Getting groceries delivered right to your doorstep is a huge convenience, saving you time and effort. While free delivery might seem like a dream, Kroger offers several ways to make it a reality. This guide will walk you through the various options, from subscription services to smart shopping strategies, to help you reduce or even eliminate those delivery fees.
Are You Ready to Save on Your Kroger Delivery? Let's Find Out!
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's consider: How often do you shop at Kroger? Your shopping habits play a big role in determining the best way for you to snag free delivery. Whether you're a frequent shopper or an occasional visitor, there's a strategy for you!
Step 1: Understand Kroger's Delivery Landscape
Kroger offers a few different avenues for delivery, each with its own fee structure. Knowing these will help you choose the most cost-effective path.
Sub-heading: Kroger Delivery vs. Third-Party Services
Kroger Delivery (Blue Trucks): This is Kroger's own in-house delivery service, often utilizing their distinctive refrigerated blue trucks. This service is designed to maintain the freshness of your groceries. Fees for this service can vary based on the day and time slot you choose.
Third-Party Delivery Services (Instacart, etc.): Kroger also partners with third-party delivery platforms like Instacart. While convenient, these services often come with their own delivery fees, service fees, and sometimes even markups on individual items. Kroger Boost benefits typically do not apply to orders placed through these third-party platforms.
Step 2: Enroll in Kroger Boost - Your Best Bet for Free Delivery
For regular Kroger shoppers, the Kroger Boost membership is undeniably the most consistent way to get free delivery. It's essentially a subscription service that unlocks a host of benefits.
Sub-heading: What is Kroger Boost?
Kroger Boost is an annual or monthly membership program designed to give frequent shoppers more value. It comes in two tiers:
Boost Essential: This tier typically offers free next-day delivery on orders of $35 or more.
Boost (Standard): This higher tier provides free same-day or next-day delivery on orders of $35 or more, often in as little as two hours. It also includes additional perks.
Sub-heading: Key Benefits of Kroger Boost
Beyond free delivery, a Boost membership offers:
2X Fuel Points: Earn double fuel points on grocery and general merchandise purchases, both in-store and online (for pickup or delivery). This can lead to significant savings at the pump!
Exclusive Savings: Gain access to special offers and discounts on Kroger's private label brands and other specialty items.
Streaming Benefits: Depending on the tier and current promotions, Boost members may receive access to streaming services like Disney+, Hulu, or ESPN+.
Sub-heading: How to Sign Up for Kroger Boost
Visit the Kroger Website or App: Navigate to the "Boost Membership" section.
Choose Your Plan: Select either the annual or monthly payment option for Boost Essential or Boost. The annual plan typically offers better overall value.
Start Your Free Trial (If Available): Kroger often offers a free trial period for Boost. This is a great way to test the waters and see if the membership is right for you. Be mindful of the trial expiration date, as your card will be automatically charged if you don't cancel.
Complete Enrollment: Follow the prompts to enter your payment information and link your Kroger digital account.
Step 3: Leverage Order Minimums for Free Delivery
Even without a Boost membership, Kroger offers free delivery under certain conditions.
Sub-heading: Meeting the Minimum Order Threshold
For Kroger Delivery: Kroger generally offers free delivery on orders of $35 or more. If your order falls below this amount, a flat delivery fee will likely apply (around $4.99, but subject to change).
For Free Pickup: While not delivery, it's worth noting that Kroger Pickup is also free on orders of $35 or more. If you're willing to drive to the store, this is a great no-cost option.
Sub-heading: Strategies to Reach the Minimum
Stock Up on Staples: Plan your grocery list to include non-perishable items you regularly use, like pantry essentials, cleaning supplies, or toiletries.
Combine Shopping Trips: Instead of multiple small orders, try to consolidate your purchases into a larger, less frequent order.
Consider Bulk Buys: If you have storage space, buying larger quantities of items with a long shelf life can help you meet the minimum and save money in the long run.
Add "Just in Case" Items: Think about items you might need soon, like extra snacks, pet food, or a backup of a commonly used household product.
Step 4: Keep an Eye Out for Promotional Offers and Coupon Codes
Kroger frequently runs promotions that can include free delivery.
Sub-heading: First-Time User Promotions
New Customer Deals: If you're new to Kroger's online ordering, keep an eye out for special offers. Kroger often provides discounts or free delivery for your first pickup or delivery order, sometimes with a minimum spend requirement (e.g., "$20 off your first pickup or delivery order when you spend $75").
Email Sign-Up: Make sure you're signed up for Kroger's email list! They often send out exclusive coupons and alerts about limited-time free delivery promotions.
Sub-heading: Digital Coupons and Weekly Ads
Check the "Savings" Tab: On the Kroger website and app, there's a dedicated "Savings" tab where you can find digital coupons, weekly ads, and other promotions. Sometimes, specific promotions for free delivery or reduced delivery fees will be listed here.
Seasonal Promotions: Kroger often has special delivery offers during holidays or specific seasons. Stay vigilant during these times!
Load Digital Coupons: Always load digital coupons to your Kroger Plus Card. While they might not always offer free delivery directly, they can help you reach the minimum order threshold more easily.
Step 5: Utilize SNAP EBT Benefits (for pickup/delivery, but note fees)
For customers using SNAP EBT benefits, Kroger allows online payment for eligible items. However, there's a crucial distinction regarding delivery fees.
Sub-heading: How SNAP EBT Works with Kroger Delivery
Eligible Items: You can use your SNAP EBT card to pay for USDA SNAP eligible food items for both pickup and delivery orders.
Non-Eligible Fees: Delivery fees, service fees, and tips cannot be paid for with your SNAP EBT card. You will need to use a separate form of payment, such as a credit or debit card, to cover these charges.
Backup Payment: When placing a SNAP EBT order, you'll typically be required to have a backup credit or debit card on file to cover any non-SNAP eligible items or fees.
While SNAP EBT doesn't directly grant free delivery, it's an important payment option that allows many users to access Kroger's delivery service, provided they can cover the associated fees with another method.
Step 6: Explore Alternative Shopping Methods (If Delivery Fees Are a Dealbreaker)
If free delivery isn't consistently available through the methods above and delivery fees are a concern, consider these alternatives.
Sub-heading: Free Kroger Pickup
Convenience without the Fee: Kroger Pickup is a fantastic option. You order your groceries online, select a convenient pickup time, and Kroger associates will hand-pick your items and even load them into your car when you arrive.
Minimum Still Applies: Just like delivery, Kroger Pickup is generally free on orders of $35 or more.
How to Use: Simply select "Pickup" as your preferred shopping method on the Kroger website or app and choose your desired store and time slot.
Step 7: Keep Your Digital Account Active and Updated
A well-maintained Kroger digital account is key to unlocking savings.
Sub-heading: Benefits of a Digital Account
Personalized Offers: Kroger often sends personalized deals and coupons based on your shopping history.
Track Your Spending: Easily view your past orders and receipts.
Seamless Shopping: Save your payment information and preferred store for quicker checkout.
Receive Important Updates: Get notified about new services, promotions, and potential free delivery opportunities.
Wrapping Up: Your Path to Free Kroger Delivery
By strategically utilizing a Kroger Boost membership, meeting order minimums, staying alert for promotions, and understanding payment options, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate delivery fees. The key is to be proactive and informed!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get free delivery from Kroger with a Boost membership?
To get free delivery with Kroger Boost, simply sign up for either the Boost Essential or standard Boost membership. Once active, you'll receive free delivery on all online orders of $35 or more.
How to know if I'm eligible for Kroger free delivery?
You're eligible for Kroger free delivery if you have an active Kroger Boost membership or if your online order for Kroger Delivery (via their blue trucks) meets the minimum threshold of $35 or more. First-time users may also qualify for special introductory free delivery offers.
How to use digital coupons to get free delivery on Kroger?
While digital coupons typically offer discounts on specific products, they can help you reach the $35 minimum order threshold required for free delivery. Occasionally, Kroger may offer digital coupons specifically for reduced or free delivery as a promotional event. Always check the "Savings" tab in the Kroger app or website.
How to avoid delivery fees at Kroger without a Boost membership?
To avoid delivery fees without a Boost membership, ensure your Kroger Delivery order (placed directly through Kroger, not a third party) is $35 or more. Alternatively, opt for the free Kroger Pickup service if available in your area.
How to get free delivery for first-time Kroger online orders?
Kroger often offers promotional deals for new online customers, which can include free delivery or a significant discount on your first order when you meet a certain spend threshold (e.g., $75). Look for banners on their website or app, or check your email if you've signed up for their newsletter.
How to check the delivery fee before placing a Kroger order?
When you're building your cart on the Kroger website or app and proceed to checkout, you'll be able to select your delivery time slot. The associated delivery fee for that slot will be clearly displayed before you finalize your order.
How to use SNAP EBT for Kroger delivery and manage fees?
You can use your SNAP EBT card for eligible food items on Kroger delivery orders. However, delivery fees, service fees, and tips must be paid for with a separate credit or debit card. You'll need to have a backup payment method linked to your account for these non-eligible charges.
How to get free same-day delivery from Kroger?
To get free same-day delivery, you'll typically need to be a Kroger Boost (standard) member, as this tier offers free same-day delivery on orders of $35 or more, often within a couple of hours.
How to find out if Kroger delivery is available in my area?
To check if Kroger delivery is available in your area, visit the Kroger website or app, enter your ZIP code, and select "Delivery" as your preferred shopping method. The system will then indicate if delivery is available to your address.
How to track my Kroger delivery order to ensure timely arrival?
Once your Kroger delivery order has been placed, you will usually receive email or app notifications with updates. You can also log into your Kroger digital account on the website or app and go to "My Orders" or "Purchase History" to view the status and track your delivery in real-time.
