Hey there, savvy shopper! Are you ready to unlock even more savings and convenience with your Kroger app? If you've ever found yourself fumbling for your physical Kroger Plus card or wishing you had a simpler way to access your rewards at checkout, then adding an alternate ID is your secret weapon. It's like giving your digital wallet a superpower!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of adding an alternate ID to your Kroger app, ensuring you can seamlessly earn fuel points, clip digital coupons, and enjoy all your member benefits without a hitch. Let's dive in!
The Power of the Alternate ID: Why You Need One
Before we get to the "how," let's talk about the "why." An alternate ID for your Kroger account is essentially a 10-digit number that you can use instead of your physical Kroger Plus card at checkout. Most people choose their phone number for this, making it incredibly easy to remember.
Here's why it's a game-changer:
No More Card Fumbling: Leave your physical card at home! Just type in your alternate ID on the pin-pad at the register.
Seamless Digital Coupon Redemption: All your clipped digital coupons are automatically linked to your alternate ID, so they apply instantly when you shop.
Effortless Fuel Point Earning: Every dollar you spend using your alternate ID contributes to your fuel points, bringing you closer to those sweet gas discounts.
Household Sharing Made Easy: If you have a household account, everyone can use the same alternate ID to contribute to shared savings and rewards.
Convinced? Great! Let's get started on setting it up.
Step 1: Confirm Your Kroger Digital Account is Ready
First things first! To add an alternate ID, you need to have an active Kroger digital account. If you've been using the app for a while and clipping digital coupons, chances are you're all set. If not, don't worry, we'll cover that too!
Sub-heading 1.1: Checking Your Existing Account Status
Open the Kroger App: Locate and tap the Kroger app icon on your smartphone.
Log In (if necessary): If you're not already logged in, enter your email address and password.
Navigate to "My Account": Look for an icon or tab that says "My Account," "Profile," or similar, usually found in the bottom navigation bar or a side menu.
Verify Linked Card: Within "My Account," you should see a section related to your Shopper's Card or Plus Card. Ensure your physical card number is already linked here. If it's not, you'll want to link it first. You can often do this by selecting "Edit" under the Shopper's Card section and entering the 11, 12, or 13-digit number from the back of your card.
Sub-heading 1.2: Creating a New Kroger Digital Account (if needed)
If you're brand new to the Kroger digital experience, follow these steps:
Download the App: If you haven't already, download the Kroger app from the Apple App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android).
Tap "Register" or "Create Account": On the app's welcome screen, you'll usually find an option to register or create a new account.
Enter Your Information: You'll be prompted to enter your email address, create a password, and provide personal details like your first and last name, and ZIP code.
Link or Create a Shopper's Card: During registration, you'll have the option to either link an existing Kroger Plus Card number (if you have one) or create a virtual card number. If you're creating a virtual card, this is where you'll essentially be creating your alternate ID. Choose a 10-digit number, often your mobile phone number (as long as it doesn't start with "0" and isn't already in use by another Kroger account).
Select Your Preferred Store: This helps the app tailor deals and availability to your local store.
Verify Your Email: Kroger will likely send a verification email to the address you provided. Click the link in the email to activate your account.
Congratulations! Your Kroger digital account is now ready.
Step 2: Accessing Your Profile to Add/Edit Alternate ID
Now that your account is set up and logged in, it's time to find the place where you can manage your alternate ID.
Open the Kroger App and Log In: (If you aren't already)
Tap "My Account" or "Profile": This is your central hub for all account-related settings. You'll typically find it at the bottom of the screen or in a menu accessed from the top left or right.
Locate "Profile Information" or "Account Settings": Within "My Account," look for a section that deals with your personal profile details. This might be labeled "Profile Information," "Account Settings," or "Personal Details."
Find the Shopper's Card/Alternate ID Section: Scroll through your profile information. You should see a specific section dedicated to your "Shopper's Card Number" or "Plus Card," and often directly below or next to it, an option for "Alternate ID" or "Phone Number."
Step 3: Entering Your Alternate ID
This is where the magic happens! Be ready with the 10-digit number you wish to use. Most people prefer to use their mobile phone number for ease of recall.
Sub-heading 3.1: Adding a New Alternate ID
Tap "Edit" or "Add" next to "Alternate ID": Once you've located the "Alternate ID" section within your profile, tap on the "Edit" or "Add" button associated with it.
Enter Your Desired 10-Digit Number: A field will appear allowing you to type in your chosen 10-digit alternate ID.
Important Note: This number cannot start with "0" and must not already be in use by another Kroger account. If you try to use a number that's already registered, you'll receive an error message. In such cases, you might need to try a slightly modified version of your phone number (e.g., adding a "1" to the beginning if it makes sense, or using a different memorable 10-digit sequence).
Tap "Save" or "Update": After entering the number, make sure to tap the "Save" or "Update" button to confirm your changes.
Confirmation: The app should provide a confirmation message indicating that your alternate ID has been successfully added or updated.
Sub-heading 3.2: Troubleshooting Existing Alternate ID Issues
Sometimes, you might encounter issues like an alternate ID already being in use or needing to change an existing one.
"Alternate ID already in use": This typically means the phone number (or chosen 10-digit number) is associated with another Kroger account, perhaps an old one of yours, or a family member's. In this scenario, your best bet is to contact Kroger Customer Service directly. They can help unlink the number from the old account or assist you in merging accounts if applicable. You can usually find their contact number within the app's "Help" or "Contact Us" section, or on the Kroger website.
Changing your Alternate ID: The process is generally the same as adding a new one. Simply go to the "Edit" option for your Alternate ID and input the new 10-digit number, then save.
Step 4: Testing Your New Alternate ID (Optional but Recommended!)
You've done the work, now let's make sure it's working!
The easiest way to test your alternate ID is during your next shopping trip to Kroger.
At Checkout: When the cashier asks for your Kroger Plus Card, simply tell them you have an "alternate ID" or "phone number."
Enter on Pin-Pad: The cashier will prompt you to enter your 10-digit alternate ID on the customer-facing pin-pad.
Verify Discounts: Observe the screen and your receipt. You should see your digital coupons apply and any applicable fuel points accumulate.
If everything looks good, you're all set! Enjoy the seamless savings!
Congratulations!
You've successfully added an alternate ID to your Kroger app! This small step will make a big difference in how you experience shopping at Kroger, bringing convenience and savings right to your fingertips (or keypad!). No more digging for cards, just quick and easy access to all your loyalty benefits.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions you might have about Kroger alternate IDs and quick answers:
How to link a physical Kroger Plus Card to my digital account?
Go to "My Account" in the Kroger app or website, find the "Shopper's Card Number" section, and select "Edit" to enter your 11, 12, or 13-digit card number.
How to use my alternate ID at the fuel pump?
At Kroger Fuel Centers or participating fuel stations, simply enter your 10-digit alternate ID on the pump's keypad when prompted to redeem your fuel points.
How to find my Kroger Plus Card number if I only use an alternate ID?
You can find your Kroger Plus Card number by logging into your digital account on the Kroger website or app and going to "My Account" or "Profile Information" where your Shopper's Card details are displayed. Alternatively, you can call Kroger Customer Service.
How to make sure my digital coupons are applying with my alternate ID?
Ensure you have "clipped" the digital coupons in the Kroger app or website before you shop. When you enter your alternate ID at checkout, the discounts linked to those clipped coupons will automatically apply to qualifying items and appear on your receipt.
How to change my alternate ID if I get a new phone number?
Log into your Kroger app or website, go to "My Account" > "Profile Information," and edit the "Alternate ID" field to your new 10-digit number, then save the changes.
How to add another family member to my Kroger account with an alternate ID?
Kroger generally links accounts by street address and last name for household benefits. While you can't explicitly "add" another alternate ID for a separate person, family members can typically use your alternate ID or their own if their card is linked to your household, to contribute to and benefit from shared rewards. Contact customer service for specific household linking questions.
How to resolve an error when my alternate ID is already in use?
If you encounter this error, it means the 10-digit number you're trying to use is already associated with another Kroger account. You will need to choose a different 10-digit number or contact Kroger Customer Service to investigate and potentially unlink the number from the other account.
How to get a new physical Kroger Plus Card if I only have an alternate ID?
You can usually request a physical Kroger Plus Card at the customer service desk of any Kroger family store. Once you receive it, you can link it to your existing digital account.
How to ensure I get all the savings without a smartphone?
While the app is great, Kroger is now offering printed "Weekly Digital Deals" at store entrances or customer service desks. These sheets have a single barcode that you can scan at checkout to receive the digital discounts, providing an alternative for those without smartphones or internet access.
How to contact Kroger Customer Service for alternate ID issues?
You can typically find the Kroger Customer Service phone number (often 1-800-KROGERS or 1-800-576-4377) in the "Help" or "Contact Us" section of the Kroger app or on their official website. They can provide personalized assistance for complex account issues.
