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About the Freelance Journalists Association (FJA)

The Freelance Journalists Association issues press cards to people who work journalistically – especially freelancers, part-time journalists, photographers and online creators who fall outside traditional union schemes. We are based in London and part of a network of national press card websites across Europe.

Our aim is simple: a press card that is easy to get for genuine journalists, checked before it is printed, verifiable by anyone, and honest about what it can and cannot do.

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At a glance

Organisation: Freelance Journalists Association (FJA)
Address: International House, 776-778 Barking Road, London E13 9PJ, United Kingdom
Email: help@presseausweis-beantragen.com
Phone: +44 20 7963 7514
What we issue: The FJA press card, valid 12, 24 or 36 months

Why we issue press cards

Journalism has changed faster than the systems that identify journalists.

Much of today’s reporting comes from freelancers, local reporters, photographers, podcasters and specialist bloggers. Many of them publish regularly and work to journalistic standards, but do not meet the criteria of the UK Press Card – for example because journalism is not their main income, or because a gatekeeper does not accept online-only work. When they need to show who they are at an event, in front of a press office or at an incident, they often have nothing but a business card.

The FJA press card fills that gap. It is not meant to compete with the UK Press Card: if you qualify for it, we recommend you get it. Our card is an independent association ID for everyone who works journalistically but needs another route – see the UK Press Card explained and press card comparison UK.

Our principles

Five commitments that shape every card we issue.

Checked before printing

We review every application and may ask for examples of your work. Declined applications are refunded in full.

Adults only

Cards are only issued to people aged 18 or over, without exceptions.

Verifiable

Each card has a number and a QR code linked to an online verification page. How it works

No false promises

We do not promise access, accreditation or discounts. Organisers and authorities decide – and we say so on every page. What the card really does

No membership trap

One payment, no subscription, no automatic renewal. You decide whether to renew. Prices

Our network of national press card websites

The same principles, adapted to local law and language.

presscard-application.com is the international, English-language site of our network. National sites provide information on local press law, accreditation and associations in the local language:

What we are – and what we are not

Clarity about our role protects you and the people who check your card.

We are

An independent association issuing its own press card
A point of contact for questions about your card and its verification
A publisher of practical guides on journalism in the UK

We are not

A trade union – we do not offer legal representation or collective bargaining
A UKPCA gatekeeper – we do not issue the UK Press Card
A public authority – our card is not an official document
A regulator – complaints about published journalism go to IPSO, Impress or Ofcom

What we expect from card holders

A press card is only as credible as the people who carry it.

We ask every holder to use the card only for journalistic work, never to obtain private advantages, and to follow recognised ethical standards such as the IPSO Editors’ Code of Practice – accuracy, respect for privacy and no harassment. Holders must follow lawful directions from police and stewards and accept that organisers decide on access. Cards used to mislead others can be cancelled. The full rules are in our usage guidelines; our guide to journalism ethics in the UK explains the codes in more detail.

Support and service

Questions before or after your order? We are here to help.

Email

help@presseausweis-beantragen.com – we answer on working days.

Phone

+44 20 7963 7514

Help centre

Answers to the most common questions about applications, delivery and verification: help and FAQ.

What happens to an application

From your order to the card in your hand.

You apply

You design your card online, upload a photo, give your details, confirm the declaration and pay.

We check

We review your age, your details and your journalistic work. If something is unclear, we ask by email. If we decline, you get a full refund.

We print and post

Approved cards are printed and posted. Delivery usually takes 14–18 working days after payment.

Anyone can verify

The QR code on your card leads to its verification page, so organisers can check it in seconds.

Frequently asked questions

Who is behind the FJA press card?

The card is issued by the Freelance Journalists Association, International House, 776-778 Barking Road, London E13 9PJ. Contact and legal details are listed in our legal notice.

Is the FJA a trade union?

No. We are an independent association that issues press cards. We do not provide legal representation or negotiate pay. If you need union services, consider the NUJ or another union.

Is the FJA a UKPCA gatekeeper?

No. The FJA does not issue the UK Press Card. Our card is a separate association press card with its own requirements and verification.

Do I become a member when I order a card?

No. Ordering a press card does not create a membership or subscription. You pay once for the validity you choose.

How can I check whether a card is genuine?

Scan the QR code on the card or open the verification link. The verification page shows the holder, photo and validity of that specific card.

How do I contact the FJA?

By email at help@presseausweis-beantragen.com or by phone on +44 20 7963 7514. See our contact page for more options.

Is the FJA a trade union?

No. The FJA issues press cards and provides information for journalists. It does not negotiate pay, represent card holders in employment disputes or offer legal advice. If you need those services, a union such as the NUJ is the right place.

Is the FJA a gatekeeper of the UK Press Card scheme?

No. The FJA is not one of the UK Press Card Authority’s gatekeepers and does not issue the UK Press Card. We say this clearly because the two cards should never be confused – see UK Press Card.

Where is the FJA based?

Our address is International House, 776–778 Barking Road, London E13 9PJ, United Kingdom. The easiest way to reach us is by email; all contact options are on our contact page.

How can I give feedback or make a complaint?

Email us with your order number and a short description. We read every message and try to resolve problems quickly. Details of our complaints process are in the legal notice.

Sources and last review

Last reviewed: October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.