The digital press card is the phone version of your FJA press card. It is active as soon as you pay, can be saved to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, and anyone can check that it is genuine in real time via the QR code. It is included with every FJA press card – from £82 for 12 months.
A digital press card is a press card you show on your phone. At the FJA it is not a copy of the card but a dedicated card page with your details: name, photo, card number, validity, issuer and an image of the card. The same page is the verification page that the QR code on your printed card links to.
The digital press card is valid for as long as your card and complements it – it cannot be ordered on its own.
| Digital press card | Printed card | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Available | as soon as you pay | after checking and printing: 14–18 working days from payment, then usually 3–7 working days for UK delivery | immediately; download link valid for 30 days, always available in your account |
| Authenticity | live verification page with date and time | QR code links to the verification page | only a copy – the live check is what counts |
| If blocked | shows the block immediately | QR code shows the block | does not change and becomes out of date |
The email with your digital press card contains the “Add to Apple Wallet” button. One tap and the card is in Apple Wallet – with your name, card number, validity and a QR code linking to the verification page. If the status changes, for example after a block, the card updates.
The same email contains the “Add to Google Wallet” button. The card shows your name, card number, validity and a link to the verification page. If the status changes, we update the card.
iPhone and iPad: open the digital press card in Safari, tap “Share” and choose “Add to Home Screen”. Android: open the menu ⋮ in Chrome and choose “Add to Home screen”. The card then opens like an app.
No. The digital press card works in any up-to-date browser. Apple Wallet and Google Wallet are already installed on iPhones and most Android phones.
Anyone who wants to check your card – police, event organisers or press offices – scans the QR code on the card or opens your digital press card. The verification page shows in real time whether the card is valid, expired or blocked.
The live check is what counts – not a PDF copy or a screenshot.
Whether an event organiser, press office or the police recognise a press card is up to them. That applies to the printed card and the digital card alike.
The digital FJA press card contains the same details as the card and comes from the same issuer. Our advice: carry the printed card and use the digital one alongside it – until your card arrives, as a backup and for quick checks on the spot.
The FJA press card is an association’s own card, not the NUJ press card or the UK Press Card Authority card. The differences are explained on NUJ press card.
Full details are in our privacy policy.
Nothing extra: the digital press card is included with every FJA press card.
| Term | Price | Included |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months | £82 | printed card, digital press card, verification page, PDF, delivery |
| 24 months | £130 | |
| 36 months | £156 |
No membership and no automatic renewal. More on press card cost.
Yes. It contains the same details as the card, comes from the same issuer and is valid for the same period. Whether a body recognises a press card is up to them – for the printed card and the digital card alike.
No. The card works in your browser. You can also save it to Apple Wallet (iPhone) or Google Wallet (Android), which are already installed.
The card in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet shows your details without a connection. For the live check, the device of the person checking needs internet.
The digital press card is not tied to a device. On a new phone simply open it again from the email or your customer account. If you lose the printed card, report it in your account and order a replacement card there for £17.
Yes. The email with your digital press card contains the “Add to Apple Wallet” button. On Android, use “Add to Google Wallet”.
For as long as your chosen term: 12, 24 or 36 months. A new card has a new number and its own link, so save it again to your wallet or home screen.
No. The digital press card complements the printed card and is included in the price.
Not yet. You will receive it automatically with your next press card.
Anyone who receives an FJA press card – that is, anyone who works in journalism regularly, full-time, freelance or alongside another job. You must be 18 or over and do not need to be a member. Details are in the requirements.
Updated November 2026. All information relates to the FJA press card.
Digital and printed: your FJA press card is on your phone as soon as you pay – the card follows by post. From £82 for 12 months, no membership.
Apply for your press card Check the requirements
18+ only · Regular journalistic work required · Made to order – full refund only if your application is declined · No guarantee of access, accreditation or discounts – event organisers and authorities decide.