Not the first time that people will envy you for being under 25. (Young Persons Railcard)

Member Name: LoolooMe

Product:	Young Persons Railcard
Date:	27/07/09 (96 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: It saves you money.

Disadvantages: It does cost a small amount to start.

We've all done it promised a friend that we'll go and see them for their birthday only to find that the rail fares are too expensive. Yes it's true that this card only gives you a third off, but that means that if you spend £60+ a year on trainfares this card will have paid for its self.

For me I was in the unfortunate position of never having one for my first two years at uni. One of my friends had taken out the NatWest account and got a railcard for 5 years (I wish I had done that), and another had bought one. I didn't think that I would save money so kept putting it off, but I'm so glad that I did buy one as in the year that it's valid (12 months) I definatly saved over the £20, probably around £40.

So if it saves money why don't we all get one?
First you have to be eligable: 16-25 or in full time education. The former catagory is easy to prove (passport, birth cert etc). The if you fall in the later it will take some time as you need a stamped letter from your education establishment.
Secondly it's all about planning. You will need to send away for this, so expect about one week, but plan for two if buying online.

Where to get one?
Simplest way is online. http://www.railcard.co.uk/

Summary: Plan to get one if you plan to use the trains. Best way is to set up a Natwest account.