Blue Light Card is a UK discount service specifically for members of the emergency services, NHS, social care sector, and armed forces. Here are the jobs that are eligible for the discount card
The Blue Light Card is a UK discount service tailored for the emergency services, NHS, social care sector, and armed forces community. It unlocks a treasure trove of discounts from thousands of online and high street retailers to local businesses.
On its website, Blue Light Card states: “We exist to show our appreciation for the Blue Light community, your service and sacrifice. Giving you the discounts you deserve, and access to exclusive experiences and rewards”. Eligible members can tap into a vast array of over 15,000 discounts ranging from holiday deals to dining experiences.
Introduced in 2008, the Blue Light discount scheme was designed to thank the ‘Blue Light Community’ and public sector workers. The initiative has enabled millions to enjoy savings via a multitude of discount partners. This comes after Martin Lewis warns ‘nothing to do with me’ after complaints from money savers.
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While it’s commonly associated with NHS staff, police, and firefighters, the scheme actually covers a broader spectrum of professions than many realise, reports the Liverpool Echo.
For a modest fee of £4.99, the Blue Light Card offers two years of access to extensive discounts, making it a no-brainer for avid shoppers looking to recoup their investment through savings. The Blue Light Card website lists all eligible categories, which include roles from teaching to optometry.
However, if your profession isn’t listed, you won’t be able to get a Blue Light Card at present.
Eligible categories include:
- NHS
- Police
- Fire Service
- Ambulance Service
- Teachers
- HM Armed Forces/Reserved Armed Forces
- Pharmacy
- Optometry
- Dental Practice
- MOD Police
- Home Office
- HM Prison and Probation Service
- Highway Traffic Officers
- Search and Rescue
- Red Cross
- RNLI
- Independent Lifeboats
- HM Coastguard
- Environment Agency
- Animal and Plant Health Service
- Blood Bikes
To apply for a card, you must use the photo of your ID document(s) to verify your eligibility for a Blue Light Card. Once it’s been checked by a team member, it can be removed from the system.
You can request a Blue Light Card via the Blue Light Card website by choosing the ‘Sign Up’ option. You will then be guided to start your application. You can also apply through the app.
Blue Light Card holders can use their discount cards for money off at a variety of retailers and service providers, both in-store and online. These include popular supermarkets, cinemas, site-seeing attractions like Alton Towers, retail stores, restaurants, and more.