The world of grocery savings can sometimes feel like a maze, with different loyalty programs, subscriptions, and special offers. If you're a Kroger shopper, or considering becoming one, you've likely wondered: "How much does a Kroger account cost?" The good news is, the answer is often nothing at all for the basic, highly beneficial loyalty program! However, there are also premium options that come with a fee for those seeking enhanced perks.
Let's break down the costs and benefits of Kroger accounts, so you can make the most informed decision for your shopping habits.
Step 1: Unlocking the World of Kroger Savings - It's FREE!
Before we dive into any potential costs, let's address the most fundamental aspect of Kroger's loyalty program. Did you know you can start saving at Kroger immediately, for free, by signing up for a Kroger Plus Card and creating a digital account? Yes, you heard that right! The core Kroger loyalty program, which grants you access to a vast array of discounts and perks, costs absolutely nothing.
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This free membership is your gateway to:
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Exclusive Digital Coupons: Access hundreds of digital coupons that you can "clip" directly to your account and redeem at checkout. These often include significant savings on everyday essentials and special promotions.
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Weekly Ad Savings: Enjoy member-only prices on items advertised in the weekly circular. These are typically marked with a "Plus Card Price" or similar indicator.
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Fuel Points: This is a major benefit for many! Earn 1 Fuel Point for every $1 spent on groceries and general merchandise. These points can be redeemed for discounts at Kroger Fuel Centers and participating partner stations, saving you money at the pump.
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Personalized Offers: The more you shop with your Kroger account, the more personalized your digital coupons and offers become, tailored to your purchasing history.
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Simplified Shopping: Manage your grocery list, view receipts, and check your Fuel Points balance easily through the Kroger app or website.
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| How Much Does A Kroger Account Cost |
Step 2: Signing Up for Your Free Kroger Account (The Kroger Plus Card & Digital Account)
Getting your free Kroger account is a straightforward process. You have a few options:
Sub-heading: In-Store Sign-Up for a Physical Kroger Plus Card
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Visit Customer Service: Head to the customer service desk at your local Kroger store.
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Request a Card: Simply ask a representative for a Kroger Plus Card. They will typically provide you with a physical card on the spot.
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Provide Basic Information: You'll usually need to provide your name and phone number to link to the card.
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Start Swiping: You can start using your card immediately to earn points and access in-store discounts.
Sub-heading: Online Digital Account Creation
Even if you have a physical card, creating a digital account is highly recommended to maximize your savings and convenience.
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Go to Kroger's Website or Download the App: Visit
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Locate "Create Account" or "Sign Up": Look for a button or link that says "Create Account" or "Sign Up for Free Membership."
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Enter Your Information:
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Email Address: You'll need a valid email address.
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Password: Create a secure password.
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Preferred Store: Select your preferred Kroger store.
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Link Your Plus Card (if you have one): If you already have a physical Kroger Plus Card, you'll be prompted to enter its number. This links your existing card to your new digital account, consolidating your points and offers.
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Create an Alt ID (if you don't have a physical card): If you don't have a physical card, Kroger can create a "virtual" card number for you, often referred to as an "Alt ID." This is typically your phone number, which you can use at checkout instead of a physical card.
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Confirm and Verify: Follow any prompts to confirm your information and possibly verify your email address.
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Start Clipping Digital Coupons: Once your account is active, you can immediately start Browse and "clipping" digital coupons to your account. When you check out and swipe your card or enter your Alt ID, these clipped coupons will automatically apply.
Step 3: Considering the Upgrade: Kroger Boost Membership
QuickTip: Slow scrolling helps comprehension.
While the basic Kroger account is free and offers substantial savings, Kroger also provides a premium membership called Kroger Boost. This subscription service is designed for frequent shoppers who want to unlock even greater benefits, primarily focused on convenience and deeper discounts.
Kroger Boost is not free and comes with an annual or monthly fee. As of April 10, 2025, there are generally two tiers:
Sub-heading: Boost Essential ($69 per year or $8.99 per month)
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Free Next-Day Delivery: This is a major perk for those who prefer groceries delivered directly to their door. You get unlimited free next-day delivery on orders meeting a minimum threshold (typically $35).
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2X Fuel Points: Double the Fuel Points on your qualifying purchases! This means you earn 2 Fuel Points for every $1 spent, accelerating your savings at the pump.
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Exclusive Welcome Offers & Savings: Access additional, exclusive discounts and promotions not available to regular Kroger Plus members.
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6-Month Streaming Trial: As of current offerings, Boost Essential often includes a 6-month streaming trial to services like Disney+ Basic (with Ads), Hulu (with Ads), or ESPN+.
Sub-heading: Boost ($99 per year or $12.99 per month)
This is the higher tier, offering even more convenience:
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Free Same-Day Delivery (as fast as 2 hours): The key differentiator! Get your groceries delivered to your door on the same day, often within two hours, for free on qualifying orders ($35 minimum).
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2X Fuel Points: Like Boost Essential, you get double Fuel Points on your eligible purchases.
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Ongoing Streaming Options: This tier typically includes ongoing access to streaming services like Disney+ Basic (with Ads), Hulu (with Ads), or ESPN+ (you select one).
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Exclusive Welcome Offers & Savings: Enjoy additional, deeper discounts and promotions.
Sub-heading: Is Boost Worth the Cost?
Whether a Kroger Boost membership is "worth it" depends entirely on your shopping habits:
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Consider delivery frequency: If you regularly use Kroger's delivery service, especially for same-day delivery, the membership fee can quickly offset individual delivery charges (which can be $9.95 or more per order, plus potential surcharges).
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Fuel Savings: If you frequently fill up at Kroger Fuel Centers and spend a lot on groceries, the 2X Fuel Points can lead to significant savings on gas.
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Exclusive Discounts: While hard to quantify precisely, the exclusive offers can add up over time.
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Streaming Benefits: The included streaming services add extra value if you would otherwise pay for them.
Tip: Kroger often offers free trials for Boost memberships (typically 30 days). This is an excellent way to test out the benefits and see if it aligns with your shopping needs before committing to a paid subscription.
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Step 4: Understanding Other Potential Kroger-Related Costs
While the core loyalty program is free and Boost is an optional subscription, there are a few other incidental costs you might encounter with Kroger, though these are not directly related to the "cost" of a Kroger account itself:
QuickTip: A slow read reveals hidden insights.
Sub-heading: Delivery Fees (Without Boost)
If you use Kroger's delivery service without a Boost membership, you will pay a delivery fee per order. These fees can vary based on the day, time slot, and whether you're using Kroger Delivery directly or a third-party service like Instacart. There might also be express delivery surcharges.
Sub-heading: Pickup Fees (Less Common, but Possible)
While Kroger Free Pickup (formerly ClickList) is generally free for orders meeting a minimum threshold, some specific locations or special circumstances might have a small pickup fee. This is less common, but always double-check during checkout.
Sub-heading: Cash Back Fees
It's important to note that Kroger, unlike some other major retailers, does charge a fee for cash back at the register when you use your debit or prepaid card. This fee is typically $0.50 for amounts under $100 and $3.50 for amounts over $100 (though these amounts can vary slightly by banner, e.g., Harris Teeter). This is a fee for the transaction, not for your Kroger account.
Step 5: Managing Your Kroger Account
Once you have a Kroger account (free or Boost), managing it is simple:
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Log In Online or in the App: Access your account from the Kroger website or mobile app.
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View Your Profile: See your personal information, linked cards, and communication preferences.
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Track Fuel Points: Monitor your accumulated Fuel Points and their expiration dates.
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Clip Digital Coupons: Browse and add digital coupons to your account.
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Review Past Orders: Access your order history for easy reordering or reference.
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Manage Boost Membership (if applicable): If you have Boost, you can manage your subscription, renewal, and payment information.
Conclusion: Your Kroger Account – A Path to Savings
In summary, a basic Kroger account (Kroger Plus Card and digital account) costs absolutely nothing and provides a wealth of savings through digital coupons, weekly ad prices, and Fuel Points. This is the foundation of saving at Kroger, and every shopper should have one.
For those who desire enhanced convenience, particularly free grocery delivery and accelerated Fuel Point earning, the Kroger Boost membership is an optional paid subscription. Its cost of $69 or $99 per year (or monthly equivalents) can be well worth it for frequent delivery users.
Tip: Keep the flow, don’t jump randomly.
By understanding these options, you can effectively leverage Kroger's programs to maximize your grocery budget and enjoy a more convenient shopping experience.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to sign up for a free Kroger account?
You can sign up for a free Kroger account (Kroger Plus Card and digital account) in-store at the customer service desk, or online at Kroger.com or through the Kroger mobile app by providing your email, creating a password, and linking an existing Plus Card or creating a virtual Alt ID.
How to get a Kroger Plus Card?
You can get a physical Kroger Plus Card by asking for one at the customer service desk in any Kroger Family of Stores location, or you can create a virtual "Alt ID" (usually your phone number) when you sign up for a digital account online or through the app.
How to link my Kroger Plus Card to my digital account?
When creating your digital account online or in the app, you will be prompted to enter your existing Kroger Plus Card number. If you already have an account, you can typically link a new card or update your card information within your account settings.
How to clip digital coupons for my Kroger account?
Once you have a digital Kroger account, log in to the Kroger website or app. Browse the "Digital Coupons" section, and click or tap "Clip" on any coupons you wish to save. They will automatically be linked to your account and apply at checkout when you use your Plus Card or Alt ID.
QuickTip: Skim the first line of each paragraph.
How to earn Fuel Points with my Kroger account?
You earn 1 Fuel Point for every $1 spent on qualifying groceries and general merchandise when you shop at Kroger or its family of stores and use your Kroger Plus Card or Alt ID at checkout. Boost members earn 2X Fuel Points.
How to redeem Kroger Fuel Points?
You can redeem your Fuel Points at Kroger Fuel Centers or participating partner gas stations (like Shell in some areas) by swiping your Kroger Plus Card or entering your Alt ID at the pump. The discount will be applied automatically. You can also sometimes redeem points for "Rewards Cash" on groceries.
How to get free grocery delivery from Kroger?
To get free grocery delivery from Kroger, you need to sign up for a Kroger Boost membership. The Boost Essential tier ($69/year) offers free next-day delivery, while the Boost tier ($99/year) offers free same-day delivery (as fast as 2 hours) on qualifying orders (typically $35 minimum).
How to get a free trial of Kroger Boost?
Kroger frequently offers free trials for its Boost membership, often for 30 days. You can typically find information and sign-up links for these trials on the Kroger website or within the Kroger app's Boost membership section.
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 current points and upcoming expiration dates will usually be displayed on your account dashboard.
How to cancel my Kroger Boost membership?
You can cancel your Kroger Boost membership by visiting the "Membership Management" section within your digital Kroger account on the website or app. Follow the prompts to manage or cancel your subscription.
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