How to use a download code

You can use a download code to add your digital Railcard to your phone using the Railcard app.

Illustration of a purple mobile phone with cogs on the screen and green speech bubble with asterisks

Your activation link is the quickest way to add your Railcard to your phone. If you don’t have the activation link email, it may be in your spam folder. If you purchased a 16-17 Saver or Veterans Railcard, or would like to use a download code, follow the instructions below.

Step 1: Sign in to your account

Screenshot showing how to sign in to your Railcard account.

Step 2: Select your Railcard

Find the digital Railcard you want to add to your phone and select ‘Add Railcard to app’.

Screenshot showing how to select your Railcard to add to the Railcard app.

Step 3: Get your download code

Copy the 6-character download code from your account and head to the Railcard app.

Screenshot of a download code in the Railcard app.

Step 4: Open the Railcard app

In the Railcard app, select ‘Add a Railcard’ to continue. Then, select ‘Add an existing Railcard’ when prompted on the next screen.

Screenshot of the Railcard app screen to add a Railcard.

Step 5: Enter your download code

Once done, enter the download code that you have copied from your Railcard account.

Screenshot of where you add the download code in the Railcard app.

Step 6: Your Railcard is ready

Once that’s all sorted, your Railcard will appear under ‘My Railcards’ in the app.

Now all you have to do is book your next adventure!

Screenshot of a successfully activated Railcard in the app.

Frequently asked questions

Why isn’t my activation link or download code working?

If you’re having problems with your activation link or download code, it may have expired or you may have reached your device limit. You can save your Railcard on up to 2 devices at a time.

If your activation link or download code has expired:

You can get a new activation link or download code in your Railcard account.

If you need to remove a registered device:

1. Sign in to your Railcard account

2. Go to ‘Manage my account’

3. Select ‘Registered devices’

4. Select the device you‘d like to remove

5. Get a new download code to add your Railcard to a new device

Why can’t I add my digital Railcard to another phone?

If you’re having problems with adding your Railcard to an additional phone, you may have reached your device limit.

You can save your Railcard on up to 2 devices at a time. If you want to add it to a third, you will need to remove it from one of your existing devices through your account.

How to remove a registered device:

1. Sign in to your Railcard account

2. Select ‘Add Railcard to app’

3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to view your devices

4. Select the device you’d like to remove

How do I get a download code if I need one?

If you need a download code, you can generate one through your Railcard account.

You can use a download code if:

• You have a 16-17 Saver or Veterans Railcard

• Your activation link doesn’t work or has expired

• You bought your Railcard from a third-party vendor

View step-by-step instructions on how to use a download code.

Is my phone compatible with digital Railcards?

The Railcard app is available to download on Apple iOS 15.0 and later, and Android 8.0 and later.

Can the second cardholder download the Family & Friends Railcard on their device?

Yes. If you have a second cardholder named on your Family & Friends Railcard they can also download the Railcard to their device.

All you need to do is share your activation link with them. They can then use the Railcard, even when you aren’t, provided they are travelling with a child age 5 to 15.

Feeling stuck?

If you’re still having problems with your Railcard or your Railcard account, our customer service team can help.

Contact Railcard Help Team