Hello there, savvy shopper! Are you ready to unlock a world of savings, personalized offers, and exclusive benefits at Kroger and its family of stores? If you've ever seen those incredible deals only available to "Plus Card holders" and wondered how to get in on the action, you're in the right place. The Kroger Plus Card isn't just a piece of plastic; it's your key to maximizing your grocery budget and making your shopping experience truly rewarding.
Let's dive in and demystify the Kroger Plus Card, step by step!
How Does the Kroger Plus Card Work? A Comprehensive Guide
The Kroger Plus Card is Kroger's free loyalty program designed to reward its most valuable customers – you! It's how Kroger tracks your purchases to offer personalized discounts, digital coupons, fuel points, and more. Think of it as your personal savings assistant, always looking for ways to put more money back in your pocket.
 |
| How Does The Kroger Plus Card Work |
Step 1: Discovering the Power of the Plus Card – Why You Need One!
Before we get into the "how-to," let's talk about the "why." Why should you bother with a Kroger Plus Card? Because it's where the real savings are!
-
Exclusive Member Pricing: This is the most immediate and obvious benefit. Many sale items throughout the store are marked with a "Kroger Plus Card Price." Without the card, you'll pay the higher, regular price.
-
Digital Coupons: Say goodbye to clipping paper coupons! With the Plus Card, you can load digital coupons directly to your card from the Kroger website or mobile app. These discounts are automatically applied at checkout when you purchase the qualifying items.
-
Fuel Points: This is a huge benefit for many. Every dollar you spend on groceries (and often on gift cards!) earns you fuel points, which can be redeemed for discounts at Kroger Fuel Centers and participating Shell stations. Imagine saving cents, or even dollars, per gallon on your gas!
-
Personalized Offers: Based on your shopping habits, Kroger sends you personalized coupons and offers, often in the mail or digitally. This means you get discounts on the products you actually buy.
-
Cash Back Opportunities: Kroger sometimes offers "Cash Back" deals where you earn money back on specific purchases, which can then be redeemed as a statement credit, transferred to your Shopper's Card for future use, or even sent to your PayPal account.
-
Community Rewards: The Kroger Community Rewards program allows you to link your Plus Card to a non-profit organization. A percentage of your eligible purchases then goes to support that organization, at no extra cost to you. It's a fantastic way to give back!
-
Streamlined Checkout: When you scan your Plus Card (or enter your Alt ID), all your digital coupons and fuel points are automatically applied, making checkout faster and easier.
Think of it this way: Not using a Kroger Plus Card is like leaving money on the table every time you shop!
Step 2: Getting Your Kroger Plus Card – It's Easier Than You Think!
Ready to start saving? There are a couple of straightforward ways to get your very own Kroger Plus Card.
Sub-heading: Option A: In-Store Enrollment
This is often the quickest way to get started if you're already at a Kroger store.
-
Approach the Customer Service Desk: Simply walk up to the customer service desk and let them know you'd like to sign up for a Kroger Plus Card.
-
Provide Basic Information: The associate will typically ask for your name, phone number, and sometimes your address. This information helps link your purchases to your account.
-
Receive Your Physical Card (or Alt ID): You'll usually be given a physical card right away. Alternatively, they might just set up an "Alt ID," which is usually your phone number. Either way, you're ready to start earning rewards immediately!
Sub-heading: Option B: Online Digital Account Creation
Tip: Every word counts — don’t skip too much.
Creating an account online is highly recommended, as it gives you access to all the digital benefits.
-
Visit the Kroger Website: Go to the official Kroger website (
www.kroger.com -
Locate "Create an Account" or "Register": Look for a button or link that says "Create an Account" or "Register" (often in the top right corner).
-
Enter Your Details: You'll be prompted to enter your email address, create a password, enter your zip code, and select your preferred Kroger store. You'll also need to agree to the terms and conditions.
-
Link Your Shopper's Card (or Create a Digital One):
-
If you already have a physical Plus Card: You'll have the option to enter your existing card number to link it to your new digital account.
-
If you don't have a physical card: The system will often automatically generate a digital Shopper's Card for you, linked to your phone number (your Alt ID).
-
-
Verify Your Email: Kroger will send you a verification email. Click the link within the email to activate your account. This is a crucial step!
Pro Tip: Even if you get a physical card in-store, it's highly advisable to create a digital account online and link your card. This unlocks the full potential of digital coupons and online management of your rewards.
Step 3: Maximizing Your Savings – Putting Your Plus Card to Work!
Now that you have your Kroger Plus Card (or Alt ID), let's talk about how to use it to its full potential.
Sub-heading: Using Your Card at Checkout
This is the simplest part!
-
Scan Your Physical Card: At the register, simply swipe your physical Kroger Plus Card before the cashier begins scanning your items.
-
Enter Your Alt ID: If you don't have your physical card, you can enter the phone number associated with your account on the keypad at checkout. This works just as well!
-
Use Kroger Pay (via the App): For an even more seamless experience, download the Kroger app. With Kroger Pay, one scan at checkout applies your Plus Card and your payment method simultaneously.
Sub-heading: Loading Digital Coupons
This is where significant savings often come from!
-
Log In to Your Digital Account: Access your account on the Kroger website or through the Kroger mobile app.
-
Navigate to "Digital Coupons": Look for a section labeled "Digital Coupons," "Save," or similar.
-
Browse and "Load to Card": Scroll through the available coupons. When you find a deal you like, simply click the "Load to Card" button. The coupon is now linked to your Plus Card!
-
Automatic Redemption: When you purchase the qualifying item and scan your Plus Card (or use your Alt ID) at checkout, the digital coupon discount will automatically be applied. You'll see it reflected on your receipt.
Important Note: Digital coupons are often one-time use per household and have expiration dates. Always check the terms!
Sub-heading: Earning and Redeeming Fuel Points
This program can save you a substantial amount on gas.
-
Earn Points by Shopping: For most purchases at Kroger (with some exclusions like gift cards from other retailers, tobacco, and alcohol in some areas), you'll earn 1 fuel point for every $1 spent. Look out for special promotions that offer 2x or even 4x fuel points on gift card purchases – these are excellent ways to rack up points quickly! You also earn fuel points on qualifying prescriptions.
-
Check Your Points Balance: You can easily check your accumulated fuel points on your Kroger receipt, in your digital account online, or via the Kroger app.
-
Redeem at the Pump:
-
At Kroger Fuel Centers: Simply swipe your Kroger Plus Card or enter your Alt ID at the pump. The dispenser will usually prompt you to use your fuel points. You can often redeem up to 1,000 points for $1 off per gallon (up to 35 gallons).
-
At Participating Shell Stations: Similar to Kroger Fuel Centers, follow the prompts at the pump. Generally, 100 fuel points translate to 10 cents off per gallon at Shell.
-
Key Consideration: Fuel points typically expire on the last day of the month after they are earned. Don't let them go to waste!
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
Sub-heading: Exploring Cash Back Offers
Kroger's Cash Back program adds another layer of savings.
-
Browse Cash Back Offers: On the Kroger website or app, look for the "Cash Back" section. These are distinct from digital coupons.
-
Load Offers to Your Card: Similar to digital coupons, select the Cash Back offers you want by clicking "Load to Card."
-
Purchase Qualifying Items: Buy the specified products, ensuring you scan your Plus Card at checkout.
-
Accrue Cash Back Balance: After your purchase, your Cash Back balance will begin to accrue in your digital account. It might take up to a week for the funds to reflect.
-
Cash Out Your Rewards: Once you've accumulated a certain amount (e.g., $20 for PayPal transfers), you can "cash out" your rewards. You can choose to have the funds transferred to your Shopper's Card for a discount on a future purchase, or to your PayPal account.
Step 4: Advanced Savings Strategies and Troubleshooting
To truly become a Kroger Plus Card master, consider these advanced tips and be prepared for common issues.
Sub-heading: Leveraging the Kroger App
The mobile app is your best friend for maximizing savings.
-
Shopping List Integration: Build your shopping list directly in the app and easily add sale items or digital coupons as you go.
-
Weekly Ads: View your weekly ad and quickly add sale items to your list or clip associated coupons.
-
Purchase History: Review your past purchases to easily reorder favorite items or track your spending.
-
Store Locator & Fuel Center Locator: Find the closest Kroger store or fuel center.
Sub-heading: Understanding the "Boost" Membership
For frequent Kroger shoppers, the "Boost" membership is an optional, paid subscription that offers enhanced benefits.
-
Free Delivery: Boost members often get free delivery on online orders (with a minimum spend).
-
2X Fuel Points: A significant perk is often earning double fuel points on groceries and general merchandise purchases.
-
Exclusive Savings: Access to additional exclusive promotions and personalized offers.
Sub-heading: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things don't go perfectly. Here's what to do:
-
Digital Coupon Didn't Apply:
-
Check your receipt: Sometimes it's listed as "ecpn" underneath the item.
-
Confirm you bought the exact item: Ensure the size, flavor, and quantity match the coupon.
-
Coupon expiration: Verify the coupon was still active.
-
Contact Customer Service: If all else fails, reach out to Kroger Customer Service (details below).
-
-
"Card Number Associated with Another Account" Error: This means your card number was likely linked to a different email address at some point. Contact Kroger Customer Service for assistance; they can help resolve this.
-
Lost or Stolen Card: If your physical card is lost or stolen, report it to Kroger Customer Service immediately. Your digital account and Alt ID will still be active.
Tip: Be mindful — one idea at a time.
Step 5: Staying Connected and Informed
To ensure you're always getting the best deals, stay engaged with Kroger's communication channels.
-
Email Subscriptions: Sign up for Kroger's email newsletters to receive weekly ad previews, personalized offers, and special promotions directly in your inbox.
-
Push Notifications (App): Enable push notifications on the Kroger app for real-time alerts on new coupons, hot deals, and fuel point reminders.
-
Social Media: Follow Kroger on social media for announcements, contests, and community engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Kroger Plus Card
Here are 10 common questions about the Kroger Plus Card, with quick answers:
How to get a Kroger Plus Card?
You can get a Kroger Plus Card by signing up at the customer service desk in any Kroger store or by creating a digital account online at
How to link my existing Kroger Plus Card to my online account?
Sign in to your digital account on Kroger.com or the Kroger app, go to your profile information, and enter your existing Shopper's Card number to link it.
How to load digital coupons to my Kroger Plus Card?
Log in to your digital account on the Kroger website or app, browse the "Digital Coupons" section, and click "Load to Card" on each coupon you want to use.
How to check my Kroger Fuel Points balance?
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
Your fuel points balance is printed on your Kroger receipt, visible in your digital account online, or accessible through the Kroger mobile app.
How to redeem Kroger Fuel Points at the pump?
At a Kroger Fuel Center or participating Shell station, swipe your Kroger Plus Card or enter your Alt ID at the pump. Follow the prompts on the screen to apply your fuel discount.
How to find out if an item has a Kroger Plus Card discount?
Look for the yellow sale tags in the store that specifically state "Kroger Plus Card Price" or "With Card."
How to use my phone number as my Kroger Plus Card?
At checkout, when prompted, simply enter the phone number you registered with your Kroger Plus Card on the keypad. This is your "Alt ID."
How to participate in the Kroger Community Rewards program?
Log in to your digital account on Kroger.com, navigate to the "Community Rewards" section, search for your chosen organization by name or NPO number, and link your card to them.
How to get cash back with my Kroger Plus Card?
Load "Cash Back" offers from the Kroger website or app to your card. Purchase the qualifying items, and once the balance accrues, you can cash out to your Shopper's Card or PayPal.
How to contact Kroger Customer Service for Plus Card issues?
You can contact Kroger Customer Service by calling 1-800-KRO-GERS (1-800-576-4377) during their operating hours, or by checking their website for online contact options.
 |
