Frequently asked questions

About Boundless membership

FAQs

Q

What is Boundless?

A

Boundless is the UK’s leading membership club for people working in or retired from the civil service or public sector. We’ve been helping members make the most of their free time for over 100 years by providing member savings, events and a variety of free benefits all included in the annual membership fee.

Q

Why is Boundless only for public sector and civil service workers?

A

Boundless, previously known as the Civil Service Motoring Association (CSMA), began in 1923 by a civil servant and his colleagues as a social group, so it is a significant element of the club's heritage.

Our purpose is to give something back to those who give the most in society, with our Articles of Association detailing how and why we operate as membership club.

Q

Why do you charge a membership fee?

A

We strive to understand what is most important to our members and secure the benefits that our members want the most. Because we work hard to do this, a small membership fee means we can provide the best benefits at the best value. The savings that a member can make from the membership benefits means the annual fee can pay for itself very quickly.

Q

Why is the membership fee so cheap? What's the catch?

A

There is no catch. As one of the leading membership clubs in the UK, our mission is to provide outstanding value to people working in the public sector and civil service, so that they can get great deals, experience new things and save money along the way.

We’re a mutual club which means we are owned by our members. Every penny that Boundless makes goes straight back into the club, allowing us to provide outstanding member benefits and services at a price you’ll find hard to beat.

Q

Does membership include my spouse/partner?

A

Membership is for a single individual adult only, but there are instances where a spouse or partner can also take advantage of some of the membership benefits. Our members services team will be able to talk to you about this in more detail. Call free on 0800 669944, Monday to Saturday, 9-5pm.

Q

Can we have a family or joint membership?

A

At this time, we cannot offer a joint or family membership, however partners and families can take advantage of many of our membership benefits via the member. Our Member Services team would be very happy to talk to you about how membership can benefit your partner/family, as well as you. Call free on 0800 669944, Monday to Saturday, 9-5pm.

Q

Will membership work for me if I don’t have children to think about?

A

Boundless exists to help members make the most of free time and having children is definitely not a requirement. We have many child-free members of all ages enjoying the days out, experiences and savings on offer at with Boundless.

Q

How long is a membership?

A

Membership lasts for 12-months, renewable on the date you joined.

Eligibility

FAQs

Q

Who can join Boundless?

A

If you currently work or, have previously worked for – or have retired from – the public sector or civil service, you can join Boundless.

Members can also invite their immediate family and eligible colleagues to join Boundless using our refer a friend scheme.

Read more about membership eligibility.

Q

I no longer work for a public sector or civil service organisation; can I still join?

A

Yes, you are welcome to join if you have previously worked for the public sector or civil service, even if that was a long time ago.

Read more about membership eligibility.

Q

I am not sure if I am a public sector worker?

A

Public sector services are designed by government to support people and communities, and are paid for by the public purse i.e., taxpayers. Please visit our page on who can join Boundless, for a full list of areas operated or owned by the government. In some cases, it can be unclear whether or not a role or organisation fits this criteria, so if you are unsure if this applies to your employment, please contact our Member Services team to clarify. Call free on 0800 669944, Monday to Saturday, 9-5pm.

Q

I am a Boundless member; can my family members also join?

A

Yes, a current member's immediate family relatives can also become Boundless members themselves. Boundless members have the opportunity to invite their immediate family to join through our refer a friend scheme.

We consider immediate family to be spouse/partner, parents, siblings and children.

By doing so, members can earn rewards for successful recommendations, find out more.

Q

I work for a charity, can I join?

A

Charities and not-for-profit organisations are not typically funded by the taxpayer and public purse. Charities are classified as third sector rather than public sector and, as such, not eligible for Boundless membership. If you are unsure, please do call our Member Services team and we'd be happy to talk to you about it. Call free on 0800 669944, Monday to Saturday, 9-5pm.

Q

I am retired/soon to retire, can I join or keep my membership?

A

Of course. All those retired from the public sector and civil service are welcome members. Boundless membership is a fantastic way to make the most of all your free time and exactly what we are here to help you do.

Q

I am a widow/widower of someone who worked in the public sector; can I join?

A

If you're not a past/present public sector or civil service worker yourself, you wouldn't be eligible to join Boundless. However, if your late spouse was an active Boundless member at the time of their passing, we can transfer their membership to you. If unsure, please do contact our member services team who will be happy to talk you about it. Call free on 0800 669944, Monday to Saturday, 9-5pm.

Q

I work/used to work for an organisation that was public sector but has since been privatised; can I join?

A

Yes. We recognise that several privatisations have taken place in recent years. As former public sector and civil workers, those who have ties to British Rail, British Telecom, and Royal Mail, for instance, are eligible to join Boundless. If you are unsure about the status of an organisation please contact our Member Services teams who will be happy to talk you about it. Call free on 0800 669944, Monday to Saturday, 9-5pm.

Member Benefits

FAQs

Q

Where can I find a list of the membership benefits?

A

There are many benefits to being a Boundless member, including deals and savings, exclusive member events, special interest groups and much more. We hope you will browse through the sections of our website to see everything we provide. View a summary of benefits available to you on our membership page.

Q

I want to visit Kew Gardens /Wakehurst. Who can I take?

A

Boundless membership allows the member unlimited access to Kew Gardens and Wakehurst, 50% off for one additional adult per visit and admission for up to five children per visit.

Parking at Kew Gardens is £9 per day with limited availability; at Wakehurst parking is free for Boundless members.

To benefit from unlimited admission benefits, members must be present and provide their membership card and a valid form of photo identification.

Read full details about unlimited admission to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Q

Do I need to book when I visit Kew Gardens/ Wakehurst?

A

Not all the time. In most instances you can show up at the gate with your Boundless membership card and a form of photo identification. Any additional tickets required can be bought at the gate.

There can be occasions when pre-booking is essential – we’ll try to advise you where possible. To book your tickets online at kew.org, follow these simple steps.

  • Click the link below
  • Choose your preferred time slot
  • Select the ‘corporate membership’ option
  • Select your tickets before continuing to checkout.

Pre-book my Kew Gardens tickets
Pre-book my Wakehurst tickets

Please note, if you pre-book tickets online you still need to show your Boundless membership card and form of photo identification at the gate.

Q

I want to visit a WWT Wetland site. Who can I take, and do I need to book?

A

Yes. All member tickets to WWT centres must be pre-booked before your visit. Pre-book your tickets here

Boundless membership allows the member free unlimited access to all nine WWT centres across the UK. Members can also bring up to five children aged 4 – 17 years for free, per visit. For child guests to qualify for free entry, they must be accompanied by a Boundless member. Children under 4 do not require an admission ticket.

Members can bring one adult guest who will qualify for 50% discount off standard adult entry per visit. Tickets will only be valid when accompanied by a Boundless member.

On arrival, you’ll be asked to show your booking confirmation and membership card at the gate with a form of photo identification.

Find out more about unlimited admission to WWT centres.

Q

Do I need to take any ID with me when I visit the attractions?

A

Yes, please present your membership card at the entrance with a form of photo identification. This can be a driver’s license or passport, for example.

Q

Where can I find out what restaurants are available for tastecard in my area?

A

You can find your local dining discounts on the tastecard app or at tastecard.co.uk. Filter restaurant offers by type, party size, restaurant type and cuisine.

For the best experience, check out the restaurant’s terms relating to their offers. Some participating restaurants have restrictions on Fridays, weekends and holidays.

Q

Isn’t Kids Pass just for those with children?

A

Not at all, Kids Pass is for adults too and many of our child-free members have made good use of Kids Pass. Use the Kids Pass app to browse and book adult, child, and family savings at the biggest theme parks, zoos and attractions nationwide.

Q

How often will I receive a boundless magazine?

A

The boundless magazine is issued quarterly and sent directly to members four times a year.

  • Spring issue (March)
  • Summer issue (June)
  • Autumn issue (September)
  • Winter issue (December)

You can access all previous editions of our magazines through our digital magazine archive.

Q

There doesn’t seem to be anything on offer in my area?

A

Whilst some of our benefits are area specific, we do have a range of benefits for our members to take advantage of nationwide. For example, Kids Pass, tastecard, cinema society and many of our high-street discounts offer fantastic savings across the UK and Northern Ireland.

Even though you might not find specific offerings in your area right now, rest assured that we're actively working to expand and improve our benefit offering across the UK and Northern Ireland for all members to enjoy.

Membership account queries

FAQs

Q

Can I transfer my membership to someone else?

A

We cannot always do this, but we do try to be as fair as possible by assessing each request on a case-by-case basis. Every situation is different and in some circumstances it is possible. If you do wish to request this please contact our Member Services team to discuss. Call free on 0800 669944, Monday to Saturday, 9-5pm.

Q

My spouse/partner has recently passed away and was a Boundless member. Can the membership be transferred to me?

A

We want to be as supportive as possible to the loved ones of members who have sadly passed away. If transferring the membership to you is something you would like then we can absolutely do this for you. We recommend calling our team so we can support in the best way we can during a sensitive time. Call free on 0800 669944, Monday to Saturday, 9-5pm.

Q

Can I cancel my membership?

A

Yes, you can cancel your membership at any time. Please contact our Member Services team, and they will assist you with the cancellation process. Call free on 0800 669944, Monday to Saturday, 9-5pm.

Q

Can I gift a membership to someone?

A

Currently, we are unable to offer the option to gift membership. However, you can share your referral link and offer to cover the cost. We're sure they'll appreciate it, and as a bonus, you'll receive a £10 Love2Shop voucher.

Q

Can I upgrade my membership to Boundless Plus?

A

If you would like to upgrade your membership to Boundless Plus, view your upgrade options in your online account or call our Members Services team on 0800 669944 – phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9-5pm.