Red Funnel now offers something called Frequent Prepay, which is one of the cheapest ways to get to and from the Isle of Wight on a semi-regular basis. I was first alerted to it by a chap called Jason, who had spotted it and took the time to let me know about it (thanks Jason).
The Frequent Prepay is quite similar to Wightlink’s Multilink deal, but both schemes have their pros and cons.
This guide is going to spell out how the Frequent Prepay scheme works in blow-by-blow detail, as well as comparing it to the Wightlink Multilink scheme so you can pick which one is right for you.
It’s a bit complicated, so sit up straight please and pay attention.
How Does Red Funnel’s Frequent Prepay Work?
Red Funnel’s Frequent Prepay requires you to pay an initial fee of £750, which lasts for two years.
You have to fill out an application form and then Red Funnel will get in touch to take your payment.
This £750 of credit is then stuck into your Red Funnel online account and can be spent on cut-price ferry tickets over the next 24 months. Once you’re in the Frequent Prepay club you’ll pay:
- £66.40 for a car and passengers day return
- £89 for a car and passengers period return
- £28 for a Red Jet foot passenger return (day trip or overnight)
- £13.50 for a foot passenger return on the car ferry
(Prices correct, as of 2026).Once the two years is up, any remaining credit expires and it’s gone forever.
If you spend all of your £750, you can also top up by smaller amounts of £250 or £500, whilst still staying in the Frequent Prepay club.You can join the Frequent Prepay club if you are an Islander or a mainlander (whereas Multilink has more restrictions). You can cancel or amend the bookings as long as you give 24 hours notice. If it’s any nearer than that then you lose some of the credit.
Red Funnel’s Frequent Prepay can be used on pretty much any crossing, with the exception of about a dozen of the busiest days each year, which can be found in the terms and conditions.
