What is the millennial railcard? The new discount card for 26-30 year olds launches today - how to get one - The Mirror

Ten thousand cards are available - but how can you get one?

A new 'millennial' railcard offering discounted travel for 26-30-year-olds has officially launched - but only for 10,000 people.

It continues on from December's trial run with Greater Anglia - however this time, will be available across all rail networks nationwide.

The card will give young people the chance to save a third on travel all year round - however the bad news is just 10,000 will be released - enough for one in 500 of the eligible population.

Chancellor Philip Hammond first announced the rollout in last year's Autumn Budget.

He said it could help keep the cost of living down for around 4.5million more young people, thanks to benefits such as a third off travel.

However, it cannot be used on peak time travel and season tickets, which brings little relief to those affected by January's 3.6% rail price hike - the highest since 2013.

A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group, told Mirror Money: “The trial of the 26-30 Railcard is part of the rail industry’s long-term plan to change, improve and boost communities by enabling more people to travel by train.

"Research being gathered as part of the 26-30 Railcard trial is being used to inform discussions with the government about a national roll out, and to develop new products that make leisure travel easier and better value for customers."

Who can apply for a 26-30 railcard?

Anyone aged 26 to 30 can apply for the new railcard.

However, if you renew it the day before you turn 31, you'll be able to use it for an extra year.

The same applies for those who opt for the three-year option. If you buy your pass the day before you turn 29, you'll get three years on top - which takes you to the day before your 32nd birthday.

How will it work?

The card will work on a similar basis to the one for 16-25 year olds, which has existed in one form or another since 1974.

However, with railcards now digital you won't have to worry about carrying the paper card around with you.

Instead, just download the app on your phone, and show it to the inspector when asked.

How can I apply for a 26-30 railcard?

Railcards are available to buy from www.26-30railcard.co.uk as of Tuesday 13 March and until sold out.

Successful applicants will be able to download the Railcard app and access it on their smartphone.

The good news is you won't have to wait for it to arrive in the post and if your phone runs out of battery or gets lost it can be swapped to another mobile device.

What about everyone else?

If you're a frequent traveller but don't qualify for a railcard, you can still apply for a Network Railcard, whatever your age.

This is Network Rail's alternative discount card that gives you 1/3 off most journeys in the Network Rail area - it can also save you money on trips in and around London.

The card can be used across London to Cambridge, Margate, Dover, Hastings, the majority of the south coast, and parts of Worcestershire and Exeter.

If you're travelling to a major UK city, you can use the discount to the nearest Network Rail stop and then purchase a full price ticket for the remainder of your journey.

The Network Railcard costs £30 and is valid for 12 months - there's no age restriction.

The added benefit is that up to three adults travelling with you can also redeem 1/3 off their fare. Plus, you can get 60% off fares for up to four children (aged 5 to 15 years).

There's one catch though - the Network Railcard cannot be used before 10am Monday to Friday, unlike a standard railcard which can be used 24/7 - unless you're travelling with Virgin Trains . On weekdays, there's also a minimum spend of £13 per adult, or £1 per child.

You can sign up or find out more about the card at Network-railcard.co.uk .

Anyone can also get a "two together" railcard. This offers a third off journeys, but only if you're travelling with the same person. Given it will often pay for itself over a single trip, it's worth grabbing one if there's someone you frequently travel with.

For the lucky few that still have a year or so until their 16-25 card expires, buy or renew your pass the day before your 26th birthday and you'll legally bag an extra year - making it a 16-26 railcard.

For an extra three years, you’ll have to plan further ahead and renew your card the day before your 24th birthday, which will extend the expiry date to the day before your 27th birthday.