Ready to unlock some serious savings at the pump? If you're a Kroger shopper, you're in luck! The Kroger Fuel Program is a fantastic way to turn your everyday grocery purchases into significant discounts on gasoline. It's a system designed to reward your loyalty, and once you understand how it works, you'll be fueling up for less in no time. Let's dive in and learn exactly how to make the most of your Kroger fuel discounts!
The Power of Points: How Kroger Fuel Discount Works
The core of the Kroger fuel discount program revolves around earning "Fuel Points" through your shopping. These points then translate into cents-off-per-gallon discounts at Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Centers and participating Shell locations. It's a straightforward loyalty program that can lead to substantial savings.
Step 1: Get Connected! (Sign Up for a Shopper's Card)
Are you ready to start saving? The very first and most crucial step is to ensure you have a Kroger Shopper's Card. This is your key to unlocking all the benefits of the fuel program.
What is a Shopper's Card? It's Kroger's free loyalty card that tracks your purchases and applies discounts. If you don't have one, you can easily sign up:
In-Store: Ask a cashier or customer service representative at any Kroger Family of Stores location. They can help you get signed up on the spot.
Online: Visit the Kroger website and create a digital account. You'll link your Shopper's Card to this account (or they'll assign you one if you're new). This digital account is essential for tracking points, clipping digital coupons, and managing your benefits.
Through the App: Download the Kroger mobile app (available for iOS and Android). You can sign up for a digital account and link or create your Shopper's Card directly through the app.
Why is this so important? Without a Shopper's Card, your purchases won't be tracked, and you won't earn any Fuel Points. It's the foundation of the entire discount system!
Step 2: Accumulate Those Points! (Earning Fuel Points)
Now that you're connected, it's time to start earning! Fuel Points are earned on most purchases you make at Kroger Family of Stores.
Sub-heading 2.1: Everyday Groceries
1 Point for Every $1 Spent: For most groceries purchased in-store or online (via pickup or delivery), you'll earn 1 Fuel Point for every $1 you spend. This is the most common way to accumulate points.
Important Note: While most groceries count, some exclusions apply. Things like alcohol, fluid milk, tobacco, money orders, postage stamps, product deposits, promotional tickets, taxes, and fees (including pickup and delivery fees) are typically excluded from earning Fuel Points. Fuel purchases at Kroger Fuel Centers also do not earn points.
Sub-heading 2.2: Prescriptions
Boost Your Points with Pharmacy Purchases:
Non-Federally Funded Prescriptions: Earn a generous 25 Fuel Points for each non-federally funded prescription you fill.
Federally Funded Prescriptions: You'll earn 1 Fuel Point for every $1 of your out-of-pocket costs.
90-Day Scripts: Get a significant boost of 75 Fuel Points for each 90-day prescription.
Sub-heading 2.3: Gift Cards
Double Your Savings! This is a fantastic way to supercharge your Fuel Point earnings!
2 Fuel Points for Every $1 Spent: You'll earn 2 Fuel Points for every $1 spent on most gift cards. This means if you're buying gift cards for birthdays, holidays, or even for your own shopping at other retailers (think Amazon, Target, etc.), you can be earning double the fuel points!
Exclusions: Be aware that Kroger Family of Stores Gift Cards, Green Dot prepaid reloadable products, MoneyPaks, American Express Variable Load Gift Cards, Visa Variable Load Gift Cards, and MasterCard Variable Load Gift Cards are typically excluded from earning double points.
Sub-heading 2.4: Special Promotions and Boost Membership
Keep an Eye Out for Bonus Offers: Kroger frequently runs special promotions where you can earn bonus Fuel Points on specific items or during certain periods. These are often advertised in their weekly ad, through email, or on their mobile app. Always check for these opportunities to maximize your earnings!
Boost by Kroger Plus Membership: If you're a frequent shopper, consider the Boost membership. This paid membership program offers various benefits, including 2X Fuel Points for every $1 spent every day, along with free delivery options. It can significantly accelerate your Fuel Point accumulation.
Pro Tip: Plan your larger purchases, like gift cards or bulk grocery items, around bonus point promotions to accumulate points even faster!
Step 3: Track Your Progress! (Checking Your Fuel Point Balance)
It's exciting to watch those points add up! Kroger makes it easy to keep an eye on your Fuel Point balance.
On Your Receipt: Every time you shop and use your Shopper's Card, your current Fuel Points balance will be printed on your receipt.
Kroger Website: Log in to your digital account on the Kroger website. Your Fuel Point balance will be clearly displayed in your account dashboard.
Kroger Mobile App: The mobile app is incredibly convenient! Open the app, log in, and you'll find your Fuel Point balance readily accessible.
Remember: Fuel Points typically expire on the last day of the month after they are earned. For example, points earned in May will expire on June 30th. Monthly balances do not combine across months; each month is a separate earning period. This means you'll want to use your points before they expire!
Step 4: Redeem Your Rewards! (Getting Your Fuel Discount)
This is where the magic happens – saving money at the pump! Redeeming your Fuel Points is straightforward.
Sub-heading 4.1: Where Can You Redeem?
Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Centers: These are Kroger's own gas stations, usually located conveniently next to their grocery stores. You can redeem up to 1,000 Fuel Points for a massive $1 off per gallon here.
Participating Shell Locations: Many Shell gas stations also participate in the Kroger Fuel Program. At these locations, you can redeem 100 Fuel Points for 10¢ off per gallon. Use the Kroger website or app to find participating locations near you.
Sub-heading 4.2: The Redemption Process at the Pump
When you're at a participating fuel station, here's how to redeem your points:
Swipe Your Shopper's Card or Enter Alt-ID: Before you start fueling, swipe your physical Shopper's Card or enter your alternate ID (usually your phone number associated with your account) at the pump.
Follow the Prompts: The pump screen will recognize your loyalty account and typically ask if you want to apply your Fuel Points.
Choose Your Discount Option (at Kroger Fuel Centers):
Full Amount: You can choose to redeem the full amount of Fuel Points available for the current month.
Specific Increment: At Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Centers, you can select how many points you want to use in 10¢ per gallon increments. For instance, if you have 300 points ($0.30 off) but only want to use 100 points ($0.10 off), you can often do so. The system will usually pull from previous months' balances first unless you specify otherwise.
Save 3¢/Gallon (No Points): Even if you don't have enough Fuel Points to redeem, simply scanning your Shopper's Card or entering your Alt-ID at a Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Center will grant you a baseline discount of 3¢ off per gallon. This is a great perk even when you're low on points!
Pump Your Gas: Once you've selected your discount, proceed to pump your fuel. The discount will be applied automatically.
Limits and Restrictions:
Fuel Points are redeemable in 100-point increments (e.g., 100 points = 10¢ off, 200 points = 20¢ off, etc.).
The discount applies to one purchase of fuel and is typically limited to 35 gallons of unleaded, mid-grade, premium, diesel, or E85.
Not all stations may carry all fuel grades.
Credit and debit card fraud prevention policies or regional regulations may limit transactions at the dispenser.
Kroger reserves the right to charge a minimum amount per gallon if the discount is greater than the price per gallon.
Selling or purchasing Fuel Points is prohibited.
Fuel redemption offers generally cannot be combined with other fuel discounts.
Step 5: Maximize Your Savings! (Advanced Tips)
You've got the basics down, now let's talk about squeezing every last drop of savings out of the Kroger Fuel Program!
Sub-heading 5.1: Strategic Shopping
Consolidate Your Purchases: Do all your grocery shopping at Kroger to maximize your point accumulation.
Watch for 4x Fuel Point Offers on Gift Cards: Sometimes, Kroger offers even more than double points on specific gift cards, especially around holidays. These promotions are huge for quickly racking up points!
Prescription Planning: If you have ongoing prescriptions, consider filling them at a Kroger pharmacy to consistently earn those valuable points.
Use Digital Coupons: While not directly tied to fuel points, clipping and using digital coupons will lower your grocery bill, which indirectly helps your overall budget, allowing you to save more on fuel.
Sub-heading 5.2: Timing Your Fuel Ups
Redeem Before Expiration: Since points expire monthly, try to time your larger fuel ups towards the end of the month to use up your accrued points. Don't let them go to waste!
Plan for Larger Discounts: If you're close to a higher discount tier (e.g., you have 90 points and need 100 for 10¢ off), consider a small grocery purchase to push you over the edge before you fuel up.
Sub-heading 5.3: Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
Accelerated Earnings: If you're a very loyal Kroger shopper, the Kroger Family of Companies Rewards World Elite Mastercard® can offer additional benefits, including accelerated Fuel Point earnings and cash back on purchases. This card can provide an additional fuel discount per gallon when you meet certain spending thresholds and redeem your Fuel Points.
Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully as benefits and requirements can vary.
The Kroger Fuel Discount program is more than just a perk; it's a smart way to manage your household budget. By consistently using your Shopper's Card and understanding how to earn and redeem points, you'll be enjoying significant savings at the gas pump with every fill-up! Happy saving!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my Kroger Fuel Points balance?
You can easily check your Kroger Fuel Points balance on your most recent Kroger receipt, by logging into your digital account on the Kroger website, or through the Kroger mobile app.
How to earn Kroger Fuel Points faster?
To earn Kroger Fuel Points faster, prioritize purchasing gift cards (which often yield 2x or even 4x points), fill prescriptions at Kroger pharmacies, and look out for special bonus Fuel Points promotions on groceries or specific items.
How to redeem Kroger Fuel Points at the pump?
At the pump, simply swipe your Kroger Shopper's Card or enter your Alt-ID (usually your phone number). Follow the prompts on the screen to select the amount of Fuel Points you wish to redeem for your discount.
How to find participating Kroger Fuel Centers or Shell locations?
You can find participating Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Centers and Shell locations that accept Kroger Fuel Points by visiting the Kroger website or using the store locator feature on the Kroger mobile app.
How to prevent my Kroger Fuel Points from expiring?
Kroger Fuel Points expire on the last day of the month after they are earned. To prevent them from expiring, make sure to redeem your points for a fuel discount before the end of the month in which they are valid.
How to get a discount on fuel if I don't have enough Fuel Points?
Even if you don't have enough Fuel Points for a significant discount, simply scanning your Shopper's Card or entering your Alt-ID at a Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Center will grant you a base discount of 3¢ off per gallon.
How to know the maximum discount I can get with Kroger Fuel Points?
At Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Centers, you can redeem up to 1,000 Fuel Points for a maximum of $1 off per gallon. At participating Shell locations, the maximum is typically 10¢ off per gallon for every 100 points.
How to ensure my purchases count towards Fuel Points?
Always remember to swipe your physical Kroger Shopper's Card or enter your Alt-ID at checkout (in-store), or ensure you're logged into your digital account for online orders (pickup/delivery) to ensure your purchases are tracked and earn Fuel Points.
How to combine Kroger Fuel Points with other discounts?
Generally, Kroger Fuel Point discounts cannot be combined with other fuel offers or discounts. The system will apply the highest applicable discount from your Fuel Points.
How to understand the 35-gallon limit for fuel redemption?
When redeeming Fuel Points, the discount applies to a single fuel purchase, up to a maximum of 35 gallons. If you pump more than 35 gallons, the discount will only apply to the first 35 gallons.
