Ready to conquer your grocery shopping with the Kroger app? It's a fantastic tool to save time, money, and simplify your life. Whether you're a seasoned digital shopper or new to the game, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of checking out on the Kroger app, ensuring a smooth and rewarding experience.
Let's dive in and get you checked out!
Step 1: Getting Started - Download, Sign In, and Set Your Store
First things first, let's make sure you're set up for success!
Sub-heading: Downloading the App
Have you downloaded the Kroger app yet? If not, head over to your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android or Apple App Store for iOS) and search for "Kroger." Download and install the official app.
Sub-heading: Signing In or Creating an Account
Existing Users: If you already have a Kroger digital account, simply open the app and tap "Sign In." Enter your email address and password.
New Users: Don't have an account? No worries! Tap "Register" or "Create Account." You'll need to provide an email address, create a password, and link your Kroger Shopper's Card (or create a virtual one if you don't have a physical card). Linking your Shopper's Card is crucial for accessing digital coupons and earning fuel points and other rewards.
Sub-heading: Selecting Your Preferred Store
Once logged in, the app will likely prompt you to select your preferred Kroger store. This is important because it determines product availability, pricing, and pickup/delivery options specific to that location. If it doesn't prompt you, look for a "Store" or "Location" icon, usually at the top of the screen, and set your desired store.
Step 2: Building Your Cart - Adding Items and Applying Digital Coupons
Now for the fun part: filling your virtual shopping cart!
Sub-heading: Browse and Searching for Products
The Kroger app offers multiple ways to find what you need. You can:
Browse Categories: Tap on categories like "Produce," "Dairy & Cheese," "Meat & Seafood," etc., to explore products.
Use the Search Bar: This is often the quickest way to find specific items. Simply type in the product name (e.g., "organic milk," "chicken breast," "detergent").
View Weekly Ads: Tap on "Weekly Ad" to see current sales and quickly add discounted items to your cart.
Shop Your Past Purchases: The app often keeps a record of your past purchases, making it easy to reorder your favorites.
Sub-heading: Adding Items to Your Cart
Once you find an item you want, tap on it to view details. You'll typically see an "Add to Cart" button. You can adjust the quantity using the "+" and "-" signs.
Pay attention to item descriptions for details like weight (e.g., "per lb") or package size.
Sub-heading: Loading and Applying Digital Coupons
The Kroger app is a coupon paradise!
Finding Coupons: Tap on "Digital Coupons" or "Savings" in the app's menu. You'll see hundreds of offers.
Loading Coupons: When you find a coupon you want to use, simply tap the "Load to Card" button. These coupons are automatically linked to your Shopper's Card and will apply at checkout if you purchase the qualifying item.
Pro Tip: Check the expiration dates and any purchase requirements for coupons.
Step 3: Choosing Your Shopping Method: Pickup or Delivery
Kroger offers convenient ways to get your groceries. Decide which one suits you best!
Sub-heading: Understanding Pickup (Formerly ClickList)
What it is: With Pickup, you shop online, select a pickup time slot, and then drive to your chosen store. Kroger associates will have your order ready and even load it into your car. Pickup is often free for orders over a certain amount (e.g., $35).
Selecting Pickup:
Once you're ready to check out or are just starting to shop, you'll see an option to choose "Pickup" or "Delivery" at the top of the app or during the initial steps.
If you choose Pickup, you'll be prompted to select a date and time slot for your pickup. Popular times can fill up quickly, so book in advance if possible.
Confirm your chosen pickup store.
Sub-heading: Understanding Delivery
What it is: With Delivery, your groceries are shopped for you and brought directly to your doorstep. Kroger partners with third-party services like Instacart, or in some areas, offers Kroger's own delivery service.
Selecting Delivery:
Choose "Delivery" as your preferred method.
Enter your full delivery address.
You'll then be able to select a delivery date and time slot. Delivery fees may apply and can vary based on the time slot and the delivery service used.
Note: If you have age-restricted items (like alcohol), an adult of legal age will need to be present to receive and sign for the order, and show ID.
Step 4: Reviewing Your Order - The Critical Checkpoint
Before you finalize, take a moment to double-check everything. This step is crucial to avoid any surprises!
Sub-heading: Checking Your Cart Contents
Tap on the shopping cart icon (usually in the top right corner) to view your entire order.
Scroll through every item. Make sure you have the correct quantities and that nothing was accidentally added or missed.
If you need to make changes, you can usually adjust quantities or remove items directly from this view.
Sub-heading: Verifying Digital Coupons and Discounts
This is where the savings come into play! As you review your order, you should see the applied digital coupon discounts reflected in your subtotal.
Look for a section that details "Savings" or "Discounts." If a coupon didn't apply, double-check that you've loaded it to your card and that the item in your cart is the exact qualifying product.
Sub-heading: Substitution Preferences
When you place an online order, especially for Pickup or Delivery, there's a chance an item might be out of stock. Kroger allows you to set substitution preferences.
You'll typically see an option to:
Allow Substitutions: Kroger will select a similar item.
Do Not Substitute: If an item is out of stock, you won't receive it.
You might even be able to specify preferred substitutes for certain items. Take a moment to review and set these preferences to your liking.
Step 5: Payment and Finalizing Your Order
You're almost there! It's time to pay.
Sub-heading: Entering Payment Information
Kroger accepts various payment methods, including:
Credit/Debit Cards: You can add new cards or use ones you've saved to your digital wallet.
Kroger Pay: This is Kroger's own secure mobile payment system. You can link your payment cards to Kroger Pay for a quick and seamless checkout in-store and online.
Gift Cards: If you have a Kroger gift card, you can typically apply it here.
Enter your payment details accurately. For credit/debit cards, this includes the card number, expiration date, and CVV.
Sub-heading: Authorization Hold
Don't be alarmed by an "authorization hold" on your credit/debit card. When you place an order, your bank will often put a temporary hold for the estimated total to ensure the card is valid. The final charge will reflect the actual total after any substitutions or weighted item adjustments. This hold is typically released within a few business days.
Sub-heading: Submitting Your Order
Once you've reviewed everything and entered your payment information, look for a prominent button that says "Place Order," "Submit Order," or "Continue to Checkout."
Tap this button to finalize your purchase.
Step 6: Confirmation and What Happens Next
Congratulations, your order is placed!
Sub-heading: Order Confirmation
Immediately after submitting, you'll receive an order confirmation screen with a confirmation number. This is your proof of purchase.
You'll also usually receive an email confirmation with all the details of your order. Keep this email handy.
Sub-heading: Receiving Updates
Kroger will keep you updated on your order's status, especially if you chose Pickup or Delivery. You might receive:
Notifications when your order is being shopped.
Alerts about any substitutions.
Messages when your Pickup order is ready or your Delivery order is on its way.
Sub-heading: Pickup/Delivery Specifics
For Pickup: When you arrive at the store during your selected time slot, follow the signs for the designated Pickup area. A store associate will bring your order to your car. This is also the time to present any paper coupons you might have (though digital coupons are usually preferred for speed).
For Delivery: The driver will deliver your groceries to your doorstep. Remember to be available during your delivery window, especially for age-restricted items.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about checking out on the Kroger app:
How to create a Kroger digital account?
To create a Kroger digital account, download the app, open it, and tap "Register." Follow the prompts to enter your email, create a password, and link your Shopper's Card or create a new Alt ID.
How to add items to my cart on the Kroger app?
You can add items by Browse categories, using the search bar for specific products, or adding items directly from the weekly ad. Once you find an item, tap "Add to Cart" and adjust the quantity.
How to apply digital coupons on the Kroger app?
Go to the "Digital Coupons" section of the app, browse available offers, and tap "Load to Card" for each coupon you want to use. They will automatically apply at checkout if you purchase the qualifying items.
How to select Pickup or Delivery on the Kroger app?
After adding items to your cart, or sometimes even at the very beginning of your shopping session, the app will prompt you to choose "Pickup" or "Delivery." Then, select your preferred store (for Pickup) or enter your address (for Delivery) and choose a convenient time slot.
How to check if my digital coupons applied to my order?
When reviewing your order before final checkout, look for a "Savings" or "Discounts" section. All applied digital coupon deductions should be listed there, showing how much you saved.
How to change my substitution preferences on the Kroger app?
During the checkout process, before finalizing your order, you'll typically find an option to manage your substitution preferences (allow substitutions, do not substitute, or specific preferred substitutes).
How to use Kroger Pay for checkout?
First, set up Kroger Pay in the app by linking your preferred payment cards and creating a 4-digit PIN. At checkout, select Kroger Pay as your payment method, and it will securely process your transaction.
How to find my order confirmation number on the Kroger app?
After placing your order, the confirmation number will be displayed on the order confirmation screen within the app. You will also receive an email confirmation containing this number.
How to track my Kroger delivery order?
Once your delivery order is placed, the app will often provide real-time updates and sometimes a map to track your driver's progress. You'll usually receive notifications as your order is being prepared and when it's out for delivery.
How to contact Kroger customer service about an app issue?
If you encounter an issue with the Kroger app, you can usually find customer service contact information (phone number or email) within the app's "Help" or "Support" section, or by visiting the Kroger website.
