Digital Railcards

What are the types of Railcards available? 

There are nine main types of Railcards available on National Rail services. Some of them have eligibility criteria, whilst others (like the Network Railcard) are available to everyone – so it’s worth taking a look to see which one is right for you.

You can buy the following types as Digital Railcards through the Ticketyboo app:

• 16-17 Saver
• 16-25 Railcard
• 26-30 Railcard
• Network Railcard
• Senior Railcard
• Two Together Railcard
• Family & Friends Railcard

The following two types can only be bought directly from the relevant Railcard website, as each application is verified manually:

• Disabled Persons Railcard
• Veterans Railcard

What is a Digital Railcard?

Whereas traditional Railcards are issued as physical cards (usually plastic), Digital Railcards exist within the Ticketyboo app, and can be displayed alongside your ticket when a ticket inspection takes place.

You can buy Digital Railcards through the Ticketyboo app and they’ll then show up in your Ticketyboo account.

How do I use my Digital Railcard? 

Once you’ve bought your Digital Railcard from Ticketyboo, you can access it through our app. Just ensure you’re logged into the right account, and it’ll be available right away.

You can also set a favourite Digital Railcard within the app (particularly if you have several). We’ll then be able to apply it automatically to any orders where it’s valid, providing the appropriate discount for you.

If you’re asked to show the Digital Railcard for a ticket inspection, just select it in the Ticketyboo app.

Why can’t I access my Digital Railcard in my account?

Please check to ensure you’re logged into the correct account within the Ticketyboo app. You’ll need to be logged into the same account that you bought the Digital Railcard on.

You might also want to check whether your Railcard has expired. Our Digital Railcards are all valid for one year at a time; if yours has expired you can easily renew it through our app.

If you’re still struggling to access your Digital Railcard, please contact our Customer Services team for help.

Why isn’t my Digital Railcard giving me a discount when buying tickets?

Firstly, please check to ensure you’re logged into the correct account within the Ticketyboo app. You’ll need to be logged into the same account that you bought the Digital Railcard on.

Each Railcard has its own individual terms and conditions which determine where and when it can be used, and with which ticket types. If you have a favourite Digital Railcard set within the Ticketyboo app, we’ll apply it where it’s appropriate to do so. This is so you don’t end up buying a ticket with a Railcard discount that isn’t valid for your journey.

Have a look at our Discounts and Railcards FAQ page, if you’d like to know more about each Railcard’s restrictions.

How do I renew my Digital Railcard?

We will send you an email or app notification before your Railcard is due to expire. You can renew your Digital Railcard through the Ticketyboo app, starting from 30 days before it’s due to expire.

Simply login to your account, select the type of Railcard you want to renew, then follow the steps. Once your payment has been confirmed, your renewed Digital Railcard will be available to use straight away.

Your Digital Railcard will be extended by another year from its expiry date, so you won’t lose out if you renew early.

Can I get a refund on my Digital Railcard?

Unfortunately, Railcards are generally non-refundable – this is stated in their terms & conditions. However, under consumer law you have the right to get a refund for your Digital Railcard, if you haven’t downloaded it yet and it’s been less than 14 days since you bought it. To get a refund under these circumstances, please contact our Customer Services team.

I have an Annual Gold Card, can I also buy a Railcard?

Yes, you can! There’s no limit to the number of Railcards you can hold.

If you have an Annual Gold Card, you can buy one of the following yearly Railcards for just £10, either for yourself or someone else (such as a partner or friend):

• 16-25 Railcard
• Family and Friends Railcard
• Network Railcard
• Senior Railcard
• Two Together Railcard

These can only be bought at stations, and are not available as Digital Railcards. There is an exception for the Disabled Persons Railcard.

How do I claim a refund on my new ticket/Penalty Fare if I can’t show my Railcard?

If you have a valid Railcard but can’t show it (for example: you forget your phone which has your Digital Railcard on it), you’ll need to buy a new ticket before you travel – without the Railcard discount. If you don’t buy a new ticket, you might receive a Penalty Fare.

However, the good news is that if this happens, you can apply for a refund on the new ticket/Penalty Fare. You can do this by providing a copy of your new ticket/Penalty Fare and Railcard purchase confirmation email to the relevant train company’s Customer Services; they should process the refund for you.

Please note: you can only receive a refund under these circumstances once every 12 months.