Getting a new Kroger Card is a fantastic way to unlock a world of savings, personalized offers, and fuel points. Whether you're a new shopper or simply need a replacement, the process is straightforward. Ready to start saving? Let's dive in!
Why Get a Kroger Card? The Benefits You Don't Want to Miss
Before we jump into the "how-to," let's quickly understand why a Kroger Card is such a valuable asset for any savvy shopper:
Exclusive Discounts: Access special "Kroger Plus Card" prices on thousands of items throughout the store, often significantly lower than the regular price.
Digital Coupons: Load hundreds of digital coupons directly to your card via the Kroger app or website, saving you money instantly at checkout without clipping paper coupons.
Fuel Points: Earn fuel points on nearly every purchase. These points can be redeemed for significant discounts per gallon at Kroger Fuel Centers and participating Shell stations, helping you save on gas.
Personalized Offers: Kroger uses your shopping history to send you personalized coupons and deals on items you frequently buy, making your savings even more tailored.
Community Rewards: Link your card to a non-profit organization through the Community Rewards program, and Kroger will donate a portion of your eligible purchases to them at no extra cost to you.
Online Shopping & Pickup/Delivery: A Kroger Card (or a linked digital account) is essential for utilizing Kroger's convenient online shopping, curbside pickup, and home delivery services.
Now that you're excited about all the perks, let's get you set up with your very own Kroger Card!
Step 1: Choose Your Path to Savings - Online or In-Store?
The first decision you need to make is how you'd like to get your new Kroger Card. Kroger offers two primary methods, each with its own advantages.
Option A: Online Registration (Recommended for Digital Savvy Shoppers)
This is often the quickest and most convenient way, allowing you to get a digital "Alt ID" (Alternate ID, usually your phone number) immediately and start loading digital coupons. You can pick up a physical card later if you prefer.
Option B: In-Store at the Customer Service Desk (For Instant Physical Card)
If you prefer to walk out with a physical card in hand right away, or if you're not comfortable with online registration, heading to your local Kroger store's customer service desk is your best bet.
Choose the option that best suits your preference, and let's move on!
Step 2: Executing Your Choice - Getting Your Card
Let's break down the step-by-step process for both online and in-store methods.
Sub-heading 2.1: Getting a New Kroger Card Online
This method involves creating a Kroger digital account and linking a virtual card or an existing physical card.
Head to the Kroger Website: Open your web browser and go to the official Kroger website:
www.kroger.com.Pro Tip: You can also download the Kroger app on your smartphone (available for iOS and Android) and follow similar steps there. The app offers a seamless mobile experience for managing your account and coupons.
Initiate Account Creation: Look for a "Register" or "Create an Account" button, usually found in the top right corner of the homepage. Click on it.
Enter Your Information: You'll be prompted to provide some essential details.
Email Address: This will be your primary login ID for your digital account.
Password: Create a secure password.
Zip Code: To help Kroger show you localized deals and ads.
Preferred Store: Select your favorite Kroger location.
Important: You may also be asked if you have an existing Kroger Plus Card number. If you're getting a brand new card and don't have one, simply indicate that you don't. The system will typically offer to create a virtual "Alt ID" for you.
Create Your "Alt ID" (Alternate ID): If you don't have a physical card yet, Kroger will often prompt you to create a 10-digit Alternate ID.
Most people choose their phone number for this, as it's easy to remember and type in at checkout. Make sure it's a number you'll consistently use.
Confirmation: You might receive an email or text message to verify your email address or phone number. Click the link in the email or enter the code from the text to complete the verification.
Explore Your New Digital Account: Once your account is created, you'll be logged in. Take some time to explore!
You can now load digital coupons to your new virtual card/Alt ID.
View your weekly ad tailored to your preferred store.
Check your fuel points balance as you start shopping.
Optional: Get a Physical Card Later: If you prefer a physical card, you can visit the customer service desk at any Kroger store at your convenience. They can link a new physical card to your existing digital account and Alt ID without losing any of your accrued points or loaded coupons. Just provide them with the phone number you used for your Alt ID.
Sub-heading 2.2: Getting a New Kroger Card In-Store
This is a quick and direct way to get a physical card.
Visit Your Local Kroger Store: Head to the nearest Kroger grocery store.
Go to the Customer Service Desk: Once inside, locate the Customer Service Desk. It's usually near the front entrance.
Request a New Kroger Plus Card: Simply tell the associate at the desk that you'd like to get a new Kroger Plus Card.
Provide Basic Information: They will ask you for some basic information to set up your account. This typically includes:
Your Name
Phone Number (This will often become your "Alt ID" which you can use if you forget your physical card.)
Address (Optional, but recommended for targeted mailers)
Email Address (Optional, but recommended for digital offers and communication)
Receive Your Card: The associate will print out a new Kroger Plus Card for you on the spot. It's usually a small, red and blue plastic card.
Start Using It Immediately: You can begin using your new card right away to enjoy savings on your current shopping trip!
Optional: Create a Digital Account Online (Highly Recommended!): Even if you get your card in-store, we highly recommend creating a digital account online (as described in Sub-heading 2.1) and linking your new physical card number to it. This will allow you to:
Load digital coupons.
View your purchase history.
Track your fuel points.
Manage your preferences.
Participate in Community Rewards.
Step 3: Maximizing Your Savings - Linking and Using Your Card
Now that you have your Kroger Card (or Alt ID), it's time to make the most of it!
Sub-heading 3.1: Linking Your Card to Your Digital Account (If Done In-Store)
If you obtained a physical card in-store and haven't created a digital account yet, follow these steps:
Go to Kroger.com or Open the App: Navigate to the Kroger website or open the Kroger mobile app.
Click "Register" or "Create an Account": Even though you have a physical card, you still need to create your digital profile.
Enter Your Details and Link Your Card: During the registration process, you'll be prompted to enter your Kroger Plus Card number (the long number on the back of your physical card) and your last name/zip code associated with it. This will link your physical card to your new digital account.
If you already used your phone number for the in-store registration, use that as your "Alt ID" when creating the digital account. Kroger is smart and can combine your information so you won't lose any points or rewards.
Sub-heading 3.2: Loading Digital Coupons
This is where the real savings begin!
Sign In to Your Digital Account: On the Kroger website or app, sign in using your email and password.
Navigate to "Digital Coupons" or "Savings": Look for a section dedicated to coupons or savings.
Browse and "Load to Card": Browse through the available digital coupons. When you find a coupon for an item you plan to buy, simply click the "Load to Card" button. The coupon will be electronically attached to your Kroger Card/Alt ID.
No clipping required! The discount will automatically apply when you scan your card or enter your Alt ID at checkout and purchase the qualifying item.
Sub-heading 3.3: Earning and Redeeming Fuel Points
Shop at Kroger: Every dollar you spend on eligible items at Kroger (with some exclusions like gift cards, alcohol, tobacco, pharmacy prescriptions, etc.) earns you fuel points. You typically earn 1 fuel point for every $1 spent.
Redeem at the Pump: At Kroger Fuel Centers, you can redeem up to 1,000 fuel points for $1 off per gallon (redeemable in 100-point increments, up to 35 gallons). At participating Shell stations, 100 fuel points are usually worth 10 cents off per gallon.
Check Your Points: You can easily track your current fuel points balance by logging into your digital account on the Kroger website or app.
Sub-heading 3.4: Utilizing Your Card at Checkout
Physical Card: Simply swipe your physical Kroger Plus Card at the register.
Alternate ID (Phone Number): Enter your 10-digit phone number (your Alt ID) on the keypad at checkout.
Kroger App Barcode: Open the Kroger app, navigate to your Shopper's Card, and have the cashier scan the barcode directly from your phone.
Step 4: Maintaining Your Card & Account
Keeping your Kroger experience smooth and rewarding!
Sub-heading 4.1: Updating Your Information
If your phone number, address, or email changes, it's important to update your Kroger account.
Log In: Sign in to your Kroger digital account on the website.
Go to "My Account" or "Profile Information": Look for sections like "My Account," "Account Settings," or "Profile Information."
Edit Details: You should find options to edit your personal details, including your Shopper's Card number if you need to link a new physical card to an existing digital account.
Sub-heading 4.2: What if You Lose Your Card?
Don't panic! Your points and digital coupons are linked to your digital account (and Alt ID/phone number), not just the physical card.
Use Your Alt ID: You can continue to use your phone number (Alt ID) at checkout.
Get a New Physical Card: Visit the customer service desk at any Kroger store. Explain that you've lost your card and provide them with your Alt ID (phone number). They can issue you a new physical card and link it to your existing account. All your points and loaded coupons will be transferred.
No Loss of Rewards: Kroger is set up to ensure you don't lose any valuable points or rewards if you get a new card. They can easily combine your information.
And there you have it! A comprehensive guide to getting and maximizing your new Kroger Card. Enjoy the savings!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Check My Kroger Fuel Points?
You can easily check your Kroger Fuel Points balance by logging into your digital account on the Kroger website (www.kroger.com) or through the Kroger mobile app. Your current points will be displayed on your account dashboard.
How to Add Digital Coupons to My Kroger Card?
To add digital coupons, sign in to your Kroger digital account on the website or app, navigate to the "Digital Coupons" or "Savings" section, and click the "Load to Card" button on each coupon you want to use.
How to Change the Phone Number on My Kroger Card?
Log in to your Kroger digital account on www.kroger.com. Go to "My Account" or "Profile Information" and you should find an option to edit your Alternate ID (phone number) associated with your Kroger Plus Card.
How to Link a New Physical Kroger Card to My Online Account?
If you got a new physical card in-store, log in to your existing Kroger digital account online. Go to "My Account" or "Profile Information," and there will typically be an option to "Edit" or "Add" a Shopper's Card number. Enter the new physical card's number to link it.
How to Redeem Kroger Fuel Points at the Pump?
At a Kroger Fuel Center, simply swipe your Kroger Plus Card or enter your Alt ID (phone number) at the pump. The dispenser will prompt you to apply your available fuel points for a discount per gallon. At participating Shell stations, follow their instructions for Kroger Fuel Point redemption.
How to Enroll in Kroger Community Rewards?
Log in to your Kroger digital account on www.kroger.com. Go to "Community Rewards" under "My Account." Search for your desired non-profit organization by name or their unique NPO number and select "Enroll." Remember to re-enroll annually.
How to Use My Phone Number Instead of a Physical Kroger Card?
At checkout in a Kroger store, when prompted for your Shopper's Card, simply enter your 10-digit phone number (your Alternate ID) on the keypad. The system will recognize your account and apply all relevant discounts and rewards.
How to Find My Kroger Plus Card Number if I Lost My Card?
If you've lost your physical card, you can often find your Kroger Plus Card number by logging into your Kroger digital account online or through the app. Alternatively, visit the customer service desk at any Kroger store and provide your phone number (Alt ID) to retrieve your card number or get a new physical card linked to your account.
How to Get a Replacement Kroger Card if Mine is Damaged?
Visit the customer service desk at any Kroger store. Inform them that your card is damaged and you need a replacement. Provide them with your phone number (Alt ID) so they can link the new card to your existing account and transfer all your points and loaded coupons.
How to Delete My Kroger Digital Account?
If you wish to delete your Kroger digital account, it's best to contact Kroger Customer Service directly. They can guide you through the process, as there might not be a direct self-service option for account deletion on the website or app.
