Digital 16-25 Railcards now available

If you buy or renew the 16-25 Railcard you'll be given a choice between a digital version or the usual physical card, in a bid to tackle the 'forgotten card' problem.

Only the 16-25 and Network Railcards are currently available as digital downloads within the Railcard app, but you should be able to get others in digital form by the end of the year.

The news comes days after MoneySavingExpert.com revealed a new 26-30 Railcard is to be trialled ahead of a possible national rollout in 2018 - it's likely to be digital-only. See our Cheap Train Tickets guide for more tips.

How do I get a digital railcard?

You can choose between a physical or digital card when buying or renewing your via the 16-25 Railcard website.

If you opt for the digital version you'll be emailed a code to use within the Railcard app, which was first launched in August this year on Android or Apple (the apps are free to download). You can store the railcard on two devices.

You'll usually be able get it instantly, though mature students will have to wait a few days while their applications are manually checked. Anyone with an existing railcard will have to wait until they renew to swap to the digital version.

Other railcards to be digital by the end of the year

Jyoti Bird, a director at National Rail, said: "The introduction of digital railcards is the latest example of train companies working together using technology to make rail travel easier.

"The digital versions of the Family & Friends and Two Together Railcards will be available shortly, followed by Senior and Disabled Persons Railcards, which will also be available by the end of the year."