London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Transport for London warns 60+ Oyster cardholders to complete annual address checks. Around 382,737 cardholders must act to avoid paying £35 instead of £18, TfL urges checking emails and texts.
As My London News reported, Transport for London has warned 60+ Oyster card holders to avoid a mistake that could cost them much more money. They mentioned that every year, people with these cards must complete an address check to renew their discounted fares.
Many cardholders are missing emails that remind them to renew. Sometimes the messages go to spam or junk folders. If the renewal is missed, people must buy a new Oyster card for £35 instead of paying the £18 renewal fee.
Last year, 35,371 cardholders had to get a new card because they did not complete the annual address check. In August 2025, there were about 382,737 active 60+ Oyster cardholders in London.
What common mistake could cost 60+ Oyster cardholders £35?
TfL is aware of the issue and is working to make sure renewal emails reach cardholders in the future. In the meantime, the authority advises people to check all email folders carefully and look out for text message reminders. By doing this, they can avoid paying nearly double for a replacement card.
They mentioned that the warning is important because it helps older Londoners keep their travel benefits at the correct cost. The advice is aimed at making sure everyone completes the renewal process on time and continues to travel at the discounted rate without any extra charges.
A Transport for London (TfL) spokesperson said:
“Customers with a 60+ London Oyster photocard are required to complete an annual address check every year, and the vast majority complete these successfully. We are aware that some customers have noted that some recent emails have ended up in their junk or spam folders, and we are looking at how we can ensure this does not happen in the future.”
Residents can apply for a 60+ Oyster card on the TfL website. The card provides several benefits, including free travel on selected services, discounts on Santander Cycles and River transport, and free travel on most National Rail services outside the peak hours of 4.30am to 9am.
Applicants must prove their age and that they live in a London borough. A new card costs £35, while the annual renewal fee is £18. Anyone who misses the address check must pay the full £35 for a replacement card.
Since 2019, Transport for London has managed the 60+ Oyster photocard system, requiring cardholders to undertake an annual check of their address to remain eligible. Services were interrupted temporarily in September 2024 due to a cyber-attack that impacted the renewal process. While new applications for 60+ Oyster cards were accepted again in November 2024, some cardholders reported that they did not receive an email confirming their renewal.