7 Cards You Need to Have in Your Wallet

photo illustration: yahoo.co.uk

Business - Wallets and purses have plenty of card slots these days, so make the most of them. These membership cards could save you a fortune in the long run.

1. National Trust
Get to know the UK's history and countryside with a National Trust card. Members have access to free entry and parking at over 300 sites, a handbook with guides to the historic hotspot an three months' free membership if you pay by Direct Debit. A year's membership starts from 43.50 pounds.

2. English Heritage/ Historic Scotland
These cards were developed for history buffs in England, Scotland and Wales respectively. Membership will get you access to hundreds of historic sites across the UK, guides, heritage magazines and discounts for special events. An English Heritage annual membership comes in at 39 pounds, Historic Scotland costs 36.48 pounds.

3. BITE card
Regular rail traveller? Behold the BITE card! The difference among this and Taste is that little piece of plastic gets you money off at food outlets in train stations throughout the country. Best of all, it's free to join!

4. The Giving Card
For saintly, charitable people, there is The Giving Card. Many a discount is available at high street chains like New Look and Pizza Express so it's definitely worth it if you love dine and shop. The giving parts comes in when you sign up; select the type of membership you want (an annual subscription is 34.95 pounds), pick your favorite charity and 10 pounds of your membership fee goes straight to them.

5. Diamond  Club Card
For ever-50s who enjoy eating out, there's the Diamond Club Card. Diners can indulge in special offers in pubs and carveries across the United Kingdom. Every time you use it you earn points and every time you reach 500 points, you receive a 5.00 pounds reward voucher through the post. You also get a complimentary beverage on your birthday.

6. Regional Discount Cards
In case you were looking for one, there're money-off cards for loads of major cities throughout England: London, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, Cumbria, Manchester, and others. The give you discounted rates on leisure, entertainment and eating out.

7. Taste Card
Food tastes even better while you get money off. The aptly named Taste Card is very simple as it offers only two deals. You can either get 50 percents off your total food bill or two for one. Taste runs these offers in over 6700 restaurants across the UK, including Gourmet Burger Kitchen, La Tasca and Zizzi. A year-long membership is only 24.99 pounds.