I am going to buy 2 Senior National Rail Cards (as wife and I are both over 65). So we get a Senior discount on National Rail travel. (and the savings is substantial with our itinerary of 3 weeks travel in the UK, then 10 days in London)
National Rail website says we can add our senior discounts to an Oyster Card and thus get a discount on any Tube, bus travel. We will be in London for 10 days using the Underground to get around everyday, with at least 2 trips a day.
To add the Senior Rail discount to the Oyster card, I have to set up an account on/with the TfL and register the Oyster card on that TfL account.
But I according to some websites, I cannot register an account on TfL because I don't have a UK address.
Others suggest I use my hotel address (which would be my home for the 10 days) and it should let me open an account, and then I could add the senior rail discount card to it.
Also, can I create a TfL account in advance from the US? Most websites say No, that I have to wait until I'm in the UK to create the account.
Another websites says, to transfer the Senior discount onto a NEW Oyster card, I have to make at least one journey, wait 24 hours, then sign in or sign up for an Oyster account and then add the discount.
So, I am thinking, I arrive at Heathrow, buy the Oyster cards, put some money on them. Use them on the Elizabeth line to get to my hotel. Next day, We travel North to Manchester and visit there. While there (and after Waiting 24 hours) and in the comfort of my hotel room, create an account on the TfL. I'd use my London hotel address as my local address. But what about attaching a credit card to it? Do I need a local UK credit card or will any major VISA/MC card work?
Any real world experience here, or suggestions is appreciated. I thank you in advance for your advice.