Swift child photocard

What is a Swift Child Photocard?

It’s a photocard that lets children aged 5-15 buy discounted child tickets for: 

• bus and tram journeys
• train season tickets
• 1-week, 4-week or term passes 

Child fares are 50% cheaper than adult fares.

Eligibility 

To get a Swift Child Photocard: 

• the child must be aged 5-15 
• the photocard must be linked to an adult Swift account  

How to get a Swift Child Photocard

There are two ways to get a Swift Child Photocard: with or without a ticket.  

Get a Swift Child Photocard with a ticket

All child photocards must be linked to an adult Swift account.

1. Use our ticket finder to find a child ticket
2. Select ‘Young Person’ from the drop-down
3. Press 'Buy on Swift'
4. Sign in to or create your Swift account
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase
6. Your ticket will automatically be loaded onto the child photocard
7. Once your application is approved, the card will be ready to use when it arrives in the post within 5 working days.

If you already have an adult Swift account but not a child account, you'll need to sign in and set up a child account.  

If you don’t have an adult Swift account, you'll need to create an account for yourself first. You'll then need to create an account for the child. 

Get a Swift Child Photocard without a ticket

Children who are under 16 but look older can apply for a free child photocard without a ticket to prove their age and still get child fares. 
 
All child photocards must be linked to an adult Swift account.  

If you already have an adult Swift account but not a child account, you'll need to sign in and set up a child account first.  

If you don't have an adult Swift account, you'll need to create an account for yourself first and then sign in to set up a child account.  

1. Sign in to your account 
2. Select ‘Child accounts’ from the account menu options 
3. Follow the on screen instructions to set up a child account  
4. Select ‘Child photocard without a ticket’ on the confirmation page or you can select ‘Apply for or manage discounts and free travel passes' from the account menu options and Select 'Swift child photocard'
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to apply for the child photocard
6. Once your application is approved, the card will be ready to use when it arrives in the post within 5 working days.

Adding a ticket to an existing Swift Child Photocard 

Buying a ticket online:

If your child already has a photocard, you can purchase your ticket using our ticket finder.

1. Sign in to your adult account 
2. Select the child’s account 
3. Select 'buy a ticket’ under account options 
4. Use our ticket finder to find the best ticket for your child. Select ‘Young Person’ from the drop-down
5. Select 'Buy on Swift'
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase
7. Collect your ticket onto the Swift child photocard using the TfWM app or at a Swift ticket machine

Renewing a pass

If you need to use the same ticket again, you can renew it in your account. 

You can renew: 

1-week, 4-week, or term passes for bus, bus and tram, train, and network (1-week and 4-week only) 

To renew:

1. Sign in to your adult Swift account 
2. Select the child's account
3. Select the child photocard
4. Select 'renew'
5. Follow the on screen instructions to complete your purchase
6. Collect it using the TfWM app or a Swift or Metro ticket machine.

If you pay by Direct Debit, your ticket renews automatically each month. This will continue until you choose to cancel it, or your child turns 18. There's no action needed to renew.  

Buying tickets in person

You can also buy tickets at:

• your local Payzone store*
• a Swift or Metro ticket machine
• train stations 

*Not all Payzone stores sell Swift Products. When selecting a location on their website, click on 'Additional Services' and look for the 'Swift Smart Ticketing' option to check that the Payzone store can top-up your card.

Frequently Asked Questions