Ah, the quest for savings at Kroger! It's a smart move to understand their membership options, as they offer various ways to keep more money in your pocket. Let's break down the Kroger membership landscape, from the absolutely free to the feature-packed paid tiers. Ready to dive in?
Step 1: Discovering the Free Kroger Membership – Your Gateway to Savings!
Let's start with the best news first: you can have a Kroger membership for absolutely free! This is the foundation of their loyalty program, often referred to as the Kroger Plus Card or simply having a Kroger digital account.
So, before we even talk about paying, ask yourself: Are you already missing out on these basic, yet significant, savings? Many people shop at Kroger without realizing the benefits they're leaving on the table. This free membership is designed to reward loyal shoppers and is essential for accessing most of their everyday deals.
What You Get with Your Free Kroger Membership:
Access to Member Pricing: This is perhaps the biggest perk. Many sale items and advertised specials at Kroger stores are exclusively available to members. Without it, you'd be paying the higher, regular price.
Fuel Points: For every $1 you spend on groceries and general merchandise, you earn 1 Fuel Point. These points accumulate and can be redeemed for discounts at Kroger Fuel Centers or participating Shell stations. This can lead to significant savings on gas over time!
Digital Coupons: Say goodbye to clipping physical coupons! With a free digital account, you can "clip" digital coupons directly to your account online or through the Kroger app. These coupons are automatically applied at checkout when you use your linked card or alternate ID.
Personalized Offers: Based on your shopping habits, Kroger often sends personalized coupons and offers, including some for free items, directly to your digital account or email. It's like Kroger saying, "Hey, we know what you like, and here's a deal on it!"
Weekly Ad Preview: Get a sneak peek at the upcoming weekly sales so you can plan your shopping trips and maximize your savings.
Simplified Shopping: Manage your grocery list, view receipts, and track your Fuel Points easily through the Kroger app or website.
 |
| How Much Does A Kroger Membership Cost |
Step 2: How to Get Your Free Kroger Membership
Getting your free Kroger membership is incredibly easy. You essentially have two main ways to do it, both leading to the same benefits:
Sub-heading 2.1: Signing Up for a Kroger Digital Account (Recommended)
This is the most comprehensive way to get your free membership and unlock all the digital perks.
Visit the Kroger Website or Download the App: Go to Kroger.com or search for "Kroger" in your mobile app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS).
Click "Create an Account" or "Sign Up": Look for a prominent button or link that says something similar.
Provide Your Information: You'll typically need to provide your email address and create a password. You may also be asked for your name and address.
Link a Shopper's Card (Optional but Recommended): If you already have a physical Kroger Plus Card, you'll have the option to link it to your new digital account. If not, don't worry – a virtual card number will be created for you.
Create an Alt ID (Alternate ID): This is usually your phone number. It's super convenient because you can just enter your phone number at checkout instead of swiping a physical card.
Agree to Terms and Conditions: Read through them and check the box to agree.
Start Saving! Once your account is created, you can immediately start clipping digital coupons, earning Fuel Points, and seeing member-only prices.
QuickTip: Scan for summary-style sentences.
Sub-heading 2.2: Getting a Physical Kroger Plus Card In-Store
While less common now with digital accounts, you can still request a physical Kroger Plus Card at the customer service desk in any Kroger Family of Stores. They will typically link it to a phone number or ask for your email address to set up a basic account. However, to access digital coupons and manage your rewards online, you'll still want to create a digital account and link that card.
Step 3: Understanding Kroger Boost – The Paid Membership Tiers
Now that you're enjoying the benefits of your free Kroger membership, let's talk about Kroger Boost. This is Kroger's paid membership program, designed for those who want even more savings and convenience, particularly around grocery delivery and enhanced fuel benefits.
Think of Kroger Boost as an upgrade to your free Kroger Plus membership. It adds a layer of premium benefits on top of what you already get for free.
The Two Tiers of Kroger Boost Membership:
As of mid-2025, Kroger generally offers two annual Boost membership tiers, with corresponding monthly options:
Boost Essential: This tier is priced around $69 per year or $8.99 per month.
Primary Benefit: Free Next-Day Delivery on orders of $35 or more.
Additional Benefit: 2X Fuel Points on every dollar spent on groceries and general merchandise. This means if you spend $100, you'll get 200 Fuel Points instead of the usual 100.
Boost (Standard): This tier is priced around $99 per year or $12.99 per month.
Primary Benefit: Free Same-Day Delivery (in as little as 2 hours) on orders of $35 or more.
Additional Benefits:
2X Fuel Points on every dollar spent on groceries and general merchandise.
Potentially Streaming Options: Kroger has offered streaming benefits like Disney+ Basic (with Ads), Hulu (with Ads), or ESPN+ as part of the $99 annual Boost membership. This can significantly add to the value if you already subscribe to these services. (Always check current offerings as these can change!)
Exclusive Welcome Offers/Savings: Paid Boost members often receive additional discounts and savings, sometimes over $100 on specific brands or categories.
Is Kroger Boost Worth the Cost?
This is the million-dollar question, and the answer depends entirely on your shopping habits.
Consider your delivery frequency: If you regularly get groceries delivered from Kroger (even just once or twice a month), the delivery fees can quickly add up and exceed the annual Boost cost.
Evaluate your fuel consumption: If you fill up at Kroger fuel stations frequently, the 2X Fuel Points can lead to substantial savings that might offset a good portion of the membership fee.
Factor in streaming services: If the $99 Boost tier includes a streaming service you already pay for, it could be a no-brainer, essentially getting your groceries delivered and extra fuel points for the cost of your streaming.
Many Boost members report saving hundreds of dollars a year through the combined benefits of free delivery, increased fuel points, and exclusive member offers.
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
Step 4: How to Sign Up for Kroger Boost Membership
Ready to upgrade your Kroger savings? Here's how to sign up for a Boost membership:
 |
Ensure You Have a Free Digital Account: As mentioned, Boost requires you to be an existing Kroger loyalty program member with a registered digital account. If you don't have one, go back to Step 2!
Visit the Kroger Boost Page: Go to the Kroger website (Kroger.com) and look for information on "Boost Membership" or navigate directly to their Boost page. You can often find links under "Ways to Save" or "Membership."
Choose Your Boost Tier: Select either the "Boost Essential" (Next-Day Delivery) or "Boost" (Same-Day Delivery) option, and decide between the annual or monthly payment plan.
Enter Payment Information: You'll need a valid credit or debit card for the membership fee. Note that memberships typically auto-renew unless you cancel them.
Confirm Enrollment: Review your selections and confirm your enrollment. Your Boost benefits should become active within about an hour of payment.
Enjoy Your Enhanced Benefits! Start enjoying free delivery (meeting the $35 minimum), 2X Fuel Points, and any other exclusive Boost member perks.
Sub-heading 4.1: The Free Trial Option
Kroger often offers a free 30-day trial for Boost membership. This is a fantastic way to test out the benefits and see if it's a good fit for your shopping needs before committing to a paid subscription.
How to Sign Up for a Free Trial: Look for the "Start Your Free Trial" button on the Kroger Boost page. You'll typically need to provide payment information, but you won't be charged until the trial period ends, unless you cancel beforehand.
Benefits During Trial: During the free trial, you usually get free delivery (with the $35 minimum) and 2X Fuel Points. However, some exclusive member offers, like the streaming benefit, may only be available with a paid membership after the trial concludes. Always check the specific terms of the free trial.
Remember to Cancel: If you decide Boost isn't for you after the trial, make sure to cancel before the 30 days are up to avoid being charged. You can typically manage your membership and cancel on your "My Boost Membership" page within your digital account.
Step 5: Maximizing Your Kroger Membership Benefits
Whether you have the free Kroger Plus Card or a paid Boost membership, here are some tips to get the most out of it:
Regularly Check Digital Coupons: Make it a habit to browse and "clip" digital coupons before each shopping trip. Many are for everyday essentials.
Watch for Weekly Ads: Plan your meals and grocery lists around the weekly sales to capitalize on the best prices.
Utilize Fuel Points: Keep an eye on your Fuel Point balance and redeem them regularly at the pump. The savings can be significant, especially with 2X points from Boost.
Take Advantage of Personalized Offers: Check your email and the Kroger app for special offers tailored to your purchasing history.
Consider Pickup vs. Delivery: Even with a free membership, Kroger often offers free pickup for online orders over a certain amount. This is a great way to save time without paying for delivery.
Combine with the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard®: If you're a frequent Kroger shopper, their credit card offers additional cash back and even a free Boost Essential membership for cardholders (terms apply, always check current offers).
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to sign up for a free Kroger Plus Card?
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
You can sign up for a free Kroger Plus Card by creating a digital account on the Kroger website (Kroger.com) or through their mobile app. You can also request a physical card at the customer service desk in a Kroger store.
How to check my Kroger Fuel Points balance?
You can check your Kroger Fuel Points balance by logging into your digital account on the Kroger website or through the Kroger mobile app. Your balance is typically displayed prominently on your account dashboard.
How to redeem Kroger Fuel Points?
To redeem Kroger Fuel Points, simply use your Kroger Shopper's Card or Alt ID (phone number) at a participating Kroger Fuel Center or Shell station before you begin pumping gas. The discount will be applied automatically.
How to cancel a Kroger Boost membership?
You can cancel your Kroger Boost membership by contacting Kroger Customer Connect at 1-833-557-4278 or by visiting the "My Boost Membership" page within your digital account on the Kroger website.
How to get free delivery from Kroger without Boost?
While Boost offers unlimited free delivery, you might occasionally find promotional offers for free delivery without a Boost membership. Additionally, Kroger often provides free pickup for online orders over a certain minimum amount (typically $35) for all digital account holders.
QuickTip: Skim first, then reread for depth.
How to find Kroger digital coupons?
You can find Kroger digital coupons by logging into your digital account on the Kroger website or by using the Kroger mobile app. Navigate to the "Digital Coupons" or "Coupons" section, browse the available offers, and click "Clip" to add them to your account.
How to link my Kroger Shopper's Card to my digital account?
If you created a digital account without linking a physical card, you can usually link it by going to your account settings or profile on the Kroger website or app and entering your Kroger Shopper's Card number.
How to use an Alt ID at Kroger?
An Alt ID is typically your phone number. At checkout in a Kroger store, when prompted for your loyalty card, simply enter the phone number associated with your digital account.
How to know if Kroger Boost is available in my area?
When you go to sign up for Boost on the Kroger website, it will typically check your address or zip code to confirm if delivery services (and thus Boost membership) are available in your area.
How to get the most savings at Kroger?
To maximize your savings, combine your free Kroger digital account benefits (member pricing, Fuel Points, digital coupons, personalized offers) with strategic shopping based on the weekly ad. If you frequently use delivery or purchase a lot of fuel, a paid Boost membership can significantly increase your overall savings.
 |
