Over 60s Railcard valid in London if not issues in London

Carlakoala

Live in Somerset. Going for a week in London. I think I can apply for an oyster card and add my rail card on it, at a main stIon. Is this right. Ta muchly

MSE_James

Yes, you can obtain an Oyster card at any tube station, and ask the staff to link your railcard to it.

See @MSE_Petar's blog post about it here: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/team-blog/2024/02/london-travel-hidden-discount/  

MikeyPGT

MSE_James said:

Yes, you can obtain an Oyster card at any tube station, and ask the staff to link your railcard to it.

See @MSE_Petar's blog post about it here: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/team-blog/2024/02/london-travel-hidden-discount/  

The article would seem to be saying that the discount is available to 'Londoners' - is there likely to be an issue with 'out of towners' trying to sign up for it?

Neil49

MikeyPGT said:

MSE_James said:

Yes, you can obtain an Oyster card at any tube station, and ask the staff to link your railcard to it.

See @MSE_Petar's blog post about it here: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/team-blog/2024/02/london-travel-hidden-discount/  

The article would seem to be saying that the discount is available to 'Londoners' - is there likely to be an issue with 'out of towners' trying to sign up for it?

I live in Worcestershire and link my railcard to my oyster card without any issues. Do this in the tube station and just be aware that you have to do this every time you get a new railcard (typically annually). 

MSE_James

MikeyPGT said:

The article would seem to be saying that the discount is available to 'Londoners' - is there likely to be an issue with 'out of towners' trying to sign up for it?

None at all - in fact, in the case of the Senior Railcard, it's mainly non-Londoners who benefit from this facility, as Greater London residents aged 60+ are eligible for free travel on the TfL network, so the Oyster discount is a moot point.

Albermarle

Neil49 said:

MikeyPGT said:

MSE_James said:

Yes, you can obtain an Oyster card at any tube station, and ask the staff to link your railcard to it.

See @MSE_Petar's blog post about it here: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/team-blog/2024/02/london-travel-hidden-discount/  

The article would seem to be saying that the discount is available to 'Londoners' - is there likely to be an issue with 'out of towners' trying to sign up for it?

I live in Worcestershire and link my railcard to my oyster card without any issues. Do this in the tube station and just be aware that you have to do this every time you get a new railcard (typically annually). 

I understand that initially it costs £7 to buy an Oyster card. Is that just a one off cost ? Not an annual cost ?

MSE_James

Yes, it's a one-off cost. It used to be a refundable deposit, but is now effectively a card issuing fee. 

Albermarle

MSE_James said:

MikeyPGT said:

The article would seem to be saying that the discount is available to 'Londoners' - is there likely to be an issue with 'out of towners' trying to sign up for it?

None at all - in fact, in the case of the Senior Railcard, it's mainly non-Londoners who benefit from this facility, as Greater London residents aged 60+ are eligible for free travel on the TfL network, so the Oyster discount is a moot point.

Although the Mayor seems a bit unsure generally about some 'out of towners' being effectively subsidised for travel in London.
He threatened to withdraw the option of people starting their journey outside  London buying Travelcards last year, but he seems to have since backed off the idea.

flaneurs_lobster

Just a small "be aware", as said in the linked article you need to visit an Underground Station to get your Railcard added to your Oyster Card. Not all stations that are served by Underground trains are Underground Stations and the staff there can't help (eg Richmond), best to check before travelling. And if at all possible avoid peak hours, getting the tickets linked can occupy you, the staff member and a ticket machine for a good five minutes. Have your Oyster account details to hand and here's hoping your TfL staffer is a bit cheerier in the task than mine was.

Not sure if it's been mentioned but there can be a lag (typically overnight) to get an Oyster Card registered and visible online, a pain if you want to purchase, register and link in one visit. There's also no indication on the Oyster account (that I've found) that the link has been successful, you'll only know for sure when you check the fare debited has been discounted.

It's clunky.

Albermarle

flaneurs_lobster said:

Just a small "be aware", as said in the linked article you need to visit an Underground Station to get your Railcard added to your Oyster Card. Not all stations that are served by Underground trains are Underground Stations and the staff there can't help (eg Richmond), best to check before travelling. And if at all possible avoid peak hours, getting the tickets linked can occupy you, the staff member and a ticket machine for a good five minutes. Have your Oyster account details to hand and here's hoping your TfL staffer is a bit cheerier in the task than mine was.

Not sure if it's been mentioned but there can be a lag (typically overnight) to get an Oyster Card registered and visible online, a pain if you want to purchase, register and link in one visit. There's also no indication on the Oyster account (that I've found) that the link has been successful, you'll only know for sure when you check the fare debited has been discounted.

It's clunky.

If you buy one for the first time, then presume you have to wait for a physical card to arrive in the post, which must take a few days at least ?

flaneurs_lobster

Albermarle said:

flaneurs_lobster said:

Just a small "be aware", as said in the linked article you need to visit an Underground Station to get your Railcard added to your Oyster Card. Not all stations that are served by Underground trains are Underground Stations and the staff there can't help (eg Richmond), best to check before travelling. And if at all possible avoid peak hours, getting the tickets linked can occupy you, the staff member and a ticket machine for a good five minutes. Have your Oyster account details to hand and here's hoping your TfL staffer is a bit cheerier in the task than mine was.

Not sure if it's been mentioned but there can be a lag (typically overnight) to get an Oyster Card registered and visible online, a pain if you want to purchase, register and link in one visit. There's also no indication on the Oyster account (that I've found) that the link has been successful, you'll only know for sure when you check the fare debited has been discounted.

It's clunky.

If you buy one for the first time, then presume you have to wait for a physical card to arrive in the post, which must take a few days at least ?

I'm sure you would if you bought this way but they are also available instantly from the ticket machines at stations and shops that are "Oyster Ticket Stops" (like Paypoint but for Oyster top-ups).