What is a Blue Light Card? Who’s eligible and how to apply to get great discounts

Ever wondered if you might benefit from getting a Blue Light Card?

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what the Blue Light Card is, who is eligible for one and how to apply. You’ll see that the discounts on offer cover a broad range of retailers and businesses, from fast food and high street fashion to travel and holidays.

The Blue Light discount scheme was launched in 2008 as a way of rewarding the ‘Blue Light Community’ and the public sector. The scheme has helped millions of people save money through their thousands of discount partners.

And although it’s widely known as a perk for NHS staff, police and the fire service, there are many more eligible professions than you might think. Keep reading to find out if you can save money with the Blue Light Card.

What's a Blue Light Card?

Whether you’re planning a visit to your local ODEON cinema or an adrenaline-fueled trip to Alton Towers, you can save money with the Blue Light Card. There are also savings to be made on hotels and holidays, coffees at Starbucks, and even your next pizza from Domino's.

The Blue Light Card costs £4.99 for two years’ access to a huge range of discounts. So, if you’re a regular shopper, you’re bound to make your money back in savings very quickly (and then some).

If you’re eligible for a Blue Light discount card, there are so many ways it can help you save money. And not only can this benefit you, but your loved ones might be able to enjoy discounts from time to time too.

Who can use Blue Light Card?

As the name suggests, the Blue Light Card was launched as a way to reward those working in the emergency services (known as the ‘Blue Light Community’). This also includes other frontline sectors, such as social care and the armed forces.

The card is perhaps most well-known for being an NHS discount card. All NHS employees are eligible to apply for a Blue Light Card, including bank staff, support workers and admin assistants.

But the list of eligible professions is probably longer than you think. Most of these job roles come under the umbrella of frontline or first-response, from the police, ambulance and fire service to National Highways traffic officers and Cave Rescue.

Other eligible professions include Blood Bikes, Mountain Rescue, and the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution).

The armed forces are also recognised by the Blue Light scheme. Whether you work in the British Army, Reserves, Royal Air Force, Royal Marines, Royal Navy, or you’re a veteran, you can apply for a Blue Light Card.

Complete list of eligible professions

Check out the full list of eligible professions for the Blue Light Card below to see if you’re able to apply:

*As per the Blue Light Card website: "Teaching and supporting staff working in any of the following are eligible: State Early Years & Primary Schools, State Secondary Schools & 6th Form Colleges, Special Schools, Vocational Schools, Referral Units, and Centrally Employed. [However] Higher education staff are not currently included."
**Includes retired workers
***Includes retired workers and volunteers

While there’s no definitive Blue Light Card eligibility checker, you can get in touch directly with their customer service if you’re unsure whether you’re eligible or not. Visit their website and click Contact Us to get in touch with a member of the Blue Light team.

Where is the Blue Light Card valid?

The list of Blue Light Card discounts available to cardholders changes frequently. If you have your card on you (or have the Blue Light Card app on your phone), it’s always worth asking at the checkout if the place you’re shopping at offers a discount.

There are discounts available at businesses in a huge range of sectors, from high street retailers like  JD Sports, River Island and New Look to fast food restaurants.

At the time of writing, Blue Light Card restaurants include Bills, Bella Italia, Harvester and Prezzo. When it comes to fast food, we saw discounts at Domino’s, Tim Hortons, Burger King, Krispy Kreme and KFC (to name just a few).

ASDA shoppers can even save on their weekly food shop with a Blue Light Card. These offers can vary and might come in the form of a discount at the checkout, or cashback in your rewards app.

If you're looking for more ways to save money on your food shop, check out our complete guide to supermarket loyalty cards.

And if you're yet to join TopCashback, don't forget to take advantage of our £15 sign-up bonus. Just click the green Join TopCashback button below and spend £15 or more with any of our retailers, and you can get £15 cashback.

With a Blue Light Card, you can even save money when you book your next holiday. Whether you’re booking a UK staycation, a ski break or even a cruise, there are lots of holiday discounts to choose from.

Participating companies at the time of writing include Lastminute.com, Walt Disney Travel, Jet2 Holidays and Expedia.

And Blue Light discounts aren’t limited to big chains either, as local businesses are able to offer them too.

How to get yours

You can apply for your card by visiting the Blue Light Card website and clicking Register Now.

You’ll need to have your staff ID card or a recent payslip to hand to prove your eligibility. Select the service you work for and then fill out the following questions which will refer more specifically to your division and role.

The next page will be the sign-up page, where you’ll need to submit some personal information, including your full name, home address, email and password.

Once you’ve set up your account, you’ll need to complete the Blue Light Card application process. This is where you’ll be required to submit your evidence of employment (staff ID or a payslip).

You’ll have to pay an upfront fee of £4.99, which will allow you to access all of their exclusive offers for two years.

How to use your card

As a member, you’ll receive a physical card for shopping in person and a digital card for shopping online. You can head over to the App Store or Google Play to download the free Blue Light Card app.

As virtual cards are stored inside the app, it’s worth downloading it in case you forget your physical card while out and about. Other app features include an interactive map that will show you local discounts near your current location.

Some Blue Light Card discounts are only available when shopping in store, whereas others only offer discounts online. Some companies offer both, but not all do, so make sure you’re clued up before you try to use your card anywhere.

If you’re using your Blue Light Card in store, the process will vary from retailer to retailer. With some retailers, you’ll just need to show a member of staff your valid physical or digital card before you pay. They may need to take note of your card number to check it’s valid.

Other retailers require you to link up your card to their own app (such as the KFC app) to generate a discount code.

If you’re using your card online, you’ll need to log in to your account on the Blue Light Card website or via the mobile app. Select the retailer you’re shopping with and generate your personalised discount code. Then, just enter the code at the checkout and you’re good to go.

FAQs

Still got questions that need answering? Check out the following commonly asked questions.

 Are teachers eligible for a Blue Light Card?

As of August 2024, some teaching staff are eligible for a Blue Light Card.

As per the Blue Light Card website: "Teaching and supporting staff working in any of the following are eligible: State Early Years & Primary Schools, State Secondary Schools & 6th Form Colleges, Special Schools, Vocational Schools, Referral Units, and Centrally Employed. [However] Higher education staff are not currently included."

 How long is the Blue Light Card valid for?

Your Blue Light Card will be valid for two years.

 Does the Blue Light Card automatically renew?

No, your card won’t automatically renew when your two years are up. However, they will email you 30 days before your card is set to expire with information about how you can renew.

 Can the Blue Light Card be used for family and friends?

Your card is exclusively for your own use. You aren’t allowed to pass your card on to a friend or family member.

However, if you are with another person when using your card, they may be able to benefit from your discount too. For example, some restaurants take a percentage off the total bill.

You might also be able to show your card at the checkout when shopping in a store with your friend or family member, to get them a discount on their purchase. However, this will be down to the cashier’s discretion.

 How long does the Blue Light Card take to come?

It will take between 10 and 14 days during periods of high demand to review and authorise your Blue Light Card application. They aim to take less than 10 days, but it will depend on customer demand at the time of your application.

 Are there any other ways to save money with Blue Light?

Blue Light Tickets partners include Alton Towers. Legoland Windsor Resort, Madame Tussauds, the Sea Life Centre and more.