Buying online

1. How do I purchase or renew my Railcard online?
2. What do I need to buy online?
3. What cards are accepted?
4. Why is the system not accepting my passport or driving license?
5. How long do I have to wait for my Railcard to arrive?
6. Can I buy tickets at a discounted rate before my Senior Railcard arrives?
7. My Senior Railcard has not arrived in the post - what can I do?
8. Can visitors to Great Britain buy the Senior Railcard?
9. How can I change my address details if I am an online Railcard customer?

1. How do I purchase or renew my Railcard online?

Simply register as a new user on the Railcard website with a valid email address and a password (only one Railcard purchase per email address – your email address is your unique reference). You will require a valid UK passport or driving licence number to verify your eligibility online. Once payment has been made online you will receive an email confirmation and acknowledgement of your application number. Your new Railcard should be dispatched within three working days of purchase and will be sent by first class post.  It cannot be collected from a rail station. You will require your Railcard for travel with discounted tickets. No online refunds are available.

2. What do I need to buy online?

Before you start you will need a valid passport or UK driving licence to verify your eligibility online.  You'll only need this the first time you buy online.

3. What cards are accepted?

MasterCard, Visa Electron and Visa are the accepted cards for buying a Railcard online.

4. Why is the system not accepting my passport or driving licence?

You need to enter your valid passport or UK driving licence number as proof of age.  If you have done this and received an error message, this may be because you are not eligible for a Senior Railcard (aged 60 years or over).  If you are eligible, we recommend you double check that you are entering the correct number.  Continued error messages indicate that purchase of your Railcard online will not be possible.  To purchase your Railcard in person, please visit your nearest staffed train station or rail appointed travel agent.  To purchase over the phone, call 08457 48 49 50 for a train company telesales number.

 
5. How long do I have to wait for my Railcard to arrive?

If you are buying your Railcard online it will be despatched within one working day, and sent by First Class post (free of charge).

6. Can I buy tickets at a discounted rate before my Senior Railcard arrives?

Please be aware that you must carry your Senior Railcard with you on any journey where you have purchased discounted tickets with the Railcard.  Therefore, if you purchase discounted Railcard tickets before you receive your Railcard, you do this at your own risk.  Railcards Online cannot be held responsible for Railcards lost in the post.

7. My Senior Railcard has not arrived in the post - what can I do?

You will need to wait 10 days and then log back in to your Railcards online account.  From there, you can apply for a replacement Senior Railcard.  Please remember you need to have your Railcard with you to travel on discounted Railcard tickets.

 
8. Can visitors to Great Britain buy the Senior Railcard?

Yes, provided they are aged 60 or over. Purchases can be made online (with a UK valid passport or UK driving licence) or from a staffed rail station in England, Scotland and Wales. The Railcard can be purchased at Gatwick Airport and Stansted Airport rail stations, Luton Airport Parkway and Manchester Airport. Purchase is not available at London Heathrow Airport. You will be required to complete an application form, provide proof of age and payment. The Railcard will be issued for use straightaway and is normally valid for 12 months.

However you should also consider the BritRail Pass if making a visit to this country. For details about BritRail see www.raileurope.com.

 
9. How can I change my address details if I am an online Railcard customer?

Just go to Buy or renew now, enter your username and password, and select the 'Update Profile' option.  This will ensure we have your latest details for any Railcard or other communications you have requested to receive.