FAQs about your membership card

Visitors exploring the sand dunes at Formby, Liverpool

Your membership card is your key to over 500 special places. Here are our FAQs about the card, covering what to do if you've lost your card and where you can use it. 

New membership card material

Meet your new membership card

From March 2020 onward, our membership cards will be made out of 100 per cent recyclable and compostable materials. It’ll work in the same way as your old one, will be easier to recycle and easier on the environment too, working towards our aims for waste reduction. The new cards will start arriving in March to any new, or renewing members. Read below for more information.

Why have you changed your membership cards?

We want our products and processes to be as sustainable as possible. In the past, there's been confusion about what the previous cards were made from and how they should be disposed of. We took the opportunity to review the whole process, including looking at how the cards are made and what material we use to make them.

The cards will function in the same way as the existing cards. You need to take them with you each time you visit one of our places and they should be scanned in the carpark and at the reception.

What is the new card made of?

The new cards are made from a special type of paper which is incredibly strong and durable. They have a water-based coating for additional protection. The paper we use is FSC accredited and completely plastic free.

How do I dispose of the new card?

The cards can be recycled with paper with your regular household recycling. Alternatively, they are 100% compostable and can be added to your compost heap if you prefer.

Why don’t you replace the card with a digital one?

We are currently looking into introducing a digital card. However, we recognise that this won't be for everyone and we're looking at how it could work alongside the existing card so that members have a choice.

More FAQs...
Father and son in the maze at Belton House, Lincolnshire

Lost your membership card?  

If you've lost your card, there's no need to panic. If you have a junior membership, please call us to request a new one on 0344 800 1895. If you have any other type of membership, you can request a replacement card using My National Trust. Simply sign in or register for an account to get started.

Register or sign in

When will I get my card?

We’ll post your membership card and welcome pack as soon as you join the National Trust.
It can take up to 28 days to arrive, so we’ll also send a temporary card via email. With your temporary card, you can start visiting straight away.

What does the asterisk mean on my membership card?

The asterisk indicates who makes payment for the membership or who was listed first on the membership application. This helps our staff and volunteers if members choose to renew or make any changes to their membership while at a property.

Where can I use my card?

The Winter Garden at Bodnant Garden

Using your card in England, Wales and Northern Ireland 

You can use your card to explore over 500 special places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Start planning your next trip today.

The mountains and lochs of Ob Mheallaidh, Upper Loch Torridon, Scotland

Using your card in Scotland 

You can also use your card to visit heritage sites in Scotland, looked after by the National Trust for Scotland.

The sun setting over a lightly foaming sea at Burton Bradstock

Using your card across the world  

Further afield, you can use your National Trust membership card in 14 other countries, including Italy, the Bahamas and Canada.

Can I get in without my card?


Without your card, you may be asked to pay an admission fee. Annual and life members can return their admission tickets in exchange for some National Trust vouchers, less an admin fee.

Rosebay willowherb on the Whitehaven coast, Cumbria

Why do you scan membership cards? 

We scan membership cards on entry to many of our places to accurately count and analyse member visits, as well as track and prevent fraudulent use of National Trust membership cards.

Find out more about scanning membership cards