Railcard question: can I use it?

3v3

Opened a NatWest Student Account; told by the teller that I would not be eligible for the railcard because I'm over 25 (by a number of years ).

Got the Welcome Pack letter and the code for the railcard anyway; so, clicked the link, added the code, uploaded a photo and yesterday, received the railcard.

If I try to use it, will the ticket personnel be within their rights to reject it? One look at my face (and the photo) will be an immediate give away that I'm not in the 16-25 age range; yet NatWest have authorised it, despite knowing all my personal details. Anyone know?

TIA

DaveMacD

As a railway employee, I would say that I would probably confiscate your ticket, and issue a fraudulent travel report. Sorry

casper_g

16-25 Railcards (which used to be called Young Person's Railcards) are for people who are either aged under 26 or full time students (or both).

If you're a full time student you're entitled to a 16-25 Railcard even if you're over 25. Check the website www dot 16-25railcard dot co dot uk -- sorry, can't post links!

casper_g

DaveMacD wrote: »

As a railway employee, I would say that I would probably confiscate your ticket, and issue a fraudulent travel report. Sorry

As a railway employee, I'd have thought you'd know that you don't have to be aged 16-25 to be eligible for a 16-25 Railcard (contrary to what the name of the card might lead you to believe).

flutterbyuk25

Slightly different to your circumstances, but I applied for the 16-25 railcard last year as I new I needed to travel by rail a bit. I applied when I was 25 and 11months. So it lasted til I was 26 and 11months, never had a problem using it.

My mum was a mature student a few years back (in her 40s) and she was told she could have it cos she was a student.

HTH

x

EDIT:

According to their own website you are eligible:

http://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/are-you-eligible/eligibility

x

DaveMacD

But at least it would then be sorted, because he'd then get a letter back confirming one way or another.

Take that as a desperate attempt to save face As you might have guessed, info regarding different types of discount card are not always distributed to those who actually need the info as quickly as it should be.

3v3

casper_g wrote: »

16-25 Railcards (which used to be called Young Person's Railcards) are for people who are either aged under 26 or full time students (or both).

If you're a full time student you're entitled to a 16-25 Railcard even if you're over 25. Check the website www dot 16-25railcard dot co dot uk -- sorry, can't post links!

Thank you for the URL, :money: yes, it does say if over 26 and a full time mature student (which I am ) but, it does also say that I needed to fill out the "mature student" section of the form. As this has been applied for via the NatWest Student Account, the actual card still has "16-25 Railcard" emblazoned on it and does not state "Mature Student" (although it is obvious that I am ).

So, does anyone know if that is usual - ie, they *all* have the 16-25 wording regardless of which category the student falls into?

3v3

DaveMacD wrote: »

As a railway employee, I would say that I would probably confiscate your ticket, and issue a fraudulent travel report. Sorry

Fraudulent travel report, despite it being issued fair and square?

3v3

DaveMacD wrote: »

But at least it would then be sorted, because he'd then get a letter back confirming one way or another.

Take that as a desperate attempt to save face As you might have guessed, info regarding different types of discount card are not always distributed to those who actually need the info as quickly as it should be.

No worries about "saving face" from where I'm standing

After all, if that would be your reaction, it's a very real possibility that I would face that precise scenario (I'd be mortified ). So, your post has at least forewarned me that could happen. Which is why I asked really, because I wasn't at all sure.

casper_g

DaveMacD wrote: »

But at least it would then be sorted, because he'd then get a letter back confirming one way or another.

Take that as a desperate attempt to save face As you might have guessed, info regarding different types of discount card are not always distributed to those who actually need the info as quickly as it should be.

@ Dave: Sorry, re-reading my post it sounds a bit harsher than I meant it to!

@ OP: Don't worry about how the application form was completed: you didn't fill it in -- the bank did! As they know your age and that you're a student, I'm sure they did the paperwork correctly. They must deal with more Railcard applications than anyone else in the country! I think the staff member in the bank was mistakenly coming to the conclusion that the railcard wasn't for over 25s based on its name, but don't let that worry you now. You've got the card, you're entitled to the card, enjoy the discount.

If you're worried about rail staff not accepting it, you could always try carrying (i) some proof of student status and (ii) a copy of something showing that the 16-25 railcard is available to mature students. Hopefully you'd be able to convince them and avoid any problems that way!

Impet_Limpet

There is no problem in using this railcard issued by Natwest, you are a full time student - hence being allowed a student account and therefore eligible for the railcard too.

Just bear in mind that if you travel before 10am Mon-Fri in order to get a discount your fare must be over £12 (either single or return).