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Press card benefits: what a press card really does for you

A press card lets you prove quickly and verifiably that you work as a journalist. That makes it easier to deal with press offices, apply for accreditation, identify yourself at incidents and events, and travel for stories. It does not create a right of entry, free tickets or discounts – organisers and authorities always decide.

This page gives you an honest overview of where a press card helps in day-to-day work in the UK and abroad, where the limits are, and which card is the right tool for which situation.

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At a glance

Price: €95 for 12 months · €150 for 24 months · €180 for 36 months
Delivery: Printed and posted 14–18 working days after payment; postage to the UK €6.99
Who can apply: Adults (18+) who work journalistically on a regular basis – staff, freelance or part-time
Checks: Every application is reviewed before printing; full refund if we decline it
Verification: QR code on the card links to a live verification page

Six practical benefits of a press card

These are the situations in which journalists actually use their cards.

Instant identification

A photo card with your name, card number and validity answers the question “who are you working for?” in seconds – at a venue door, a crime scene tape or a town hall reception.

Credibility with press offices

Press officers deal with many requests. A verifiable card, together with a professional email and links to your work, shows that your request is journalistic.

Stronger accreditation requests

Most organisers want proof of journalistic work. A press card does not replace a commission, but it supports it. How accreditation works

Clarity at incidents

Police and stewards can see that you are working as press, which helps when a designated media area is set up. Press card and the police

Easier work abroad

An English-language card with an international design helps when you report outside the UK. International press card

Verifiable at any time

Anyone can scan the QR code and see on a verification page whether your card is valid. How verification works

Concerts, festivals, sport and trade fairs

Event access is the benefit people ask about most – and the one most often misunderstood.

Large events run their own accreditation. Glastonbury, for example, accredits established media and does not issue passes to uncommissioned freelancers; London Fashion Week asks for a commission and recent published work; the Premier League accredits through Football DataCo and the home club. None of these criteria mentions a particular press card. What counts is proof that you will publish coverage.

That is where a press card helps: it is one piece of evidence that you work journalistically, alongside your commission, your portfolio and a professional request sent in good time. For smaller venues, local events and trade shows without a formal process, showing a press card and introducing yourself is often enough to be put on the press list – but it remains the organiser’s decision.

Guides for each situation: media pass for concerts and events, press pass for sporting events, trade fairs and press conferences.

Police, incidents and protests

In the UK, your right to report in public does not depend on a card.

What police guidance says

The College of Policing guidance on police and the media says that officers may ask to see a valid press card before giving information or allowing media into an area reserved for the media. It refers to the UK Press Card issued through the UK Press Card Authority. The same guidance states that police have no power to stop the filming or photographing of incidents or police personnel.

What this means for FJA card holders

Our card is not part of that guidance, so officers are not obliged to treat it like a UK Press Card. It still shows clearly that you are working as press, which can help you stay out of the way and be directed to the right place. Stay calm, follow lawful directions and document respectfully. More: press card and the police and journalists at protests.

Interviews, press offices and information requests

Many rights journalists rely on are rights everyone has.

Anyone can ask a public authority for recorded information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 – you do not need a press card for that, and authorities may not ask why you want the information. Our guides include a step-by-step FOI request guide.

Where a press card does help is in the informal side of journalism: press offices often prioritise media enquiries, councils and companies issue statements to journalists, and interviewees feel more comfortable when they know who they are talking to. A card with a verifiable number makes it easy for them to check you before they speak.

Discounts and free entry: the honest answer

We do not promise discounts, and nobody else can promise them either.

What you can expect

Press tickets or guest-list places after a successful accreditation request
Media rates offered by some organisers, trade fairs or software companies – at their discretion
Free access to press areas once you have been accredited

What you should not expect

Free entry to museums, concerts or attractions just by showing a card
Discounts on public transport, hotels or flights
Free parking or permission to park where others may not

Details: press card discounts.

Which press card gives which benefits?

The benefits depend less on the card than on your work – but the card matters in some places.

Situation	FJA press card	UK Press Card
Press offices, interviews, local events	Helps identify you	Helps identify you
Police media areas in the UK	No formal recognition	Formally recognised by UK police forces
Major sport, festivals, fashion weeks	Supports a request; commission decisive	Supports a request; commission decisive
Parliament and lobby	Not sufficient	Not sufficient on its own; outlet accreditation needed
Work abroad	English-language card with international design	Designed for UK use; IFJ card available via NUJ
Discounts	Not guaranteed	Not guaranteed

Sources: College of Policing, UK Parliament, Glastonbury, London Fashion Week, Premier League, October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of having a press card?

A press card identifies you quickly as a journalist, supports accreditation requests, helps at incidents and events and makes it easier for press offices and interviewees to verify you. It does not give a legal right of access.

Does a press card get you into concerts for free?

No. Concert promoters and venues decide who receives press tickets, usually after an accreditation request linked to a commission or publication. A card alone does not guarantee entry.

Can I cross a police cordon with a press card?

Only if officers allow it. UK police guidance refers to the UK Press Card and allows media into reserved areas where a media facility has been set up. No card gives a right to cross a cordon.

Do press card holders get discounts?

Some organisers and companies offer media rates at their own discretion. There is no general entitlement, and we do not promise any discounts.

Do I need a press card to take photos in public in the UK?

No. Anyone may photograph and film in public places in the UK, subject to the law. Police guidance states that officers have no power to stop filming or photography of incidents.

Is a press card useful for freelancers?

Yes, especially for freelancers without an employer’s ID. It gives you a verifiable identity for press offices, events and clients. See our page for freelance journalists.

Does the press card help with Freedom of Information requests?

No. Anyone can make an FOI request and public authorities may not ask for your reasons. A card is not needed.

Can I park anywhere with a press card or press sign?

No. Parking rules apply to journalists like everyone else. A press sign in your car is not a parking permit.

Sources and last review

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