Navigating the world of grocery savings can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt, but with Kroger, it's often simpler than you think! If you've ever wondered how much a Kroger Plus membership costs, you've come to the right place. Let's break down the different tiers and unlock the savings together.
The Kroger Plus Card: Your Free Ticket to Savings!
Step 1: Discover the Free Foundation! Are you ready to start saving?
Let's begin with the absolute best news: the basic Kroger Plus Card itself is completely FREE! That's right, you don't pay a single rupee (or dollar, in this case!) to get access to immediate savings at Kroger and its family of stores. This card is your gateway to:
Member-Exclusive Pricing: Many sale items in Kroger stores are marked with "Plus Card Price" or "With Card." Without it, you'd pay the higher, regular price. This alone makes it invaluable for anyone who shops at Kroger regularly.
Digital Coupons: Link your Kroger Plus Card to a digital account (either on their website or through the app), and you'll unlock a treasure trove of digital coupons. You can "clip" these digitally, and they'll automatically apply at checkout when you scan your card or enter your alternate ID (usually your phone number). These often include significant discounts on specific products.
Fuel Points: This is a major perk! For every dollar you spend on groceries and general merchandise, you earn Fuel Points. These points can be redeemed for discounts at Kroger Fuel Centers and participating Shell gas stations. Imagine saving anywhere from 10 cents to $1 per gallon of gas just by doing your regular grocery shopping!
Personalized Offers: The more you use your Kroger Plus Card, the more Kroger learns about your shopping habits. This allows them to send you personalized coupons and offers, often directly to your email or through the app, for items you frequently buy or might be interested in.
Beyond Free: The "Boost by Kroger Plus" Paid Membership
Step 2: Unlocking Even More Savings with Boost!
While the standard Kroger Plus Card is fantastic, Kroger offers an enhanced, paid membership called "Boost by Kroger Plus" for those looking to maximize their savings and convenience. Think of it as a premium upgrade for the dedicated Kroger shopper. Boost offers two tiers, each with its own benefits and cost:
Sub-heading: Boost Essential Membership
This is the more affordable paid option, designed for those who want free next-day delivery and enhanced fuel savings.
Cost: The Boost Essential Membership typically costs $69 per year or $8.99 per month.
Key Benefits:
Free Next-Day Delivery: Get your groceries delivered right to your door with no delivery fee on orders over $35. This is a game-changer for busy individuals or families who prefer the convenience of online shopping.
2x Fuel Points: Instead of earning 1 Fuel Point for every $1 spent, you'll earn double – 2 Fuel Points for every $1 spent! This means your fuel savings add up twice as fast, leading to more frequent and larger discounts at the pump.
Exclusive Boost Offers: Access to additional member-exclusive coupons and promotions that are not available to standard Kroger Plus Card holders.
Streaming Benefit (One-time): As of recent updates, the Boost Essential (annual plan) can include a complimentary one-time six-month subscription to Disney+ Basic (With Ads), Hulu (With Ads), or ESPN+.
Sub-heading: Boost by Kroger Plus Membership (Standard)
This is the top-tier paid membership, offering immediate delivery options and the full suite of Boost benefits.
Cost: The standard Boost by Kroger Plus Membership typically costs $99 per year or $12.99 per month.
Key Benefits:
Free Same-Day Delivery (in as little as 2 hours): This is the biggest differentiator. For those who need groceries quickly, this membership provides free delivery on orders over $35, often within a couple of hours.
2x Fuel Points: Like the Essential plan, you'll earn double Fuel Points on all your qualifying purchases, accelerating your fuel savings.
Exclusive Boost Offers: Access to the full range of exclusive member coupons, free items, and limited-time deals.
Ongoing Streaming Benefit: With the annual $99 plan, you can select a complimentary subscription to Disney+ Basic (With Ads), Hulu (With Ads), or ESPN+ for the duration of your membership. This can be a significant value for those already paying for these services.
Step 3: Deciding Which Membership is Right for You
Now that you know the costs and benefits, how do you decide?
Sub-heading: Consider Your Shopping Habits
Frequent Kroger Shopper? If Kroger is your primary grocery store and you spend a significant amount there each month, the Fuel Points alone from either Boost membership can quickly offset the annual fee.
Value Convenience? If you regularly use grocery delivery services or find yourself needing groceries delivered quickly, the free delivery benefits of Boost can save you a substantial amount in delivery fees over a year.
Do You Drive a Lot? The 2x Fuel Points can be a huge perk if you have a long commute or drive frequently, as your savings at the pump will add up rapidly.
Are You Looking for Streaming Services? If you're already paying for Disney+, Hulu, or ESPN+, the inclusion of one of these with the annual Boost membership can make the annual fee even more worthwhile.
Sub-heading: Calculate Your Potential Savings
Kroger estimates that Boost members can save up to $1,000 to $1,100 per year on gas, groceries, and delivery fees. While this will vary for everyone, it highlights the potential for significant savings. Consider your average weekly grocery spend, how often you might use delivery, and your typical fuel consumption.
For example:
If you spend $90 a week on groceries and get 2 deliveries per week, and fill up 13 gallons twice a month, the $99 Boost membership could save you a lot.
The streaming benefit value alone can be around $120 per year if you choose a streaming service that typically costs $9.99/month.
Step 4: Signing Up for Your Kroger Plus Membership
Whether you choose the free Plus Card or a paid Boost membership, the initial steps are similar.
Sub-heading: For the Free Kroger Plus Card
In-Store: Simply ask a cashier for a Kroger Plus Card. They can usually provide one on the spot. You can often use it immediately.
Online/App: Visit the Kroger website or download the Kroger app. Look for "Create Account" or "Sign Up for Free Membership." You'll typically need to provide your name, email address, and a phone number (which can serve as your "Alternate ID" at checkout if you don't have your physical card).
Link Existing Card: If you received a physical card in-store, you can link it to your new digital account to access digital coupons and track your Fuel Points.
Sub-heading: For Boost by Kroger Plus Membership
Existing Kroger Digital Account: You must be an existing member of a Kroger Co. loyalty program with a registered digital account and be at least 16 years old.
Visit the Boost Page: Go to the "Boost Membership" section on the Kroger website or within the app.
Choose Your Plan: Select either the "Boost Essential" ($69/year or $8.99/month) or the "Boost by Kroger Plus" ($99/year or $12.99/month) plan.
Enroll: Follow the prompts to enroll, providing payment information. Your membership will automatically renew.
Activate Streaming (if applicable): If you opted for an annual Boost membership, you'll receive instructions on how to activate your complimentary streaming service (Disney+, Hulu, or ESPN+).
Step 5: Maximizing Your Savings Once You Have Your Card
Having the card is just the first step! To truly make the most of your Kroger Plus membership, follow these tips:
Always Scan Your Card/Use Alt ID: Whether it's the physical card or your phone number, always use it at checkout to ensure you get sale prices, earn Fuel Points, and track your purchases for personalized offers.
"Clip" Digital Coupons Regularly: Make it a habit to check the Kroger app or website for new digital coupons before you shop. They update frequently!
Watch for Fuel Point Multipliers: Kroger often runs promotions where you can earn 2x, 3x, or even 4x Fuel Points on specific categories or gift card purchases. These are excellent opportunities to boost your fuel savings quickly.
Check the Weekly Ad: Preview the weekly ad to plan your shopping list around the best sales.
Utilize Free Pickup (if available): Even without a Boost membership, many Kroger locations offer free pickup for online orders over a certain amount, saving you time.
Consider the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard: If you're looking for even more savings, Kroger offers a co-branded credit card that can provide additional cash back and a free Boost Essential Membership for cardholders. (Note: Always use credit cards responsibly and understand their terms).
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about Kroger Plus membership:
How to get a Kroger Plus Card?
You can get a Kroger Plus Card for free by asking a cashier in-store or by signing up for a digital account on the Kroger website or app.
How to link my Kroger Plus Card to a digital account?
Visit the Kroger website or app, create a digital account, and then follow the prompts to link your existing Kroger Plus Card number to that account.
How to earn Fuel Points with Kroger Plus?
You earn 1 Fuel Point for every $1 spent on groceries and general merchandise with your Kroger Plus Card. Boost members earn 2x Fuel Points.
How to redeem Kroger Fuel Points?
Redeem Fuel Points at Kroger Fuel Centers and participating Shell gas stations by scanning your Kroger Plus Card or entering your Alternate ID (phone number) at the pump. Points are redeemed in 100-point increments for 10 cents off per gallon, up to $1 per gallon.
How to access Kroger digital coupons?
Access digital coupons by signing into your Kroger digital account on the website or app, navigating to the "Digital Coupons" section, and "clipping" the coupons you want to use.
How to know if a Kroger Plus membership is worth it for me?
Consider your shopping frequency, how much you spend, if you use delivery services, and your fuel consumption. If you're a regular Kroger shopper, the savings from member pricing, digital coupons, and fuel points can easily outweigh any Boost membership cost.
How to cancel a Boost by Kroger Plus membership?
You can cancel your Boost membership by visiting your membership page within your Kroger digital account settings or by contacting Kroger customer service.
How to get free grocery delivery with Kroger?
Free grocery delivery is a benefit of the Boost by Kroger Plus paid memberships (Essential and Standard) for orders over $35.
How to get streaming benefits with Kroger Boost?
Enroll in an annual Boost by Kroger Plus membership. The $99 annual plan offers an ongoing complimentary subscription to Disney+ Basic (With Ads), Hulu (With Ads), or ESPN+, while the $69 annual plan offers a one-time six-month subscription.
How to maximize savings beyond the Kroger Plus Card?
Beyond the Plus Card, maximize savings by actively "clipping" digital coupons, watching for Fuel Point multiplier events, planning with the weekly ad, and considering a Boost membership if the delivery and enhanced fuel/streaming benefits align with your needs.
