Armed Forces discounts

Oyster photocard valid for TFL services & Emirates Air Line

Certain ex-armed forces personnel qualify for a free Veterans Oyster photocard which gets free and discounted travel in London.

Anyone who receives ongoing War Pensions Scheme payments or guaranteed income payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme is eligible for the photocard. Call TFL and ask for an application form to apply.

What benefits does the Veterans Oyster photocard get me?

• Free travel at any time on London buses, London Underground, London Overground, DLR, tram and TFL Rail. 

• Free London travel on most National Rail services on weekends and from 9.30am on weekdays. There are some routes that can be travelled on for free before 9.30am – see Veterans Oyster photocard for included routes.

• Discounted Emirates Air Line fares. 

• Discounted River Services fares.

  
  

  
  

How do I apply?

Call TFL on 0343 222 1234 to request an application form. Fill it out and return it along with an Awards Notification or relevant letter as well as a passport-sized photo.

Once the card arrives, you'll be able to use it straight away. Touch in and out on the yellow Oyster card readers when you start and end your journey.

Show Defence Discount Service code. Valid Mon-Fri & Sun

At most Yo! Sushi restaurants, customers who show a valid Defence Discount Service code from Monday-Friday or Sunday will get 20% off food.

To get the code, you need to hold a Defence Discount Service card, and generate the code from its website or via the app – you can't just show the card.

It's only valid on bills up to the value of £100. It excludes drinks and takeaways, and it can't be used with any other offers.

It's valid at all Yo! Sushi restaurants except Heathrow T2 and T3.

What's the Defence Discount Service?

To get a card, you have to pay £4.99 but it's valid for five years - so worth it if you think you'll save more than £5 in this time.

You don't have to be actively serving to get it, for example, veterans, partners of service personnel and cadets over the age of 16 can apply. Check the Defence Discount Service website to see if you qualify.