If you view yourself as an avid traveler then there is a good chance that you’ve ridden a few trains in your time. This can be true whether it is for business or pleasure.
In either case, I’m sure you’re aware of how expensive train tickets are in this country. However, I have discovered a way that you can use the Tesco clubcard supermarket loyalty program to bring costs down. With a railcard, you can then explore at will without the whole process costing an arm and a leg.
How does this Tesco clubcard account deal work?
Perhaps you are a loyal Tesco shopper just like me. If so, you will have likely accumulated a large number of clubcard points because of your shopping habits.
As you may already know, these points can be exchanged for vouchers. Fortunately, you can spend these vouchers on a railcard in UK as well as your usual groceries. One can then make the purchase for a fraction of the cost that you would have paid to spend with cash.
If Tesco doesn’t take your fancy, Amazon Groceries is another online platform where you can buy food at an affordable price. They have a decent delivery service too so it’s worth having a look.
How do I apply for railcard with my Tesco clubcard vouchers?
Can I buy a railcard at the station? You can’t simply just do this in person at a ticket office or train station. One will need to apply for it online.
The official railcard website is known to be a little temperamental and buggy at times so be warned. Applicants can even add a railcard to their basket directly from the Tesco website if they like.
What do I need to apply for a cheap railcard account?
For the majority of railcards, you will need to have a valid ID in order to be accepted. This can either be a:
- driving license
- passport
- birth certificate
- national identity card
You will also need to digitally upload a portrait photo of yourself.
How much money will I need to buy railcard for UK?
Can I get a free railcard? Not quite. You will have to spend between £7 to £10 worth of Tesco clubcard vouchers. For this, you can get something that would normally cost you over three times as much money. A claimant will be able to bag a 1 year railcard for as little as £7.
There is a chance that you don’t have the full amount of clubcard vouchers required for the transaction. Not to worry as you should be able to pay the remainder off with cash.
How much cheaper are train tickets with a railcard?
Railcard prices can vary. Most railcard types are normally worth £30 with the exception of the disabled railcard (which is worth £20). You will be getting 67% off the full price so you will be saving two-thirds of what you would ordinarily have to pay.
Some claimants have boasted about cutting hundreds of pounds off their rail fares by using this promotion. I can easily see this being the case if you are taking a long journey to London, for instance.
You may be able to save even more with a Blue Light Card. Furthermore, see if you can find a railcard discount code or cashback offer for this.
One of the best cashback websites I’ve personally used is topcashback. They have cashback offers for lots of brands so why not see if you can find something for rail services?
Does this work for all train services?
Your railcard discount may not always count during peak times. This is especially relevant in the morning when people are on their way to work. Journeys within central London may require an oyster card.
Physical vs Digital
Railcards come in both physical and digital forms. Your physical railcard should be posted to you. How quickly can I get a railcard? It will take roughly 5 working days to arrive at your home address.
Can I download my railcard on my phone? You should be able to download the official railcard app online so this way you can use the digital railcard. This mobile app is available for most Android and iOS electronic devices.
Are there any railcard restrictions and rules that I need to follow?
According to railcard terms and conditions, there is some data collection at play here. This can understandably be off-putting for some people. Although, it can be seen as part of the price you pay for cheaper rail tickets.
Your railcard is specific to your identity so you can’t resell, rent out or gift it to somebody else. I lost my railcard! What now? One should be able to get a railcard replacement fairly easily if you ever misplace it or have it stolen.
When will this Tesco clubcard promotion stop?
This offer will partially end on the 13th of June. Although, a new (but not so generous) offer will take its place the day after. This updated deal will be very similar to the one before. The difference is that you will have to spend a few more of your Tesco clubcard vouchers to get the same railcard.
I’m not sure when all of this will be completely finished so be quick or you may have to wait another year. If you decide to renew your railcard the following year then you will most likely have to pay the standard price. This is generally true unless you can find another great offer like the one we’re talking about.
Who is this Tesco clubcard offer for?
A railcard will allow you to save a big chunk of your rail travel. This is especially beneficial if you are a frequent train passenger who makes lots of journeys throughout the year. The railcard is great for a variety of different people including:
- disabled people
- children
- teenagers
- young adults
- couples
- families
- elderly
Sadly, this offer isn’t great for adults who are traveling alone. I’ve investigated this and found that there isn’t really a specific railcard for these kinds of individuals.
Is there a railcard for over 30s? It can be tough trying to get a railcard after 30. People between the ages of 30 and 60 (like me sadly) tend to get the worst of it. Some even argue the case for discrimination here, but maybe that is being a little bit dramatic.
Railcard Benefits
Is a railcard worth it? Railcard holders get one-third (1/3) off all rail fares. They additionally come with other cool perks like:
- days out
- rewards
- competitions
- special offers
There are many more ways that you can easily earn and save money in your spare time. One of my favourite rewards platforms for this is SwagBucks. This app pays you to do simple tasks such as completing simple surveys online.
Different Types of Railcard with Tesco Vouchers
This offer applies to the following railcard types:
How do I apply for senior railcard?
If like me you know of someone who is about to turn 60 then this might be a nice gift for them. Then again, they may see it as being a little cheeky or patronizing but at least it will be useful to them.
One can even arrange the purchase leading up to their birthday. You won’t even have to wait for the actual date to arrive. The holder will still need to think about senior railcard renewal further down the line though. It’s essentially a pensioners railcard if you will.
What is a family and friends railcard?
With the family and friends railcard, there are certain parameters that you have to abide by. This railcard allows you to bring along no more than 4 kids and up to 4 adults. This will mean a maximum of 8 people in total.
The children need to be between 5 and 15 years old and the adults are required to be over the age of 16. Any kids in your group will make an increased saving of 60% off their rail fare. Children under 5 years old can ride UK trains for free.
Buying a Two Together UK Railcard with my Tesco Clubcard Points
We’re not just talking love and romance with the 2 together railcard discount. The couple in question can be completely platonic as this is great for pairs of close friends and family members too. Although, railcard couples are both required to be over 16. Think of it as a joint railcard.
What is a 16-25 railcard for students?
This isn’t just a young persons railcard. Under certain circumstances, the 16-25 railcard can also accept mature students outside of that age bracket.
For this, you will need to complete a special railcard application form. In addition, the student discount will require an endorsement from your place of study (college or university). One will also need to provide proof of the course you are taking.
You have to be in full time education for this to work. If you study part time or are currently a student at the Open University then you won’t be eligible.
Can I apply for disabled railcard discount?
You will need to be registered and receive government benefits for your disability if you wish to qualify. Disabled railcard users are sometimes allowed to be accompanied by a companion on trains if needed.
Can I get a 3 year railcard with Tesco clubcard?
There is a 3 year railcard available to purchase but it is excluded from this particular deal. If you wanted a 3 year railcard you would have to pay £70. There is also a veterans and armed forces railcard which isn’t eligible either.
This is a great way to save money on getting from A to B. Conversely, it doesn’t always accommodate everyone out there. You often have to fit into quite specific criteria.
You might find yourself left out of the loop for this reason. For example, you might not have the required number of family or friends with you on the day.
Although, this is still very handy if one is trying to organize a commute or even just a leisurely day trip. It’s nice if you want to travel to the coast and enjoy a short holiday on the beach.
The next thing I would advise you to do is to apply for Tesco clubcard online if you haven’t already. You have nothing to lose as it’s absolutely free to do so.
I would also steer you towards doing some more research on the different kinds of railcards that are out there. One can save even more money on your train travel habits by browsing mytrainticket and showmethejourney.
How familiar are you with the various railcards available to you? If you had one of these, where would you travel in the UK and why?
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