Are you ready to unlock a world of savings, personalized deals, and convenient perks at your favorite Kroger Family of Stores? Getting a Kroger Plus Card is your golden ticket to maximizing your grocery budget and making your shopping experience smoother. It's a free loyalty program that every savvy shopper should have!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of obtaining your Kroger Plus Card, whether you prefer the digital route or a physical card. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Discover the "Why" Behind the Kroger Plus Card – It's More Than Just a Card!
Before we even talk about how to get one, let's explore why you absolutely need a Kroger Plus Card. This isn't just another piece of plastic in your wallet; it's your key to:
Instant Savings at Checkout: See those amazing "Plus Card Prices" advertised throughout the store? You won't get them without your card! These are exclusive discounts on hundreds, if not thousands, of items.
Digital Coupons Galore: Say goodbye to clipping paper coupons! With your Plus Card linked to a digital account, you can "clip" digital coupons directly to your card from the Kroger website or app. These savings automatically apply at checkout.
Fuel Points for Gas Savings: Every dollar you spend on groceries (and many other items!) earns you fuel points. These points translate into significant discounts at Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Centers and participating Shell locations. Imagine saving cents, even dollars, off every gallon of gas!
Personalized Offers and Promotions: Kroger's system learns your shopping habits and sends you personalized coupons and offers for the products you love and discover new ones. This means more savings tailored just for you.
Streamlined Shopping with the Kroger App: Once you have your Plus Card (or a linked digital account), the Kroger app becomes your best friend. Create shopping lists, view weekly ads, refill prescriptions, and manage your fuel points – all from your phone.
Community Rewards Program: Did you know your shopping can support your favorite local non-profit or school? By linking your Plus Card to the Community Rewards program, a portion of your eligible purchases goes to your chosen organization at no extra cost to you.
Feeling convinced? Great! Let's move on to actually getting your card.
Step 2: Choose Your Path – Digital or Physical?
Kroger offers a couple of convenient ways to get your Plus Card. You can opt for a digital card by creating an online account, or you can get a physical card directly at a Kroger store. Both methods grant you access to the same great benefits.
Sub-heading: Option A: The Digital Dynamo – Getting Your Card Online
This is often the quickest and most convenient way to get started, especially if you prefer managing things on your phone or computer.
Head to the Kroger Website: Open your web browser and go to
www.kroger.com
.Locate the "Register" or "Sign In" Option: Look for a "Register" or "Sign In" button, usually in the top right corner of the homepage. If you already have a Kroger online account from a previous interaction, you'll simply sign in. If not, proceed to registration.
Start Your Registration Journey: Click on "Create an Account" or "Register." You'll be prompted to provide some basic information:
Your Email Address: This will be your primary login.
Create a Password: Choose a strong, secure password.
Your Zip Code: This helps Kroger locate the stores nearest to you.
Select Your Preferred Store: Choose the Kroger store you'll most frequently visit. This helps personalize your weekly ad and offers.
Agree to Terms and Conditions: Make sure to review these.
Account Activation (Crucial Step!): After submitting your information, check your email inbox. Kroger will send you an activation link. You MUST click this link to activate your new digital account. This is a vital security step.
Linking Your Plus Card (or Getting a Digital One):
If you already have a physical Kroger Plus Card but haven't linked it online, you'll find an option within your newly created "My Account" section to link your existing card number. Have the number handy (it's on the back of your physical card). If you use your phone number at the register, you might need to call Kroger customer service (877-576-7587) to get your card number.
If you don't have a physical card, creating a digital account automatically generates a digital Kroger Plus Card for you. This digital card will be associated with your account and often with the phone number you provide.
Sub-heading: Option B: The In-Store Instant – Getting a Physical Card
Prefer a tangible card in your wallet? No problem!
Visit Any Kroger Family of Stores Location: Head to your nearest Kroger, Fred Meyer, King Soopers, Ralphs, QFC, or any other store under the Kroger banner.
Go to the Customer Service Desk: This is usually located near the front of the store.
Request a Kroger Plus Card: Simply tell the associate you'd like to sign up for a Kroger Plus Card.
Provide Your Information: They will ask for your name, phone number, and potentially your address. Your phone number often becomes your "Alternate ID" (Alt ID) at checkout if you don't have your physical card.
Receive Your Card: The associate will typically hand you a physical card right then and there. Voila! You're now a Kroger Plus Cardholder.
Step 3: Maximizing Your Savings – Linking and Using Your Card
Once you have your Kroger Plus Card, whether digital or physical, it's time to put it to work!
Sub-heading: Linking Your Card to Your Online Account (if you got a physical card first)
If you started with a physical card in-store, we highly recommend linking it to an online digital account. This unlocks the full suite of benefits.
Go to Kroger.com and Sign In: Use the email and password you created in Step 2A (or create an account if you haven't already).
Navigate to "My Account": Once signed in, look for "My Account" or your name in the top right corner.
Find the "Plus Card" Section: Within your account settings, there should be a section related to your Plus Card. Here, you can enter the physical card number to link it to your digital profile. This ensures all your in-store purchases are tracked and associated with your online account for digital coupons and fuel points.
Sub-heading: Using Your Kroger Plus Card at Checkout
This is where the magic happens!
Physical Card: At the register, simply swipe your physical Kroger Plus Card before the cashier scans your items.
Alternate ID (Phone Number): If you forgot your card or prefer not to carry it, tell the cashier your phone number that is linked to your Kroger Plus Card account. They can look up your account this way.
Kroger App (Digital Card): Open the Kroger app on your smartphone. There will be a digital barcode that the cashier can scan directly from your phone screen. This is super convenient!
Self-Checkout: At self-checkout, you'll be prompted to either scan your physical card or enter your Alt ID (phone number).
Step 4: Activating Advanced Savings Features
Your Kroger Plus Card is just the beginning. Now, let's unlock its full potential.
Sub-heading: Clipping Digital Coupons
Log in to Your Digital Account: Go to
Kroger.com
or open the Kroger app.Browse Digital Coupons: Look for a "Digital Coupons" or "Savings" section. You'll see hundreds of coupons categorized by product.
"Clip" Coupons: When you find a coupon you want to use, simply click or tap the "Clip" button. The coupon is then electronically loaded onto your Plus Card. When you purchase the qualifying item and scan your card (or use your Alt ID/app barcode), the discount will automatically apply.
Pro Tip: Check for "5X Digital Coupons" which offer even bigger savings on specific items, usually redeemable multiple times in a single transaction.
Sub-heading: Tracking Fuel Points
Log in to Your Digital Account: On the website or app.
View Fuel Points: Your "My Account" section or a dedicated "Fuel Points" area will show your current fuel point balance and how close you are to your next discount.
Redeem at the Pump: At a Kroger or participating Shell fuel station, follow the prompts on the fuel pump. You'll likely be asked to swipe your Kroger Plus Card or enter your Alt ID. Your available fuel point discount will then be applied.
Important Note: Fuel points typically expire at the end of the month after they are earned, so use them before they're gone!
Sub-heading: Enrolling in Community Rewards
Log in to Your Digital Account: Go to
Kroger.com
.Navigate to Community Rewards: Look for "Community Rewards" or "Giving" in your account menu.
Search for Your Organization: You can search by the organization's name or their unique NPO number (Non-Profit Organization number).
Select and Enroll: Choose your desired organization from the search results and confirm your enrollment. Remember to re-enroll each year, as required by Kroger!
Step 5: The Kroger App – Your Pocket-Sized Shopping Assistant
While not strictly required for a Plus Card, the Kroger app significantly enhances your shopping experience.
Download the App: Search for "Kroger" in your smartphone's app store (Google Play for Android, App Store for iOS).
Log In or Link: Log in with your digital account credentials. If you haven't created a digital account yet, you can do so directly within the app and link any existing physical Plus Card.
Explore Features:
Digital Coupons: Clip coupons on the go.
Shopping List: Build and organize your grocery list.
Weekly Ad: Browse the current weekly circular.
Pickup & Delivery: Order groceries for convenient pickup or home delivery (availability varies by location).
Pharmacy: Manage prescriptions, request refills.
Fuel Points: Check your balance and find fuel centers.
Purchase History: Review past purchases to help with reordering.
Congratulations! You are now a Kroger Plus Card expert, ready to maximize your savings and enjoy a more rewarding shopping experience.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common questions about the Kroger Plus Card, starting with 'How to', along with their quick answers:
How to find my Kroger Plus Card number if I only use my phone number? You can usually find your Kroger Plus Card number by logging into your digital account on Kroger.com or the Kroger app. If it's not readily visible, you may need to call Kroger Customer Service at 1-800-KROGERS (1-800-576-4377) and select option 4.
How to add digital coupons to my Kroger Plus Card? Log in to your Kroger digital account on Kroger.com or the Kroger app. Browse the "Digital Coupons" section and click or tap the "Clip" button next to each coupon you want to add. They will automatically link to your card.
How to check my Kroger fuel points balance? Your current fuel points balance can be viewed by logging into your Kroger digital account on the website or the Kroger app. It's typically displayed prominently in your "My Account" or a dedicated "Fuel Points" section.
How to redeem Kroger fuel points at the gas pump? At a Kroger or participating Shell fuel station, follow the prompts on the fuel pump screen. You will be asked to swipe your Kroger Plus Card or enter your Alternate ID (phone number). Your available fuel point discount will then be applied to your fuel purchase.
How to update my information on my Kroger Plus Card account? Log in to your Kroger digital account on Kroger.com. Navigate to your "My Account" section where you can edit personal details like your address, phone number, and email.
How to sign up for Kroger Community Rewards? Log in to your Kroger digital account on Kroger.com. Go to the "Community Rewards" section within your account settings, search for your chosen organization by name or NPO number, and enroll your card to support them.
How to get a new physical Kroger Plus Card if I lost mine? You can visit the customer service desk at any Kroger Family of Stores location and request a new physical card. They will be able to link it to your existing account using your phone number or other identifying information.
How to use my Kroger Plus Card with online pickup or delivery orders? When placing an online pickup or delivery order through Kroger.com or the Kroger app, ensure you are logged into your digital account. Your Kroger Plus Card is automatically linked to your account, and all applicable digital coupons and fuel points will be applied to your order.
How to know if a digital coupon has been applied to my purchase? After your transaction, check your receipt. Digital coupons that have been successfully applied will usually be listed as deductions on your receipt. You can also review your purchase history within your digital account.
How to find my nearest Kroger Family of Stores location? Use the "Store Locator" feature on Kroger.com or within the Kroger app. You can search by zip code or city to find the closest stores, along with their hours and available services.