Do you want to maximize your savings at Kroger? Of course, you do! Kroger's rewards programs are a fantastic way to stretch your grocery budget, save on fuel, and even earn cash back. But sometimes, navigating all the different redemption options can feel a little overwhelming. Don't worry, we're here to break it down for you.
This lengthy guide will walk you through every step of redeeming your hard-earned Kroger rewards, from understanding the different types of rewards to making sure you get every single discount you're entitled to. Let's get started!
Understanding Your Kroger Rewards Ecosystem
Before we dive into the "how-to," it's crucial to grasp the different types of rewards Kroger offers. They primarily fall into these categories:
Kroger Shopper's Card (Plus Card)
This is the foundation of your Kroger savings. It's free to sign up for and is essential for earning points, accessing digital coupons, and getting sale prices. If you don't have one, that's your very first step!
Fuel Points
These are perhaps the most popular Kroger reward. You earn them by shopping, and they translate into discounts at Kroger Fuel Centers and participating Shell locations.
Digital Coupons
These are electronic coupons loaded directly to your Shopper's Card. They offer instant savings on specific products at checkout.
Cash Back Offers
A newer program, Cash Back allows you to earn money on specific items you purchase. This balance can then be transferred to your Shopper's Card or a PayPal account.
Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
For the truly dedicated Kroger shopper, this credit card offers enhanced cash back rewards on your purchases, both inside and outside of Kroger stores.
Now that you know what's available, let's learn how to redeem!
Step 1: Are You Ready to Save? (Setting Up Your Kroger Account)
Before you can redeem any rewards, you need to ensure your Kroger account is properly set up and linked to your Shopper's Card.
Sub-heading: Creating Your Digital Account
Visit the Kroger Website or Download the App: Head to Kroger.com or download the Kroger mobile app from your app store (available for iOS and Android).
Sign Up or Sign In:
New Users: Click "Create Account." You'll be prompted to enter your email address, create a password, and provide your zip code.
Existing Users: Click "Sign In" and enter your credentials.
Link Your Shopper's Card: This is a critical step. During account creation or within your profile settings (look for "Shopper's Card Number" or "Alt ID"), make sure your physical Kroger Shopper's Card number is linked to your digital account. If you don't have a physical card, you can often create a virtual one or an "Alt ID" (an alternate phone number) directly within the app or website. This linking is what allows your purchases to track for rewards and for digital coupons to be applied.
Engagement Tip: Have you already linked your Shopper's Card? If so, great! If not, take a moment to do it now – it's the gateway to all your Kroger savings!
Step 2: Unlocking Savings with Digital Coupons
Digital coupons are one of the easiest and most immediate ways to save at Kroger.
Sub-heading: Finding and Loading Digital Coupons
Log In to Your Digital Account: Access your account on the Kroger website or mobile app.
Navigate to "Digital Coupons": On the website, look for a "Savings & Rewards" or "Digital Coupons" section in the main navigation. In the app, it's usually prominent on the home screen or under a "Savings" tab.
Browse and "Load to Card": You'll see a vast array of available digital coupons.
Scroll through categories or use the search bar to find specific items.
When you find a coupon you want, simply click or tap the "Load to Card" button.
The coupon is now electronically linked to your Shopper's Card.
Sub-heading: Redeeming Digital Coupons at Checkout
Shop for Qualifying Items: Make sure you purchase the exact item, size, and quantity specified on the coupon.
Scan Your Shopper's Card at Checkout:
In-Store: Swipe your physical Shopper's Card, enter your Alt ID (phone number) on the keypad, or use Kroger Pay (if set up) at the register.
Online (Pickup/Delivery): Ensure your Shopper's Card is linked to your online account, and the coupons will automatically apply to qualifying items in your cart.
Automatic Discount: The discount will be automatically applied to your purchase once your Shopper's Card is scanned and the qualifying items are rung up. You'll see the discount reflected on your receipt, often indicated as "ecpn" (electronic coupon).
Important Note: Digital coupons and paper coupons generally cannot be combined on the same item. Kroger's policy typically views digital coupons as manufacturer coupons.
Step 3: Fueling Your Savings with Fuel Points
Kroger's Fuel Points program can lead to significant savings at the pump.
Sub-heading: Earning Fuel Points
You earn Fuel Points on almost every purchase at Kroger Family of Stores:
Groceries: Generally, you earn 1 Fuel Point for every $1 spent on most groceries.
Gift Cards: You can often earn 2 Fuel Points for every $1 spent on most third-party gift cards (excluding Kroger's own gift cards and certain variable-load cards). This is a great way to boost your points if you regularly buy gift cards for other retailers or restaurants.
Prescriptions: Earn Fuel Points on qualifying prescriptions.
Sub-heading: Tracking Your Fuel Points
Check Your Receipt: Your current Fuel Points balance is usually printed at the bottom of your Kroger receipt after each transaction.
Kroger Website/App: Log into your digital account. Navigate to the "Fuel Points" or "Rewards" section to see your current balance and expiration dates. Fuel Points typically expire on the last day of the month after they are earned (e.g., points earned in July expire on August 31st).
Sub-heading: Redeeming Fuel Points at the Pump
Locate a Participating Fuel Center: You can redeem Fuel Points at Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Centers and many participating Shell locations. Use the store locator on the Kroger website or app to find a nearby fuel center.
At the Pump:
Insert/Swipe Your Shopper's Card: At Kroger Fuel Centers, you'll insert your Shopper's Card or enter your Alt ID (phone number).
Follow Prompts: The pump will typically prompt you to choose how many Fuel Points you want to redeem (e.g., "Use all points," "Use X cents off per gallon"). You can redeem in increments, usually 10 cents off per gallon for every 100 points.
Select Your Discount: Choose the discount level you desire. The maximum redemption at Kroger Fuel Centers is often $1 off per gallon (1,000 points). You can usually apply the discount to up to 35 gallons.
Confirm and Pump! The discounted price will be displayed, and you can proceed to fuel your vehicle.
Step 4: Cashing In with Cash Back Offers
Kroger's Cash Back program adds another layer of savings, allowing you to earn actual money back on qualifying purchases.
Sub-heading: Loading Cash Back Offers
Access Cash Back Offers: Log in to your Kroger digital account and look for the "Cash Back Offers" section, typically under "Savings & Rewards."
Select Offers: Browse the available offers, which are usually tied to specific products. Click or tap "Get Cash Back" to load them to your Shopper's Card.
Sub-heading: Earning and Redeeming Cash Back
Purchase Qualifying Items: Buy the items specified in the loaded Cash Back offers. Ensure your Shopper's Card is scanned at checkout (in-store or online).
Accrue Balance: Once you purchase the qualifying item, the Cash Back amount will be added to your Cash Back balance. It may take up to a week for the funds to become available to cash out.
Cash Out Your Rewards:
Go to the "Cash Back" page in your digital account.
Click "Cash Out."
You'll typically have two options:
Load to Shopper's Card: The amount will be transferred to your Shopper's Card, and you can use it on your next shopping trip like store credit. There's often a daily limit (e.g., $99.99).
Transfer to PayPal: If you have a PayPal account linked, you can transfer your Cash Back earnings directly to PayPal. There's often a minimum cash-out amount (e.g., $20) and a daily limit.
Key Point: Cash Back offers and digital coupons cannot be combined on the same item. If you have both for the same product, the best offer will typically be applied, and the other will remain on your card.
Step 5: Maximizing Rewards with the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
For those who shop at Kroger frequently, the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® can provide even deeper savings.
Sub-heading: Earning with the Credit Card
Elevated Cash Back: This card offers higher cash back rates on purchases, particularly at Kroger Family of Companies stores and for mobile wallet transactions.
Fuel Point Boost: Often, the credit card can provide bonus Fuel Points, further increasing your savings at the pump.
Sub-heading: Redeeming Credit Card Rewards
Access Your Credit Card Account: Log in to your Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® online banking account.
Redemption Options: You typically have a few choices for redeeming your earned rewards points:
Statement Credit: Apply your rewards as a credit to your credit card statement, reducing your balance. A minimum points threshold (e.g., 1,000 points = $10) usually applies.
Real-Time Rewards: For eligible purchases over a certain amount (e.g., $10) at Kroger Family of Companies, you might receive a text message offering to apply your rewards instantly as a statement credit for that purchase.
Kroger Family of Companies Gift Card: Redeem your points for a Kroger gift card, often with a higher minimum (e.g., 2,500 points = $25 gift card).
Remember: Rewards points earned with the credit card typically expire after a certain period (e.g., 36 months). Always check your cardholder agreement for the most up-to-date terms and conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check my Kroger rewards balance?
You can check your Kroger rewards balance (including Fuel Points and Cash Back) by logging into your digital account on the Kroger website or mobile app. Your Fuel Points balance is also usually printed on your grocery receipts.
How to get a Kroger Shopper's Card?
You can get a Kroger Shopper's Card at any Kroger Family of Stores customer service desk, or you can create a digital account online and link a virtual Shopper's Card or Alt ID.
How to use digital coupons at Kroger self-checkout?
Simply scan your Kroger Shopper's Card (or enter your Alt ID) at the self-checkout terminal, and any loaded digital coupons for qualifying items will automatically apply to your purchase.
How to redeem Kroger Fuel Points at Shell?
At participating Shell stations, you'll typically enter your Alt ID (phone number) or swipe your Kroger Shopper's Card at the pump. Follow the prompts to select your Fuel Point discount.
How to transfer Kroger Cash Back to PayPal?
Log in to your Kroger digital account, navigate to the "Cash Back" section, and choose the option to "Cash Out" to your linked PayPal account. There may be a minimum cash out amount (e.g., $20).
How to tell if a digital coupon was applied?
Digital coupon discounts will appear on your Kroger receipt underneath the qualifying item, often labeled as "ecpn."
How to stack coupons at Kroger?
Generally, Kroger's policy states that you cannot stack a digital coupon and a paper coupon on the same item. However, you can use multiple digital coupons or multiple paper coupons for different items in a single transaction.
How to ensure my purchases count for rewards?
Always scan your Kroger Shopper's Card, enter your Alt ID, or use Kroger Pay at checkout for every purchase, whether in-store or online.
How to find out when my Kroger rewards expire?
Fuel Points expire on the last day of the month after they are earned. Cash Back offers and credit card rewards also have expiration dates; check your digital account or credit card statement for details.
How to contact Kroger customer service about rewards?
You can contact Kroger customer service through their website's "Help Center" or "Contact Us" section, or by calling the customer service number listed on their website or on the back of your Shopper's Card.