Which Memberships Offer The Best Savings?
There are masses of memberships on offer out there, ranging from travel to food, exercise to leisure. They all claim to offer exciting, exclusive discounts and benefits and profess to save their lucky members big bucks. However, as with most things in life, some are not what they seem. So which memberships are worth their salt, and offer you the best savings?
National Trust
If you enjoy travelling in the UK and have a keen interest in visiting historic sites then this is a worthwhile investment for you. Whether it’s castles, abbeys or stately homes that take your fancy, the National Trust has something for everyone. Members gain free entry and free parking to more than 300 sites. They also receive a handbook featuring guides to the sites, as well as three months free membership if you pay by direct debit. A years’ membership will set you back £43.50, which is a small price to pay for such a vast array of stunning sites and memorable visits.
English Heritage
Another option for fans of history and beautiful locations, the English Heritage is a charity that looks after over 400 historic places. These include medieval castles, Roman forts and prehistoric sites within the UK. Included in your membership is a magazine and handbook and children go free. You will have access to discounts for special events and a years’ membership is only £39 (20% off if you pay by direct debit). There are separate memberships for Historic Scotland (£36.48/year) and CADW, which is £40/year.
National Rail Card
If you are fond of your rail travel, National Rail offer some very worthwhile discount cards, especially for students and families. The Family and Friends railcard allows up to 4 adults and 4 children on the same card and children get 60% off fares when they travel with an adult. Membership is a mere £30 a year. A student card gives students a third off all rail fares throughout Great Britain, even on First Class Advance tickets. With stay at home vacationing currently experiencing a boom, why not get on board (pardon the pun!) and start seeing what the UK has to offer.
Taste Card
Another of the best memberships which offers great savings is the Taste Card. You have two options; for £24.99 a year you can either get 50% off your total food bill when you dine out in a participating restaurant or you can opt for the 2 for 1 scheme. Over 6,700 restaurants in the UK accept these cards so if you like eating out, this is a great way to save.
The Giving Card
If you’re keen on shopping and eating out (who isn’t?!) this is a great way to both save money and give to charity, allowing you to treat yourself guilt-free! It costs £34.95 for an annual subscription and your favourite charity will receive £10 of your membership fee straightaway. You will gain discounts on many high street chains like Pizza Express and New Look, so go ahead and treat yourself, safe in the knowledge that others are benefitting too!
Cineworld Unlimited
If you are a movie buff and enjoy your visits to the cinema, Cineworld is another contender for memberships with the best savings. Although a membership is £232.80 for the year, it covers every Cineworld in the UK and you get rewards on every visit. You will receive 10% off food and drink and you can access exclusive advanced screenings. You can upgrade to the Premium unlimited card which then gives you tickets for 3D films at no extra cost plus 25% off food and drink.
CostCo
If you qualify for a Costco membership (a current or retired employee of one of the firms/employment sectors on their list) you can benefit from big savings on your shops, including everything from groceries to electronics. A membership ranges from £15 (standard) to £74.40 (executive) and it comes with a variety of extra benefits on selected Costco services, depending on your chosen membership.
Boundless
Last but by no means least, we have Boundless. Membership offers money saving deals to those working in the public sector. For only £28 a year, you receive a bi-monthly magazine and are offered discounts tailored to your interests and hobbies. These can include shopping, cinemas, Apple products, healthcare, etc. Boundless also offer limited time offers on products ranging from gifts to MOTs.
Taking the time to check out these memberships might well have you reaping the benefits for years to come.
