket and travel on the train.

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Once your online payment has been successful you will receive an email confirmation and acknowledgement of your application number (this confirmation cannot be used to buy discounted tickets). If you have ordered a plastic Railcard, please allow 5 working days for delivery.

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Please allow up to 5 working days for your Railcard application to be reviewed and approved. Once approved, your Disabled Persons Railcard will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard.

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If you have already bought a digital Railcard, you should have received a 'digital Railcard Download code' on both the purchase confirmation page and by email. Once you've got this code, go to the Railcard app, tap on the '+' button in the top left of the screen and enter your code.

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At a station You can also apply for your Railcard by visiting any staffed station ticket office within the Network Railcard area and get your Railcard on the same day! Just be sure to allow yourself plenty of time between purchasing your Railcard and before you need to depart for your journey.

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You cannot swap a plastic Railcard to a digital Railcard. However, when the time comes to renew your Railcard you can do this online and choose to have a digital Railcard.

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You do not need a photo if you have ordered a 'Plastic' Network Railcard.

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If you have purchased a digital 16-25 Railcard, in most cases it will be available to use straight away.

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The Railcard app on your device will continue to show your digital Railcard as long as your mobile device has connected to the internet at some point within the last 72 hours. However, you will need an internet connection to buy your digital Railcard or add it to a new device.

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You can store your digital Railcard on up to two devices at a time.

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Yes, digital equivalents of the accepted railcards (I.e. not Network, Two Together or Family & Friends) can be added to Oyster cards; obviously you will need to have your phone fully functioning for it to be valid.

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Yes. You can buy a 1-year Family & Friends Railcard over the counter at all staffed station ticket offices.

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Your head and shoulders should be in close-up, with your face clearly visible and filling approximately 70% of the frame (in the same way it would for a passport or driving licence). The image must be in sharp focus. Please make sure that your face is not obscured by hats or hair.

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If you bought it at a station, provided you can produce the completed Receipt portion of your original application form, then you can apply for your lost or damaged Railcard to be replaced at any staffed station ticket office.

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