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Discount and membership cards you can carry
It's not just bank and credit cards that people carry around with them. Here's a selection of just some of the cards that may help you get money off everyday items.
NUS card
You don't have to be 18 and a university student before you can get a NUS card. You can also get one if you're over 16 and go to a college or a sixth-form college with a student union that's affiliated to the National Union of Students.
There are three types of NUS card and each one offers a different range of benefits.
NUS Democracy card
The NUS Democracy card is free and acts as a membership card to your students' union, giving you access to all the facilities they provide and allowing you to vote in student union committee elections, but it will not give you any discounts.
NUS Extra card
The NUS Extra card costs £10, but offers lots of discounts on essentials like books and stationery as well as clothes and travel. It also acts as an international ISIC card, which means you can use it in lots of countries across the world. Both the Democracy and Extra cards are available from your university's student union and you can get an application online.
NUS Associate card
If you're continuing in further education at school or at a sixth form that does not have a student's union, you may be able to get a NUS Associate card which gives the majority of the same benefits as a standard NUS card.
To get a NUS Associate card, you'll have to complete an application form that you can download from the NUS website. Once you've completed it, post it back along with a passport photo and the £7 fee.
UCAS card
Whether you're applying for university at the moment, or if you're already a student on a higher education course, you'll probably be able to apply for a UCAS card.
Getting a UCAS card gives you access to a range of special offers through the UCAS card website, as well as lots of useful advice about the UCAS application process, how to choose a university and living on a tight budget once you get there.
For all the details, take a look at the UCAS card website.
Proof of age card
Many people carry a card that proves they're old enough to buy certain things that have age restrictions on them.
There are a number of proof of age card schemes that are trying to cut down on the amount of illegal sales of alcohol, cigarettes and solvents to those who are underage.
If you want a card like this, you should apply for one which uses the Proof of Age Standards (PASS) logo, as these are the only cards that are officially endorsed by the government.
Whichever card you choose, you'll have to fill in an application form and get it signed by a professional adult like your teacher or your doctor. You cannot get a member of your own family to countersign the form in this way.
Connexions card
The Connexions Card scheme is now closed. If you have any remaining points left on your card you will no longer be able to exchange them for rewards.
Some shops may still offer discounts if you show your card at the till, so don't throw it away just yet. You can also use it as a proof of age card.
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