Hey there, fuel-savvy shopper! Ever wonder how to make those grocery runs at Kroger work extra hard for your wallet, especially when it comes to filling up your gas tank? You're in the right place! Kroger's Fuel Points program is a fantastic way to save on gas, and once you get the hang of it, you'll be racking up those discounts in no time. Let's dive in and get you started on your journey to cheaper fuel!
How Do You Get Kroger Fuel Points? A Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing Your Savings
Kroger's Fuel Points program is designed to reward your everyday shopping habits. The more you shop at Kroger and its family of stores, the more you save at the pump. It’s a win-win!
Step 1: Sign Up for a Shopper's Card or Digital Account – Your Gateway to Savings
This is the absolute first and most crucial step! Without a Kroger Shopper's Card or a linked digital account, you won't be able to earn any Fuel Points. Think of it as your passport to discounted gas.
How to Get One:
In-Store: Simply ask a customer service representative at any Kroger Family of Stores location (this includes banners like Fred Meyer, King Soopers, Ralphs, QFC, and many more) for a Shopper's Card. They'll set you up on the spot.
Online: Visit the Kroger website (or your specific banner's website) and create a digital account. You'll be prompted to link an existing Shopper's Card or create a new digital one. Having a digital account is highly recommended as it allows you to easily track your points, clip digital coupons, and manage your preferences.
Pro Tip: Even if you prefer to just use your phone number at checkout, make sure it's linked to your Shopper's Card or digital account. This "Alt-ID" is how your purchases will be tracked.
Step 2: Shop and Earn! – Your Everyday Purchases Become Fuel Savings
Once you have your Shopper's Card or digital account set up, earning Fuel Points is as simple as doing your regular grocery shopping.
1 Point for Every $1 Spent on Most Groceries:
For every dollar you spend on eligible groceries, you'll earn 1 Fuel Point. This is your baseline earning rate.
What's usually excluded? Alcohol, fluid milk and milk products (in some states), tobacco, money orders, postage stamps, product deposits, promotional tickets, tax, and fees (including pickup and delivery fees). Fuel purchases themselves also don't earn points.
Boost Your Earnings with Special Categories:
Prescriptions: This is a fantastic way to accelerate your points. You can earn:
25 Fuel Points for non-federally funded prescriptions.
1 Fuel Point for every $1 of your out-of-pocket costs for federally funded prescriptions.
A whopping 75 Fuel Points for each 90-day script!
Gift Cards: This is often considered the holy grail for maximizing Fuel Points. You generally earn 2 Fuel Points for each $1 spent on most gift cards.
Think strategically: Buy gift cards for places you already shop at (restaurants, clothing stores, electronics, even home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowe's) through Kroger. You get the full value of the gift card AND earn double fuel points!
Look for Bonus Promotions: Kroger frequently runs special promotions where you can earn 4X Fuel Points on gift card purchases. These are prime opportunities to rack up points quickly. Keep an eye on weekly ads and digital coupons for these events.
Exclusions apply: 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 points.
Keep an Eye Out for Bonus Fuel Point Promotions:
Kroger often has special promotions that offer extra Fuel Points on specific items or during certain periods. These could be anything from buying specific brands to spending a certain amount on particular categories.
Check your digital coupons: Load these to your Shopper's Card before you shop to ensure you get the bonus points.
Scan your receipts: Your receipt will show you how many Fuel Points you earned on that shopping trip and your current balance.
Step 3: Track Your Fuel Points – Stay Informed About Your Savings
Knowing how many points you have is key to planning your fuel redemption.
Kroger App/Website: This is the easiest and most up-to-date way to track your points. Log into your digital account to see your current balance.
Your Receipt: After every eligible purchase, your receipt will print your current Fuel Points balance.
Customer Service: You can always ask a cashier or customer service representative in-store to check your balance for you.
Step 4: Understand Fuel Point Expiration – Don't Let Them Go to Waste!
Fuel Points don't last forever, so it's important to be aware of their expiration.
Monthly Expiration: Fuel Points expire on the last day of the month after they are earned. For example, points earned in July expire on August 31st.
Separate Earning Periods: Each month is a separate earning period. Your points do not combine across months. This means you should aim to use the points you earned in a given month before they expire.
Step 5: Redeem Your Fuel Points – Enjoy the Savings at the Pump!
This is the most rewarding step! Once you have enough points, it's time to save on gas.
Redemption Value:
Every 100 Fuel Points earned is valid for 10¢ off per gallon.
This scales linearly: 500 points give you 50¢ off per gallon, and 1,000 points give you $1 off per gallon.
The maximum discount typically allowed is $1 off per gallon, though some isolated locations (like certain areas in Tennessee and Richmond, Virginia) may allow for higher discounts.
Where to Redeem:
Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Centers: Most Kroger stores have their own fuel stations.
Participating Shell Locations: Kroger has a partnership with Shell, allowing you to redeem your Fuel Points at many Shell stations. Use the Kroger website or app to find participating locations near you.
How to Redeem at the Pump:
Scan your Shopper's Card or enter your Alt-ID (phone number): Do this at the pump before you start fueling.
Follow the Prompts: The pump will typically ask if you want to use your Fuel Points and display your available discount. Select the amount of discount you wish to apply (in 10¢ increments).
Fuel Up: The discount will be applied to your purchase, up to a maximum of 35 gallons per fill-up.
Maximize Your Fill-Up: Since the discount applies to up to 35 gallons, try to fill your tank as much as possible to get the most value from your points. If you have multiple vehicles, or even gas cans, consider fueling them all in the same transaction (without resetting the pump) to maximize your savings on that single redemption.
Step 6: Advanced Strategies for Super Savers – Taking Your Fuel Point Game to the Next Level
The Gift Card Strategy: As mentioned, purchasing gift cards for your everyday spending is arguably the most effective way to rapidly accumulate Fuel Points. Need new tires? Buy a gift card to the tire store through Kroger. Planning a vacation? Gift cards for hotels or airlines! Just make sure they are eligible gift cards for points.
Coordinate Fueling with Family/Friends: If you have a large discount (e.g., $1 off per gallon with 1,000 points), but your tank isn't big enough to use all 35 gallons, coordinate with a family member or friend. Meet at the pump and fill up both cars in the same transaction to take full advantage of the discount.
Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard®: If you're a frequent Kroger shopper, consider applying for the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard®. This card offers additional rewards points (which can be converted to cash back or used for Kroger purchases) and can further boost your savings.
Kroger Boost Membership: This paid membership program offers various benefits, including 2X Fuel Points on groceries and general merchandise. If you do a lot of shopping at Kroger, this could be a worthwhile investment.
By following these steps and incorporating these strategies, you'll transform your routine grocery trips into significant savings on fuel!
10 Related FAQ Questions about Kroger Fuel Points:
How to check my Kroger Fuel Points balance?
You can easily check your Kroger Fuel Points balance by logging into your digital account on the Kroger website or mobile app, or by looking at the bottom of your most recent Kroger receipt.
How to redeem Kroger Fuel Points at Shell?
To redeem Kroger Fuel Points at a participating Shell station, simply swipe your Kroger Shopper's Card or enter your Alt-ID (phone number) at the pump before you begin fueling. The system will then prompt you to apply your available discount.
How to maximize Kroger Fuel Points?
Maximize Kroger Fuel Points by buying gift cards for places you already shop (especially during 2X or 4X point promotions), filling prescriptions at Kroger Pharmacy, and actively clipping digital coupons for bonus point offers. Also, consider the Kroger Boost membership for double points on groceries.
How to use Kroger Fuel Points for groceries instead of fuel?
In certain regions and for a limited time, Kroger may allow you to redeem points for "Rewards Cash" which can be applied as dollars off your grocery purchase. This option is not universally available, so check your specific region's program details or your digital account for this feature.
How to know when my Kroger Fuel Points expire?
Kroger Fuel Points expire on the last day of the month after they are earned. For example, points earned in July will expire on August 31st. Your balance and expiration date are typically visible in your digital account and on your receipts.
How to get 4X Fuel Points at Kroger?
To get 4X Fuel Points, watch for special promotions on gift card purchases. These offers are usually advertised in weekly ads and often require you to load a digital coupon to your Shopper's Card before making the gift card purchase.
How to combine Kroger Fuel Points with other discounts?
Kroger Fuel Points discounts typically cannot be combined with other fuel offers or discounts at the pump. However, the savings you achieve through Fuel Points are separate from any in-store grocery coupons or promotions you use.
How to get a Kroger Shopper's Card?
You can get a Kroger Shopper's Card for free by asking at the customer service desk in any Kroger Family of Stores location, or by creating a digital account online and linking a new virtual card.
How to transfer Kroger Fuel Points to another account?
Kroger Fuel Points are generally not transferable between accounts. They are tied to the Shopper's Card or digital account that earned them. Selling or purchasing points is also prohibited by Kroger's terms.
How to tell if a Shell station accepts Kroger Fuel Points?
You can check if a Shell station accepts Kroger Fuel Points by looking for signage at the station, using the "Fuel Points" section of the Kroger app or website to locate participating Shell stations near you, or by asking a station attendant.
