Ready to transform your Kroger shopping experience? If you're looking to streamline your grocery runs, maximize your savings, and enjoy a truly convenient way to shop, then mastering the Kroger app's scanning features is your next big win! Forget fumbling with physical coupons or loyalty cards – your smartphone is about to become your ultimate shopping companion. Let's dive in!
Mastering the Kroger App: Your Ultimate Scanning Guide
The Kroger app is a powerful tool designed to make your grocery shopping faster, smarter, and more rewarding. From loading digital coupons to using Kroger Pay for a seamless checkout, scanning plays a crucial role. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you get the most out of this incredible app.
Step 1: Getting Started – Download and Setup
First things first, let's get you set up for success! Have you already downloaded the Kroger app? If not, that's your very first action item!
A. Downloading the App
For Android users: Open the Google Play Store on your smartphone. In the search bar, type "Kroger" and hit enter. Look for the official Kroger app (it usually has the Kroger logo). Tap "Install."
For iOS users: Open the App Store on your iPhone. Tap the "Search" tab at the bottom, then type "Kroger" in the search bar. Find the official Kroger app and tap "Get," then "Install." You might need to authenticate with your Face ID, Touch ID, or Apple ID password.
B. Creating or Linking Your Account
Once the app is installed, open it. You'll need a Kroger digital account to access most of the app's features, especially scanning and saving.
If you already have a Kroger.com account: Simply tap "Sign In" and enter your email address and password.
If you're new to Kroger digital accounts: Tap "Register" or "Create Account." You'll be prompted to provide some basic information like your name, email address, and to create a password.
Linking Your Shopper's Card: This is critical for unlocking savings! During registration, or by going to your "Profile Information" or "Account" section within the app, you'll be asked to link your Kroger Shopper's Card. Enter the 11, 12, or 13-digit number from the back of your physical card, or your 10-digit Alt ID (the phone number you use at checkout). If you don't have a Shopper's Card, don't worry! You can usually create a virtual one right within the app during the registration process.
Step 2: Scanning for Savings – Digital Coupons
One of the biggest perks of the Kroger app is the ability to easily load and redeem digital coupons. No more clipping!
A. Finding and Loading Digital Coupons
Navigate to the "Digital Coupons" section: On the app's home screen, look for a section or tab usually labeled "Save," "Coupons," or "Digital Coupons." Tap on it.
Browse and discover: You'll see hundreds of available digital coupons. You can often filter by category (e.g., "Dairy," "Produce," "Snacks"), search for specific items, or view personalized offers based on your shopping history.
"Clip" to your card: When you find a coupon you want to use, simply tap the "Load to Card" or "Clip" button. That's it! The coupon is now digitally linked to your Shopper's Card.
B. Redeeming Digital Coupons In-Store
Shop for qualifying items: Make sure you purchase the exact item(s) specified on the coupon (e.g., correct brand, size, quantity).
At checkout:
Swipe your physical Shopper's Card: If you prefer, you can still swipe your plastic card.
Enter your Alt ID: Type your 10-digit phone number (your Alt ID) on the pin pad at the register.
Use Kroger Pay (Recommended!): This is the most efficient way, as it combines your loyalty and payment in one scan. We'll cover Kroger Pay in detail in Step 3.
Confirmation: The discount will automatically be applied to your purchase and will show up on your receipt as "ecpn" next to the qualifying item. Always check your receipt to ensure all your clipped coupons were applied.
Step 3: Scanning for Payment and Loyalty – Kroger Pay
Kroger Pay is a game-changer! It's a secure, contact-free way to pay and apply your loyalty benefits (including those digital coupons!) with a single scan.
A. Setting Up Kroger Pay
Access Kroger Pay: From the app's home screen, look for "Kroger Pay" – it's often in the top left corner or in a "Wallet" section. Tap on it.
Verify your phone number: You might be prompted to verify your phone number with two-factor authentication if you haven't already.
Create a 4-digit PIN: You'll set up a secure PIN that you'll use to authorize payments. You can often enable Face ID or fingerprint recognition for even faster access.
Add payment methods: Any payment cards you've already saved to your Kroger digital wallet will be available. You can also add new credit or debit cards securely. Kroger Pay doesn't store your card information directly on your device.
B. Using Kroger Pay In-Store
At the register (manned or self-checkout):
Open the Kroger app.
Tap on "Kroger Pay."
Enter your 4-digit PIN or use biometrics (Face ID/fingerprint).
A unique QR code will appear on your screen. This QR code contains both your Shopper's Card information (for loyalty points and digital coupons) and your selected payment method.
Scan the QR code:
At self-checkout: Hold your phone with the QR code displayed over the item scanner until you hear a beep, just as you would scan an item. Before finalizing payment, you'll usually need to select "Mobile Pay" or "Kroger Pay" on the checkout screen.
At a cashier-assisted lane: Simply present your phone with the QR code to the cashier. They will scan it using their handheld scanner.
Scan your items: Proceed to scan your groceries as usual. Your digital coupons will automatically apply.
Review and complete: Before payment is finalized, you'll have a chance to review your order. With one scan of the QR code, your loyalty points are accumulated, and your payment is processed. It's that easy!
C. Using Kroger Pay at the Fuel Pump
Yes, you can even use Kroger Pay at Kroger Fuel Centers!
Before you get out of your car:
Open the Kroger app and tap "Kroger Pay."
Select "Use at the Pump."
Enter your pump number.
Make selections in the app: This includes your fuel discount preference and payment type.
Pump your gas: Once confirmed in the app, you can exit your car and start fueling. Your digital receipt will be available in the app.
Step 4: Scanning for "Scan, Bag, Go" (Where Available)
In some Kroger locations, you might find a "Scan, Bag, Go" service. This allows you to scan items as you shop, bag them, and then simply pay at a designated self-checkout station. While this feature's availability varies by store, here's the general idea:
A. Accessing Scan, Bag, Go
Check app availability: When you're in a participating store, the Kroger app might automatically switch to "Store Mode" or prompt you to use "Scan, Bag, Go." Look for a specific section for it in the app.
Enable location services: Ensure your phone's location services are turned on for the Kroger app, as this helps the app recognize you're in a store that offers this service.
B. Scanning Items as You Shop
Open the Scan, Bag, Go feature: Once activated, the app will likely open a scanner interface.
Scan product barcodes: Use your phone's camera to scan the barcode of each item you put into your cart. The item will be added to your virtual cart within the app.
Weighing produce/special items: For items like fresh produce, the app might prompt you to weigh them at a designated scale in the produce section and then enter the PLU code or scan a printed sticker. For age-restricted items like alcohol, the app will flag them for cashier verification at checkout.
Bag as you go: As the name suggests, you bag your items while you shop!
C. Checking Out with Scan, Bag, Go
Head to a dedicated Scan, Bag, Go checkout station.
Scan the QR code generated by the app: This QR code will contain all the items you've scanned.
Review and pay: The system will confirm your items, apply any digital coupons, and allow you to complete your payment, often via Kroger Pay for a truly seamless exit.
Step 5: Viewing Digital Receipts
No more paper clutter! The Kroger app stores your digital receipts for easy access.
Access Purchase History: In the app, navigate to your "Account" or "Purchase History" section.
Select your order: Find the specific order you want to view.
View Receipt: Tap on the order, and you should see an option to view the digital receipt. This is incredibly useful for tracking spending, returns, or price adjustments.
Pro Tips for a Smoother Scanning Experience:
Ensure Good Lighting: For accurate barcode scanning, make sure there's adequate light on the product's barcode.
Hold Steady: Keep your phone steady and try to get the entire barcode within the scanning frame.
Clean Your Camera Lens: A smudged camera lens can make scanning difficult. Give it a quick wipe!
Update Your App Regularly: Kroger frequently updates its app to fix bugs and introduce new features. Ensure you have the latest version for optimal performance.
Check Wi-Fi/Data: A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) is necessary for the app to load coupons, process payments, and sync your account.
Troubleshooting: If a barcode isn't scanning, try adjusting your distance or angle. If issues persist, you can always ask a store associate for assistance.
By following these steps, you'll be a Kroger app scanning pro in no time, making your shopping trips more efficient and rewarding!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about scanning with the Kroger app, along with quick answers:
How to Load Digital Coupons to My Kroger Shopper's Card?
Open the Kroger app, go to "Digital Coupons" (or "Save"), browse the available coupons, and tap "Load to Card" or "Clip" on each desired offer.
How to Use Kroger Pay at Self-Checkout?
Open Kroger Pay in the app, enter your PIN/use biometrics to generate the QR code, then scan the QR code over the item scanner before you start scanning your items. Then, proceed with scanning your groceries and select "Mobile Pay" or "Kroger Pay" at the end.
How to Scan Physical Items with the Kroger App (Scan, Bag, Go)?
If your store offers "Scan, Bag, Go," open that feature in the app. Use your phone's camera to scan the barcode of each item as you place it in your cart.
How to Find My Digital Receipts in the Kroger App?
Go to your "Account" or "Purchase History" section in the app, then select the specific order to view its digital receipt.
How to Add a Payment Method to Kroger Pay?
In the Kroger app, go to "Kroger Pay" or "Wallet," and follow the prompts to add new credit or debit cards securely.
How to Troubleshoot When the Kroger App Isn't Scanning Barcodes?
Ensure good lighting, hold your phone steady, clean your camera lens, update your app, and check your internet connection. If issues persist, seek assistance from a store associate.
How to Know if a Digital Coupon Applied to My Purchase?
The discount for digital coupons will appear on your physical or digital receipt, usually marked as "ecpn," beneath the qualifying item.
How to Link My Physical Shopper's Card to the Kroger App?
During app registration or in your "Account" or "Profile Information" settings, enter the 11-13 digit number from your physical Shopper's Card or your 10-digit Alt ID (phone number).
How to Get a New Shopper's Card if I Don't Have One for the App?
You can typically create a virtual Shopper's Card directly within the Kroger app when you register for a digital account.
How to Use Digital Coupons if I Don't Use Kroger Pay?
After loading coupons to your card in the app, simply swipe your physical Shopper's Card or enter your 10-digit Alt ID (phone number) at the register during checkout. The discounts will apply automatically.
