As a UK veteran, you’re entitled to a range of discounts and benefits across travel, retail, and leisure. This guide breaks down the key discount schemes available and how to apply for them.
Affordable Travel Deals
Veterans Railcard
You can apply for the Veterans Railcard and save one-third on your rail travel across England, Wales, and Scotland. The cost is £35 for 1 year or £80 for 3 years.
To obtain the Veterans Railcard, you need to provide proof of your service. The HM Armed Forces Veteran Card (Veteran ID card) allows you to instantly verify your veteran status.
Veterans Oyster Photocard
If you reside in London and receive payments from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) or the War Pensions Scheme (WPS), you can apply for a Veterans Oyster Photocard.
With this photocard, you can travel for free at any time on buses, the Tube, trams, DLR, London Overground, and the Elizabeth line. Additionally, you get free travel on most National Rail services within London, discounted fares on River Services, and discounts on Santander Cycle Hire.
War Disablement SmartPass in Northern Ireland
If you live in Northern Ireland, you can apply for the War Disablement SmartPass. This pass allows you to travel for free on buses and trains throughout Northern Ireland.
Defence Privilege Card
The Defence Privilege Card is a discount and benefits card designed for Armed Forces, Veterans and the Armed Forces Community. It offers veterans, serving personnel, and their families access to exclusive discounts and offers from a wide range of retailers, services, and leisure activities across the UK.
You can use your Veteran ID card to apply for this service.
The discounts are available from a range of partners such as Samsung, LG, Lookfantastic, British Airways, Garmin, Halfords, Bill's and many more.
It costs £4.99 and is valid for 5 years.
Blue Light Card
HM Armed Forces Veterans are also eligible to apply for the Blue Light Card.
The discounts provided cover a wide range of categories, including holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones, and much more.
You can register with your Veteran ID card.
The card costs £4.99 and is valid for 2 years.
UK Veterans: Save on Museums and Enjoy Free Events
HM Armed Forces veterans can receive a 20% discount when visiting Hever Castle & Gardens.
Hampshire Cultural Trust offers concession rates for serving and former military personnel with a valid Veteran ID.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard provides discounted tickets for veterans and their families.
Additionally, you can register with Tickets for Troops if you have been medically discharged since 2001, allowing you to attend a variety of events for free with your family and friends.
1Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/getting-discounts-as-a-veteran
2Source: https://www.defencediscountservice.co.uk/en
3Source: https://www.bluelightcard.co.uk/en
Last reviewed: 9th June 2025
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