Managing your digital Railcard

 

  1. What is a digital Railcard?
  2. What is a digital Railcard download code?
  3. How do I add a digital Railcard to my device?
  4. Lost/replacement download code
  5. Frequently asked questions

What is a 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.

The Railcard App is available to download from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. The App is only compatible with devices that have the following software: Apple iOS 14.0 and above and Android 7.0 and above. The Railcard app is not compatible with Windows Phones.

How can I buy a digital Railcard?

Digital Railcards can be bought online only, go to the Railcard.co.uk to get started. Once you have chosen your Railcard, you will be directed to your chosen Railcard website to buy your Railcard. When you are prompted to 'Choose the type of Railcard you would like', choose 'Digital'.

How quickly will I get my new digital Railcard?

In most cases, you should get your digital Railcard instantly after following the steps in the 'How do I add a digital Railcard to my device' section below.  Those applying for a Disabled Persons Railcard, Veterans Railcard or 16-25 Railcard as a mature student, will have to wait a little longer as these applications are checked manually. In which case please allow up to 5 working days for your Railcard application to be approved.

Can I renew to a digital Railcard?

Railcards can be renewed within 30 days of expiry, to either a digital or a plastic Railcard. Just log into your account and select 'Digital' when completing the application process.

 

What is the digital Railcard download code?

 

You need a digital Railcard download code to add your Railcard to your device. You can find this code in the email we send after you complete your Railcard application.

I can’t find the download code

If you can’t find your download code, please check your mailbox (including your junk mail) for an email from our Railcard team. If you still can’t find the email, you can request a new code by selecting the button below. Or you can return to the website where you bought the Railcard, log in to your account and follow the links to request a new download code, as per the 'Lost/replacement download code' section below.

 

Get a new download code here

 

 

How do I add a digital Railcard to my device?

 

Step 1

Open the app*, and tap on the "+" symbol in the top right hand corner to get started.

 

Step 2

Select "Add an existing Railcard" at the top of the screen.

 

Step 3

Enter the download code you received in an email titled "Your digital Railcard download code", and click continue.

 

 

*The Railcard App is available to download from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Lost/replacement download code

 

The download code that you received in your email expires after 10 days. If your download code has expired, or if you aren't able to find the email we sent you, please follow the steps below to generate a new download code.

Do you need a new download code for your 16-17 Saver or Veterans Railcard?

Please note: The steps below are for all Railcards, except 16-17 Saver and Veterans Railcard. If you need a digital Railcard download code for any of these two Railcard, please follow the links below.

  • How to generate a new digital Railcard download code for a 16-17 Saver.
  • How to generate a new digital Railcard download code for a Veterans Railcard.

Step 1

Follow the link to 'My Railcard', and scroll down to the Railcard you would like to generate a download code for - click "Get a new download code"

 

Step 2

You can now use this new download code to add your Railcard to a new device.

 

Step 3

If you are asked to remove 1 device, click the bin icon next to the device name and then click 'Remove', the system will generate a new download code for you.

 

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I have no battery life or can’t show my Railcard?

If you don’t have any battery life, or have forgotten your device, it won't be possible to check that your Railcard discount is valid. You could be asked to buy a single ticket for your journey, or be issued with a Penalty Fare.

If you do get caught out while travelling, you can make one claim a year to be refunded for any extra fare or penalty you incur.

What happens if I don’t have reception or I am offline?

Railcard are available offline for a period of up to 72 hours. 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.

What happens if I lose my device?

In the unfortunate scenario where you lose your device, you can simply add your digital Railcard to a new device. If your Railcard is already associated to two devices, please log in to your account and you will find an option to Manage your devices for any active Railcards you own. Simply select the device you want to remove. Once you have done this you will be able to add your Railcard to a new device.

Why can’t I add my Railcard to another device?

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

If you want to add it a third, you will need to remove it from one of your existing devices using the steps described above.

Why has my Railcard been blocked?

If we detect suspicious activity on your Railcard, it will be blocked until we have had the chance to speak to you.

During this period, your Railcard will no longer be valid for travel.

If your Railcard has been blocked, you will need to contact our customer support team.

**Excessive device changing can result in a Railcard being blocked**

How do I unblock my Railcard?

You will need to contact our customer support team so that we can better understand the activity that has caused your Railcard to be blocked.

If appropriate, they will be able to help you get back online with your Railcard.

I have a plastic Railcard, can I swap it for a digital one?

Unfortunately you are unable to 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.

Can I have a plastic and digital version of my Railcard?

Unfortunately you can only have one version of your Railcard – either plastic or digital. Once you have purchased your Railcard you cannot change the type of Railcard you have.