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Original poster

Railcard help

38 replies

NotTooParticular · 12/02/2023 08:21

Hi, I need to buy a family and friends railcard over the counter today before we travel. Does anyone know if this is a quick 1 minute job or if I need to leave more time?

I've bought the tickets but need the railcard, national rail says I can buy over the counter at any staffed station but gives no idea of the process.

Thanks 😊

OP posts:
tringding · 12/02/2023 08:27

You may need a passport style photo. Why not buy one online beforehand?

Lonecatwithkitten · 12/02/2023 08:27

You can buy it on line and then hold it on the railcard app on your phone which will be much quicker and easier.

https://www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk/?gclid=CjwKCAiAuaKfBhBtEiwAht6H7VX3IBL-5oTIUhmIIp4m0VKXHO-PnnT44NbF2bAyJbbgGTmYizEzhoC7XsQAvDD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Lonecatwithkitten · 12/02/2023 08:28

You take a selfie with your phone for it.

tringding · 12/02/2023 08:33

When you buy online you upload the photo and they us image detection to check it meets their standards. Then they send you a code so that you can install the app and add the railcard. Job done. (You don't have to wait for anything to come in post if that's what you were thinking).

runwithme · 12/02/2023 08:34

Yeah, really simple to do. I've done it on the day that I've needed it

Original poster
NotTooParticular · 12/02/2023 08:37

Sorry. Massive drip feed that my camera on my phone is broken!

OP posts:
Original poster
NotTooParticular · 12/02/2023 08:38

Which is the reason I need to do it over the counter

OP posts:
Lonecatwithkitten · 12/02/2023 08:40

Use someone else's phone and then when you get code downloaded to your own phone.
None of our local stations have ticket staff on Sundays. Monday to Friday 6am to 10am only. Rest of the time they are manned by platform staff who can't issue season tickets or railcards.

Original poster
NotTooParticular · 12/02/2023 08:43

Our ticket office says open 0930 until 2000 today so hoping that's ok

OP posts:
ladyforallseasons · 12/02/2023 08:45

Just use a photo of you already on your phone!
Upload it as your photo to the Trainline app

That's what I did.
Done in about 5 minutes

Glittertwins · 12/02/2023 08:48

Yes, crop an existing photo and use that, that's exactly what I did.

hugoagogo · 12/02/2023 08:50

It takes a few minutes they will need to check your id and write dates and other info on the card.
I would allow 10-15 minutes you might not need it all, but it will save you some stress.

Original poster
NotTooParticular · 12/02/2023 08:50

Ah ok. I hadn't thought of that!

OP posts:
Original poster
NotTooParticular · 12/02/2023 08:51

"It takes a few minutes they will need to check your id and write dates and other info on the card."

Do they take a photograph if I leave it til we get to the station?

OP posts:
Changes17 · 12/02/2023 08:52

I did this on Thursday before travelling on Friday. Use existing pictures on your phone - it says passport photos but in one of mine I was by the sea. Is fine. It’s a 5 min job online.

Changes17 · 12/02/2023 08:53

Plus you can crop it in the railcard app.

tringding · 12/02/2023 08:57

NotTooParticular · 12/02/2023 08:51

"It takes a few minutes they will need to check your id and write dates and other info on the card."

Do they take a photograph if I leave it til we get to the station?

No, they will expect you to have brought a photo.

Shekissedagirlandshelikedit · 12/02/2023 08:58

I'm confused. I have a family & friends railcard, have one one for many years, and have never had a photo on it.

Cheeseandpickleplease · 12/02/2023 08:58

You will need to provide the photo

Just do it online as others have suggested

It’ll be far easier

Glittertwins · 12/02/2023 09:02

No, you have to bring a physical photo with you. Just do it online and it's also easier to add a second adult card holder.

ZeppelinTits · 12/02/2023 09:06

Shekissedagirlandshelikedit · 12/02/2023 08:58

I'm confused. I have a family & friends railcard, have one one for many years, and have never had a photo on it.

Same here!

Thighdentitycrisis · 12/02/2023 09:13

Takes 5 minutes

I bought a Network card in person yesterday OP because the app kept chucking me off and I also couldn’t book tickets online

its the same system- exactly the same as has always been you fill in the same form includes name address DOB email and sign

no ID needed and no photo

Thighdentitycrisis · 12/02/2023 09:16

I’ve had to add a photo on the app in the past but it’s not needed for in person

not sure if it’s different for Family and Friends but it was only in person when I last bought one of those and no photo needed then.

EnglishRose1320 · 12/02/2023 09:25

I picked one up at a station a week ago. No photo required at all, took a minute for me to fill the form in and 2-3 minutes for them to complete there part of it. Super easy and straightforward.

windyarse · 12/02/2023 09:28

Leave more time. You me minute is not going to be enough.