How much is a 60+ Oyster card? Application fees, annual checks, and more

Oct 28, 2025 2 min read •

senior care Public Transport London Travel

As of July 2025, Transport for London (TfL) has increased the costs associated with its 60+ Oyster photocard. For London residents aged 60 and over, understanding precisely how much is a 60+ Oyster card is crucial to accessing valuable free travel benefits.

Quick Summary

The application fee for a 60+ Oyster card is £35, while the annual address eligibility check costs £18. This card provides free travel on most TfL and National Rail services within London, with restrictions during weekday peak hours.

Key Points

Application Fee: The cost to apply for a 60+ Oyster card is £35, as of July 2025.
Annual Check Fee: There is an annual £18 fee to verify your London address and maintain eligibility for the card.
Who is Eligible: The card is for London residents aged 60 and over who are not yet eligible for a Freedom Pass.
Travel Benefits: Provides free travel on most TfL and National Rail services within London, with restrictions during weekday morning peak hours.
Application Process: You can apply online via the TfL website by providing identification, a digital photo, proof of London residency, and a payment method.
Renewal vs. Freedom Pass: The 60+ card is for the period before reaching State Pension age, after which a Freedom Pass may be granted, offering broader benefits.

Current Costs: Application and Annual Checks

Applying for a 60+ Oyster card involves an upfront fee and annual verification expenses. As of July 2025, TfL announced new pricing to cover scheme costs:

Initial Application Fee: £35. This one-time fee covers processing and issuing the photocard.
Annual Address Check Fee: £18. Cardholders pay this annual fee to prove London residency. Failure to pay stops the photocard.
Replacement Card Fee: £18. This applies if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Eligibility Criteria for the 60+ Oyster Photocard

The 60+ Oyster card is for London residents aged 60 and over until they reach State Pension age and qualify for a Freedom Pass. To apply online, you need an email address, valid ID, a digital photo, and a payment card for the £35 fee.

Benefits of Having a 60+ Oyster Card

The card offers free travel on most London public transport, excluding weekday morning peak hours on Tube and National Rail services. It also provides discounted River Services fares and Santander Cycle Hire discounts.

60+ Oyster Card vs. Freedom Pass: Key Differences

The table below outlines the main distinctions between the 60+ Oyster Card and the Freedom Pass:


Feature	60+ Oyster Card	Freedom Pass
Eligibility Age	60+ until State Pension age.	At State Pension age (currently 66) or for eligible disabled residents.
Eligibility Basis	Age and London residency.	State Pension age or disability and London residency.
Travel Restrictions	Restricted weekday morning peak on Tube/National Rail.	Older persons pass has similar restrictions. Disabled pass has no time restrictions.
Expiry and Renewal	Expires at Freedom Pass eligibility; annual address check fee required.	Renewal varies; some auto-renew based on residency.
Issuing Authority	Transport for London (TfL).	London Councils.

Managing Your 60+ Oyster Photocard

Cardholders must complete an annual online verification and pay the £18 fee to prove London residency. Moving out of London makes the card invalid. Lost, stolen, or damaged cards require an £18 replacement fee.

Conclusion: The Overall Value

Despite recent fee increases, the 60+ Oyster card remains a valuable benefit for older London residents, providing significant savings on off-peak travel. Understanding the associated costs, eligibility requirements, and travel restrictions is essential for maximising its use.

For official information, visit the Transport for London website: {Link: Transport for London website https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/60-plus-oyster-photocard}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The initial cost for a new 60+ Oyster card application is £35. This fee covers the processing and issuing of your photocard and is paid during the online application process.

After your first year, there is an annual address check fee of £18 to confirm your continued eligibility as a London resident. You must pay this non-refundable fee every year to keep your photocard active.

Yes, once you have the card, travel on most TfL services (buses, Tube, DLR, etc.) and National Rail within London is free. However, there are restrictions during weekday morning peak hours.

For TfL services (Tube, DLR, etc.), free travel is not permitted between 04:30 and 09:00 on weekdays. For most National Rail services in London, the restriction is between 04:30 and 09:30 on weekdays.

You can apply online through the Transport for London (TfL) website. You will need a digital photo, a form of ID like a passport or driving licence, and a payment card for the application fee.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to pay an £18 replacement fee. You can order a new one through your photocard web account.

The 60+ Oyster card is for London residents aged 60 and over, until they reach State Pension age. A Freedom Pass is for those at or over State Pension age or with a qualifying disability. Freedom Passes may offer wider benefits or fewer restrictions.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.