Fueling up can be a chore, but what if you could save money while doing it? If you're a Kroger shopper, you're in luck! Your Kroger Shopper's Card isn't just for groceries; it's your ticket to significant discounts at the gas pump, thanks to their fantastic Fuel Points program. This guide will walk you through, step-by-step, how to scan your Kroger card at the gas pump and redeem those hard-earned savings. Let's get started!
Your Ultimate Guide to Scanning Your Kroger Card at the Gas Pump
Saving money on gas has never been easier. Follow these steps to ensure you get the most out of your Kroger Fuel Points every time you fill up.
Step 1: Confirm Your Fuel Point Balance and Location
Before you even leave your driveway, the very first and most crucial step is to know how many Fuel Points you have and where you can use them. Imagine pulling up to the pump, ready for a huge discount, only to find out you don't have enough points or you're at the wrong station!
Sub-heading: Checking Your Fuel Points
On Your Receipt: Every time you shop at Kroger, your receipt will show your current Fuel Point balance at the bottom. This is a quick and easy way to keep tabs.
Kroger Website/App: For a more detailed look, log into your Kroger digital account on their website or through the Kroger mobile app. You'll find a dedicated section for "Fuel Points" or "Rewards" where you can see your current balance, how many points you've earned, and when they expire. Remember, Fuel Points typically expire on the last day of the month after they are earned. So, points earned in July expire on August 31st.
In-Store Kiosk: Some Kroger stores might have kiosks where you can check your balance.
Sub-heading: Finding a Participating Fuel Center
Kroger Fuel Points can be redeemed at:
Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Centers: These are the dedicated gas stations right outside or near Kroger stores.
Participating Shell Locations: Yes, you can even use your Kroger Fuel Points at select Shell gas stations! Check the Kroger website or app for a "Find a Fuel Center" tool to locate participating Shell stations near you.
Step 2: Arriving at the Pump and Initiating the Transaction
Once you've confirmed your points and arrived at a participating fuel station, it's time to begin the fueling process.
Sub-heading: Selecting Your Pump and Payment Method
Choose Your Pump: Pull up to an available gas pump.
Follow On-Screen Prompts: The gas pump screen will typically prompt you to begin.
Insert or Swipe Your Payment Card: Before you even think about your Kroger card, the pump will usually ask for your credit or debit card first. Insert your payment card (credit/debit) into the card reader or swipe it as instructed. This authorizes the transaction.
Step 3: Scanning Your Kroger Card or Entering Your Alt-ID
This is where the magic happens and your savings come into play!
Sub-heading: The Primary Methods for Loyalty Identification
Scan Your Physical Kroger Shopper's Card:
Look for a dedicated scanner on the gas pump. It often looks like a barcode reader.
Hold your Kroger Shopper's Card with the barcode facing the scanner. Ensure good lighting and that the card is flat. The pump should acknowledge the scan with a beep or a message on the screen.
Enter Your Alternate ID (Alt-ID):
If you don't have your physical card, or the scanner isn't working, you can usually enter your Alt-ID. This is typically your phone number associated with your Kroger account.
The pump screen will likely present an option like "Enter Loyalty ID" or "Alt-ID." Carefully key in your 10-digit phone number using the pump's keypad. Press "Enter" or "Confirm" when done.
Sub-heading: Using Kroger Pay for Seamless Savings (Recommended!)
Kroger Pay is an increasingly popular and convenient method that combines your loyalty and payment information into a single scan.
Open the Kroger App: Before you even get out of your car, open your Kroger mobile app.
Tap "Kroger Pay": On the home screen, you'll usually find a "Kroger Pay" option.
Select "Use at the Pump": This is a key step. The app will guide you to select "Use at the Pump" rather than "Use at the Register."
Enter Your Pump Number: The app will prompt you to enter the number of the gas pump you are at.
Choose Your Fuel Discount and Payment: Within the app, you can select the amount of Fuel Points you wish to redeem (e.g., 100 points for $0.10 off per gallon, 200 points for $0.20 off, up to $1.00 off per gallon, depending on your points). You'll also confirm your payment method within the app.
Confirm and Pump: Once confirmed in the app, the pump will be authorized. You can then simply get out and start fueling. No need to scan a physical card or enter an Alt-ID at the pump itself. This is often the fastest and most convenient method.
Step 4: Redeeming Your Fuel Points
After your Kroger card (or Alt-ID/Kroger Pay) is recognized, the pump will prompt you to apply your Fuel Points.
Sub-heading: Navigating the Fuel Point Redemption Options
On-Screen Prompts: The pump's display will show you your available Fuel Points and offer options for redemption. These options often include:
Full Redemption: "Redeem all available points." This will apply the maximum discount you qualify for based on your current balance.
Specific Increment: "Redeem X cents per gallon." You might be able to select a specific discount amount in increments (e.g., 10¢, 20¢, 50¢ per gallon).
Monthly Balance Selection: If you have points from different months, the pump may allow you to select which month's points you want to use. This is helpful if you want to save points from a more recent month and use up older ones first.
Default Discount: If you have no Fuel Points to redeem, or choose not to use them, simply scanning your Shopper's Card or entering your Alt-ID usually grants you a 3¢ per gallon discount as a loyalty program member at Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Centers.
Make Your Selection: Use the keypad on the pump to select your desired redemption option.
Confirm Your Choice: The pump will confirm your selected discount. For instance, it might display "Your discount: $0.50 off per gallon."
Step 5: Pumping Your Gas and Completing the Transaction
With your discount applied, you're ready to fill up!
Sub-heading: Fueling Up and Finalizing
Select Fuel Grade: Choose the grade of gasoline you want (regular, mid-grade, premium, diesel).
Begin Pumping: Lift the nozzle and begin pumping your fuel. The pump will display your current gallons and the discounted price per gallon.
Return Nozzle and Receipt: Once you're finished, replace the nozzle, and the pump will finalize the transaction. It will then prompt you to take your receipt. Always take your receipt to confirm your savings and for your records.
And that's it! You've successfully scanned your Kroger card, redeemed your Fuel Points, and saved money on gas. It's a simple process that can lead to significant savings over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check my Kroger Fuel Point balance before going to the gas pump?
You can check your Kroger Fuel Point balance on your most recent Kroger receipt, by logging into your Kroger digital account on their website, or through the Kroger mobile app.
How to use my Kroger card if the scanner at the gas pump isn't working?
If the scanner isn't working, you can usually enter your 10-digit Alternate ID (Alt-ID), which is typically your phone number associated with your Kroger account, using the pump's keypad.
How to use Kroger Pay at the gas pump?
Open the Kroger app, tap "Kroger Pay," select "Use at the Pump," enter your pump number, choose your fuel discount and payment method within the app, and then you can start fueling.
How to get a discount if I don't have enough Fuel Points for a big discount?
Even if you don't have enough Fuel Points for a large discount, simply scanning your Kroger Shopper's Card or entering your Alt-ID at Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Centers will typically grant you a 3¢ per gallon discount.
How to redeem a specific amount of Fuel Points at the pump instead of all of them?
At Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Centers, the pump usually provides options to select the amount of Fuel Points you want to redeem (e.g., in 10¢ per gallon increments) or to choose from which month's balance to pull points.
How to tell if a Shell station participates in the Kroger Fuel Points program?
You can find participating Shell locations by using the "Find a Fuel Center" tool on the Kroger website or through their mobile app. Look for signage at the Shell station as well.
How to link my physical Kroger card to my digital account for Kroger Pay?
To link your physical Shopper's Card to your digital account, sign into your digital account on the Kroger website or app, go to your "Profile Information," and look for the "Shopper's Card Number" section to link it.
How to troubleshoot if my Kroger card or Alt-ID isn't being recognized at the pump?
Double-check that you are entering the correct 10-digit Alt-ID (phone number) or that the barcode on your physical card is clean and not damaged. If issues persist, you may need to contact Kroger Customer Service.
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 expire on August 31st. Your balance on the app/website or receipt will show the expiration date.
How to get a receipt after fueling with my Kroger card?
After you finish pumping gas, the pump screen will prompt you to take your receipt. Always take it to confirm your transaction, the discount applied, and your remaining Fuel Points.