Raileasy - beware the charges

drmw

Booked a straightforward return this week.

Price seemed to be a few pence cheaper than the Trainline, so stayed on the web page to follow through

Basic fare was £109.50 - I admit wasn't paying too much attention to the added costs, but I got charged £117.28.

Thought that seemed wrong, so in the face of a rip-off £1.02/minute phone line, I emailed asking for a breakdown as they don't send you such - only a simple bottom line total.

Got a reply, saying £1.00 booking fee, £1.50 postage and £2.89 card charge. I replied, pointing out that this didn't add up to what I had been charged.

Got another email stating the credit card charge was now £5.28

So, here are the two exact emailed sentences

First response:"You have been charge a £1.00 booking fee, a £2.89 credit/debit card charge and a £1.50 postal charge."

Second response: "I can confirm at the time of booking, the credit card charge for [booking reference] is £5.28."

So, a near 5% charge for using your card (how else does one book online?), plus a booking charge (for the booking you make yourself) and an overcharge on the postage.

And £1.02 if you were foolish enough to phone them.

Rip off - stay well clear & go for more established such as the trainline.

Livingthedream

^^^ Good advice, just to add to what you stated avoid the trainline also, their catchy TV adverts state the 'cheapest fares' were in reality it's the 'cheapest fares' with booking/card fees.

Book direct with the Train Company involved, as these will offer the cheapest fares and on the odd occasions special online discount or offers for their trains. ie East Coast Trains offer a 10% online discount for their Advance tickets, which you can't get from anywhere else. Southern Trains offer 34% off their Advance tickets and 10% off Off Peak tickets if bought online.

The only exception to buying from a Third party vendor is to buy from Redspottedhanky if you have some Tescoclubcard vouchers to use as these equate to £10 TCV to £20 rail voucher on that site.

drmw

and just to add insult to injury - I found a link 5 minutes ago to yet another one of their sites - with this quote "Besides the cost effective fares, you'll also benefit from no booking fees and card charges making a saving of £3.50 on average "

Seems they apply charges on the roll of a dice - very unprofessional outfit - I suppose at least I have the tickets in my hand, unlike several other unfortunates who have complained about them

GoPD

As stated above its sadly now best to try to find the train company providing the route and try to book direct.

Those card charges do sound exesive though

I hadn't booked with thetrainline.com for some time and I my last booking was surprised at both how many add ons there were since I previously booked with them and also to be charged a booking fee. Navigating the website was like trying to make a booking without being caught out on a fee. Certainly not too customer friendly.

fivetide

Was it a credit card though? Most are fee free for debit but not credit cards.

If you have the quote about no card charges then go back and demand a refund. Even better if you paid by credit card as they might do it for you.

5t.

dggar

I would echo wat others have posted.

Stear clear of TheTrainLine and Raileasy.

I always check the fares using the National Rail journey planner. It will direct you to what is usually the most appropriate train site to get your tickets.