Unlocking Savings at Kroger: A Comprehensive Guide to Membership Options
Are you a regular Kroger shopper, or looking to become one? If so, understanding Kroger's membership options can unlock significant savings and convenience for your grocery runs. While many might think of a single "Kroger membership," there are actually two distinct paths to savings: the free Kroger Plus Card and the paid Kroger Boost Membership. This comprehensive guide will walk you through both, helping you decide which is the right fit for your household.
Ready to start saving more on your groceries and beyond? Let's dive in!
 |
| How Much Is A Kroger Membership |
Step 1: Understanding the Foundation - The Free Kroger Plus Card
Before we talk about paid memberships, it's crucial to understand the free entry point to Kroger's savings: the Kroger Plus Card (or a registered digital account, which serves the same purpose). This isn't a "membership" in the traditional sense, but rather Kroger's core loyalty program.
What is the Kroger Plus Card?
The Kroger Plus Card is your key to accessing member-exclusive pricing, digital coupons, and fuel points at Kroger and its family of stores. It's essentially a free loyalty program that rewards you for shopping there.
Key Benefits of the Free Kroger Plus Card:
Exclusive Member Pricing: You'll see special lower prices on many items throughout the store, marked specifically for Plus Card holders. Without it, you'll pay the higher, non-member price.
Digital Coupons: Access and "clip" digital coupons directly to your account via the Kroger app or website. These coupons automatically apply at checkout when you scan your card or use your alternate ID.
Fuel Points: Earn 1 fuel point for every $1 spent on groceries and general merchandise. These points can be redeemed for discounts at Kroger Fuel Centers and participating Shell stations, saving you money at the pump. Typically, 100 fuel points can save you $0.10 per gallon, up to $1 per gallon for 1,000 points.
Personalized Offers: The more you shop, the more personalized your digital coupons and offers become, tailored to your purchasing habits.
Cash Back Offers: Access various cash back opportunities on specific purchases.
Free Pickup: While not an exclusive Plus Card benefit, it allows you to utilize Kroger's free grocery pickup service (with a minimum order).
How to Get a Free Kroger Plus Card:
It's incredibly simple!
Online: Visit the Kroger website or download the Kroger app. You can create a digital account by providing your name and email address. If you don't have a physical card, you'll be assigned a virtual card number or can create an "Alt ID" (an alternative ID, often your phone number).
In-Store: Ask a cashier or customer service representative to sign you up for a Plus Card at checkout. They'll issue you a physical card on the spot.
QuickTip: Look for repeated words — they signal importance.
Step 2: Exploring the Premium Tier - Kroger Boost Membership
For shoppers who frequent Kroger often, especially those who rely on delivery or want even more savings, Kroger offers a paid membership program called Kroger Boost. Think of it as an upgrade to your free Plus Card, designed to maximize your savings and convenience.
What is Kroger Boost?
Kroger Boost is a subscription service that offers enhanced benefits beyond the free Plus Card, primarily focusing on free delivery, accelerated fuel points, and exclusive discounts, along with some streaming perks. It comes in two tiers: Boost Essential and Boost.
The Two Tiers of Kroger Boost (as of July 2025):
Boost Essential (formerly the $59 tier):
Cost: $69 per year or $8.99 per month (plus applicable taxes).
Main Benefits:
Free Next-Day Delivery: Unlimited free next-day grocery delivery on orders of $35 or more.
2X Fuel Points: Earn double the fuel points on every dollar spent on groceries and general merchandise (meaning you earn 2 points for every $1, instead of the standard 1 point). This can significantly accelerate your fuel savings.
6 Months of Streaming: Access to 6 months of streaming with options like Disney+ Basic (with ads), Hulu (with ads), or ESPN+.
Member-Exclusive Offers: Additional discounts and perks throughout the year.
Boost (formerly the $99 tier):
Cost: $99 per year or $12.99 per month (plus applicable taxes).
Main Benefits:
Free Same-Day Delivery (as fast as 2 hours): Unlimited free grocery delivery on orders of $35 or more, often available in as little as two hours, depending on availability.
2X Fuel Points: Like Boost Essential, you get double fuel points on all qualifying purchases.
Ongoing Streaming: Continuous access to streaming options like Disney+ Basic (with ads), Hulu (with ads), or ESPN+.
Member-Exclusive Offers: The full range of exclusive deals and promotions for Boost members.
Why Consider a Kroger Boost Membership?
Significant Delivery Savings: If you get groceries delivered regularly, the delivery fees can quickly add up. Boost can pay for itself in just a few orders.
Accelerated Fuel Savings: Doubled fuel points mean you'll reach those valuable gas discounts much faster.
Added Convenience: Free delivery, especially same-day, saves you time and effort.
Exclusive Deals: Boost members often receive additional, deeper discounts on various products.
Streaming Perks: The inclusion of streaming services can add extra value, especially if you already subscribe to one of the included platforms.
Is there a Free Trial for Boost?
Yes, Kroger may offer a free 30-day trial for Boost. This is a great way to experience the benefits before committing to a paid membership. Be sure to check the terms and conditions as certain member-exclusive offers may be excluded from the free trial.
How to Sign Up for Kroger Boost:
Step 2.1: Ensure You Have a Digital Account
QuickTip: Focus on one paragraph at a time.
If you don't already have one, create a free Kroger digital account as outlined in Step 1. This is a prerequisite for a Boost membership.
Step 2.2: Navigate to the Boost Membership Page
Go to Kroger's official website (Kroger.com) or open the Kroger app.
Look for a section or banner related to "Boost Membership" or "Savings & Rewards."
Step 2.3: Choose Your Boost Plan
You'll be presented with the two tiers: Boost Essential ($69/year or $8.99/month) and Boost ($99/year or $12.99/month).
Carefully consider your shopping habits to determine which plan best suits your needs. Do you need same-day delivery often, or is next-day sufficient? How frequently do you use delivery services?
Step 2.4: Provide Payment Information
Select your desired plan and proceed to checkout.
You will need a valid debit or credit card to complete the enrollment.
Note: Your Boost membership will automatically renew at the end of your chosen term (monthly or annually) unless you cancel.
Step 2.5: Confirm Your Enrollment
After successful payment, you'll receive a confirmation. Your Boost benefits, including delivery and fuel point bonuses, should become active within about an hour.
You'll also typically receive an email within 24-48 hours with instructions on how to activate any welcome offers or streaming benefits.
Step 3: Maximizing Your Kroger Membership Benefits
Whether you stick with the free Plus Card or upgrade to Boost, there are ways to ensure you're getting the most out of your Kroger experience.
Sub-heading: Leveraging Digital Coupons and Weekly Ads
Always Clip Coupons: Before you shop, check the Kroger app or website for digital coupons. Many can be used multiple times!
Review the Weekly Ad: The weekly ad showcases sales and promotions. Combine these with digital coupons for maximum savings.
Personalized Offers: Pay attention to the "Your Deals" section in the app or online, as these are often tailored to your shopping history.
Sub-heading: Strategic Fuel Point Accumulation
Shop for Fuel Point Boosts: Look out for special promotions that offer extra fuel points on certain categories or products.
Utilize the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard®: If you're a heavy Kroger spender, this card offers a free Boost Essential membership (or a $69 waiver for the Boost $99 plan) and enhanced cash back and fuel point earning opportunities.
Redeem Strategically: Fuel points expire at the end of the month after they're earned. Plan your gas fill-ups to use your points before they disappear.
Sub-heading: Understanding Delivery Nuances (for Boost Members)
Order Minimums: Remember that both Boost tiers require a $35 minimum order for free delivery.
Delivery Partners: Be aware that while Kroger Delivery is tip-free, orders fulfilled by third-party partners (like Instacart) may accept tips.
Check Availability: Delivery times and availability can vary by location and demand, so plan accordingly.
Sub-heading: Monitoring Your Membership
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
Membership Management Page: You can manage your Boost membership, update payment information, or cancel renewal through your "Membership Management" page on the Kroger website.
Keep an Eye Out for Promotions: Kroger occasionally offers discounts on annual Boost memberships, especially during events like "Boost Bonus Days." For example, in July 2025, Kroger announced Boost Bonus Days with a 50% discount on annual memberships for new and renewing members.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Check My Kroger Fuel Points Balance?
You can easily check your Kroger Fuel Points balance by logging into your digital account on the Kroger app or website, or by looking at the bottom of your most recent Kroger receipt.
How to Redeem Kroger Fuel Points?
To redeem your Kroger Fuel Points, simply swipe your Kroger Plus Card or enter your Alt ID at the pump at a Kroger Fuel Center or participating Shell station before you start fueling. The discount will automatically apply.
How to Cancel Kroger Boost Membership?
You can cancel your Kroger Boost membership at any time by visiting your "Membership Management" page on the Kroger website or by contacting Kroger Customer Connect at 1-833-557-4278. Note that cancellation does not typically result in a refund for fees already paid, but your benefits will continue until the end of your current billing period.
How to Get Free Kroger Delivery?
Free Kroger delivery is a benefit of the Kroger Boost membership. You must be a Boost or Boost Essential member and meet the $35 order minimum to qualify for free delivery.
QuickTip: Skip distractions — focus on the words.
How to Link My Kroger Plus Card to My Digital Account?
When you create a digital account online, you'll have the option to link an existing Kroger Plus Card number. If you don't have one, a virtual card or Alt ID will be created for you automatically.
How to Update My Payment Method for Kroger Boost?
You can update your payment method for your Kroger Boost membership through your "Membership Management" page on the Kroger website.
How to Get the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard®?
You can apply for the Kroger Family of Companies Rewards World Elite Mastercard® through the Kroger website or at participating Kroger stores. Approval is subject to credit check.
How to Earn Double Fuel Points with Kroger?
To earn double fuel points, you must be a Kroger Boost member (either Boost Essential or Boost tier). Your purchases will automatically receive 2X fuel points when you use your linked Kroger Plus Card or digital account.
How to Know Which Kroger Membership is Right for Me?
Consider how often you shop at Kroger, whether you use delivery services frequently, and if the other benefits like streaming or accelerated fuel points align with your needs. If you rarely use delivery, the free Plus Card might suffice. If you get deliveries often, Boost could save you a significant amount.
How to Find Member-Exclusive Offers on Kroger?
Member-exclusive offers can be found on the Kroger app and website under the "Digital Coupons" or "Weekly Ad" sections, and often specifically highlighted for Boost members. You'll need to be logged into your digital account to view and clip them.
 |
