Are you ready to fuel your savings? Kroger's Fuel Points program is an incredibly popular way for shoppers to save money at the pump, simply by doing their regular grocery shopping. It's a fantastic loyalty program that rewards you for your everyday purchases. If you're looking to cut down on your fuel costs, signing up for Kroger Fuel Points is an absolute must! Let's get you started on this journey to bigger savings.
Understanding Kroger Fuel Points: What Are They?
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's quickly understand what Kroger Fuel Points are. Essentially, for almost every dollar you spend at Kroger Family of Stores (including online orders for pickup or delivery), you earn one Fuel Point. These points then translate into discounts on fuel at Kroger Fuel Centers and participating Shell stations. The more you shop, the more you save! It's a simple, yet highly effective way to stretch your budget further.
Step 1: Do You Have a Kroger Plus Card? (Engaging You Right Away!)
Alright, let's start with the very first question: Do you already have a Kroger Plus Card?
If your answer is a resounding "Yes!" – Fantastic! You're already halfway there. You just need to ensure your Plus Card is linked to a digital account. Skip ahead to Step 3.
If your answer is "No, not yet!" – No worries at all! Getting one is super easy and completely free. This is your starting point. Continue to Step 2.
Step 2: Getting Your Kroger Plus Card (If You Don't Have One)
A Kroger Plus Card is the cornerstone of earning Fuel Points. It's your loyalty card that tracks your purchases and accrues those valuable points.
Sub-heading: Option A: Get a Physical Card In-Store
This is the most traditional way to get your Plus Card.
Visit Your Local Kroger Store: Head to the customer service desk or even ask a cashier during your next shopping trip.
Request a Plus Card: Simply tell them you'd like to sign up for a Kroger Plus Card. They'll typically ask for some basic information like your name, phone number, and sometimes your address.
Receive Your Card: You'll be handed a physical card on the spot. Hold onto this! It has a unique number that you'll need for online registration.
Sub-heading: Option B: Get a Digital Card Online
You can also create a digital Kroger Plus Card when you sign up for an online account. This is often the quickest way to get started.
Go to the Kroger Website: Open your web browser and navigate to the official Kroger website (kroger.com).
Look for "Create an Account" or "Register": This is usually found in the top right corner of the homepage.
Start the Registration Process: You'll be prompted to enter your email address, create a password, enter your zip code, and select your favorite store. You'll also need to agree to the terms and conditions.
Check Your Email: After submitting your information, Kroger will send you an email to verify your account. Click on the link in the email to activate your account and finalize the digital card registration.
Pro Tip: Sometimes these emails can land in your spam or junk folder, so be sure to check there if you don't see it right away!
Step 3: Creating and Linking Your Digital Account
Even if you have a physical Kroger Plus Card, you'll need a digital account to manage your fuel points, load digital coupons, and access other personalized offers. If you created a digital card in Step 2, you've already completed part of this!
Sub-heading: For New Online Customers (No Digital Account Yet)
If you have a physical card but no online account:
Visit Kroger.com: Go to the Kroger website.
Click "Create an Account" or "Register": Follow the prompts.
Enter Your Information: Provide your email address, create a password, enter your zip code, and choose your preferred store.
Link Your Physical Plus Card: During the account creation process, or immediately after, you'll be given the option to link an existing Kroger Plus Card. Enter the number from your physical card. This is crucial to ensure all your past and future purchases are credited to your Fuel Points balance.
Having trouble finding your card number? If you typically use your phone number (Alt ID) at the register, you can often call Kroger Customer Service (800-576-4377, then select option 4) to retrieve your physical Plus Card number.
Verify Your Account: As mentioned in Step 2, you'll likely receive an email to activate your new digital account. Click the link!
Sub-heading: For Existing Online Customers (Already Have a Digital Account)
If you already have a digital account, you just need to ensure your Kroger Plus Card (or its number) is correctly linked.
Log In to Your Account: Go to Kroger.com and click "Sign In." Enter your email address and password.
Navigate to "My Account": Once logged in, look for "My Account" or your name in the top right corner and click on it.
Check "Plus Card" or "Shopper's Card": In your account settings, there should be a section related to your "Plus Card" or "Shopper's Card." Click on "Edit" if you need to add or confirm the card number. Make sure the correct number is entered.
Confirm Linkage: Your Fuel Points will automatically accrue to the card number associated with your digital account. You should be able to see your accumulated points within your account dashboard.
Step 4: Earning Those Valuable Fuel Points!
Congratulations! You're now officially set up to earn Kroger Fuel Points. The next step is simply to shop!
Sub-heading: Everyday Shopping
Swipe Your Card or Use Your Alt ID: Every time you shop at a Kroger Family of Stores location, always swipe your physical Kroger Plus Card or enter your associated phone number (Alt ID) at checkout. This is how Kroger tracks your eligible purchases and awards you Fuel Points.
Online Orders (Pickup/Delivery): If you're shopping online for pickup or delivery, ensure you're logged into your Kroger digital account. Your purchases will automatically be linked to your account and earn points.
Earning Rate: You earn 1 Fuel Point for every $1 you spend on eligible groceries and general merchandise.
Sub-heading: Maximizing Your Fuel Points
Kroger offers several ways to earn points even faster!
Gift Card Purchases: This is a huge one! You often earn 2X Fuel Points (and sometimes even 4X during special promotions!) when you purchase gift cards from Kroger. Think about gift cards for restaurants, clothing stores, entertainment, or even other grocery stores. You're essentially earning points on money you might spend elsewhere anyway!
Pharmacy Prescriptions: Filling qualifying prescriptions at a Kroger Pharmacy can also earn you significant Fuel Points (e.g., 25 Fuel Points for every qualifying prescription, 75 for 90-day refills).
Special Promotions and Offers: Keep an eye out for special promotions advertised in the weekly ad, through email, or on the Kroger app. These can offer bonus points on specific items or categories. Always "clip" digital coupons through your Kroger app or website, as many of these also contribute to your points.
Kroger Boost Membership: If you're a frequent Kroger shopper, consider the Kroger Boost membership. Among other benefits like free delivery, it often provides 2X Fuel Points on groceries and general merchandise, accelerating your savings!
Step 5: Redeeming Your Fuel Points
Earning points is great, but redeeming them for fuel savings is the real reward!
Sub-heading: Understanding Redemption Value
100 Fuel Points = 10¢ off per gallon
200 Fuel Points = 20¢ off per gallon
...and so on, up to 1000 Fuel Points = $1.00 off per gallon!
Sub-heading: Where to Redeem
You can redeem your Fuel Points at:
Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Centers
Participating Shell locations (check the Kroger website or app for participating locations in your area).
Sub-heading: How to Redeem at the Pump
Visit a Participating Fuel Station: Drive to a Kroger Fuel Center or a participating Shell station.
Initiate the Transaction: At the pump, follow the on-screen prompts.
Swipe Your Kroger Plus Card or Enter Alt ID: When prompted, swipe your physical Kroger Plus Card or enter the phone number associated with your digital account (your Alt ID).
Confirm Redemption: The system will recognize your available Fuel Points and ask if you'd like to use them. Confirm your selection. The discount will then be applied to your current fuel purchase, typically up to 35 gallons.
Important Note: Fuel points generally expire on the last day of the month after they are earned. So, points earned in July will expire at the end of August. Don't let them go to waste!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about Kroger Fuel Points, starting with "How to," along with quick answers:
How to check my Kroger Fuel Points balance?
You can easily check your Fuel Points balance by logging into your Kroger digital account on Kroger.com or through the Kroger mobile app. Your current points will be displayed on your dashboard.
How to use Kroger Fuel Points at a Shell station?
At a participating Shell station, you'll simply swipe your Kroger Plus Card or enter your Alt ID at the pump, just as you would at a Kroger Fuel Center. The system will recognize your points and apply the discount.
How to combine Kroger Fuel Points with other discounts?
Kroger Fuel Points cannot typically be combined with other fuel discounts or offers. The system will apply the best available discount, which is usually your Fuel Points savings.
How to get more Kroger Fuel Points quickly?
Purchase gift cards at Kroger (often 2X or 4X points), fill prescriptions at the Kroger Pharmacy, and look out for special bonus point promotions in the weekly ad or on the Kroger app.
How to transfer Kroger Fuel Points to another person?
Kroger Fuel Points are generally non-transferable and are linked to the individual Kroger Plus Card and digital account. Selling or purchasing points is prohibited.
How to prevent Kroger Fuel Points from expiring?
Fuel points typically expire on the last day of the month following the month they were earned. The only way to prevent them from expiring is to redeem them for fuel before the expiration date.
How to link multiple Kroger Plus Cards to one account for Fuel Points?
Generally, one Kroger Plus Card number is linked per digital account. However, all household members can use the same linked card or Alt ID to contribute to the same Fuel Points balance.
How to find participating Kroger Fuel Centers or Shell stations?
You can find participating locations by using the store locator tool on the Kroger website or within the Kroger mobile app, filtering for "Fuel" or "Gas Stations."
How to get a physical Kroger Plus Card if I only have a digital one?
You can visit the customer service desk at any Kroger store and ask for a physical card. They can link it to your existing digital account using your phone number or account details.
How to earn Fuel Points on online orders?
Simply ensure you are logged into your Kroger digital account when placing online orders for pickup or delivery. Your eligible purchases will automatically contribute to your Fuel Points balance.
