We've all been there – standing at the Kroger checkout, ready to bag those savings, only to realize you've forgotten your physical Kroger Plus Card. Panic starts to set in. You remember hearing about an "Alt ID" but can't quite recall what it is or how to use it. Don't fret! Kroger has made it incredibly convenient to access your loyalty benefits, even without your physical card. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to find and utilize your Kroger Alt ID, ensuring you never miss out on those valuable discounts and fuel points again.
The Power of Your Kroger Alt ID: Your Shopping Superpower
Your Kroger Alt ID is essentially a virtual version of your Kroger Plus Card. It's a 10-digit number, most commonly your phone number, that's linked to your Kroger loyalty account. This allows you to identify yourself at checkout, earn fuel points, and redeem digital coupons without having to carry a physical card. Think of it as your secret handshake with Kroger's savings!
Step 1: Let's Confirm You Have an Alt ID!
Before we dive into finding it, let's quickly confirm if you likely already have an Alt ID.
Did you sign up for your Kroger Plus Card using your phone number? If so, chances are your Alt ID is that very phone number! Kroger often uses the phone number provided during registration as the default Alt ID.
Have you ever entered your phone number at the self-checkout or given it to a cashier to get your discounts? If yes, then you've already been using your Alt ID!
Do you have a Kroger digital account linked to your physical card? If so, your Alt ID is integrated with that account.
If you answered "yes" to any of these, you're in good shape! If you're unsure, no worries – we'll cover all bases.
Step 2: The Easiest Way to Find Your Kroger Alt ID – Check Your Phone Number
For the vast majority of Kroger shoppers, your Alt ID is simply your phone number.
Sub-heading 2.1: Testing Your Primary Phone Number at Checkout
The simplest and quickest way to confirm your Alt ID is to try it at the store.
At the Register: When prompted for your Kroger Plus Card, simply enter your 10-digit phone number (including the area code) on the keypad.
Observe: If your discounts apply and your name appears on the screen (or the cashier confirms your account), congratulations! Your phone number is your Alt ID.
Sub-heading 2.2: Considering Other Phone Numbers
If your primary phone number didn't work, consider if you used a different one when you initially signed up for your Kroger Plus Card. This could be:
A landline number you no longer use regularly.
An old cell phone number.
A family member's phone number if they signed you up for a shared account.
Try any other 10-digit phone numbers you might have used.
Step 3: Leveraging Your Kroger Digital Account to Discover Your Alt ID
If you have a Kroger.com digital account, it's a treasure trove of your loyalty information, including your Alt ID.
Sub-heading 3.1: Accessing Your Account Online
Go to the Kroger Website: Open your web browser and navigate to
www.kroger.com Sign In: Click on the "Sign In" button, usually located in the top right corner. Enter your email address and password associated with your Kroger digital account.
Forgot your password? Click the "Forgot Password" link and follow the prompts to reset it.
Navigate to "My Account": Once logged in, look for "My Account" (often a dropdown menu from your name or a direct link in the top navigation). Click on it.
Find Your Plus Card/Alt ID Information: Within your "My Account" section, look for a section related to your "Plus Card," "Shopper's Card," or "Account Profile." Here, you should see your linked Shopper's Card number and, in many cases, your 10-digit Alt ID. It might be explicitly labeled as "Alternate ID" or simply show the phone number associated with your account.
Sub-heading 3.2: Using the Kroger Mobile App
The Kroger mobile app is incredibly convenient for managing your account on the go.
Download the App: If you haven't already, download the Kroger app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
Log In: Open the app and log in with your Kroger digital account credentials.
Access "My Account": Look for an icon or menu option that says "My Account" or "Profile" (often found at the bottom navigation bar or within a "hamburger" menu icon).
View Your Details: Within your account profile, you should be able to see your linked Shopper's Card information and your Alt ID (phone number). The app often displays the barcode for your card as well.
Step 4: The Reliable Backup Plan – Contacting Kroger Customer Service
If the above methods haven't yielded your Alt ID, or you're simply having trouble, Kroger's customer service team is there to help.
Sub-heading 4.1: Calling Customer Service
Prepare Your Information: Have any details ready that might help them locate your account, such as:
Your full name
Your address
Your email address
Any phone numbers you might have used
The last few digits of a physical Kroger Plus Card if you ever had one
Approximate date you signed up for the loyalty program
Dial the Number: Call Kroger Customer Service at 1-800-KRO-GERS (1-800-576-4377).
Follow the Prompts: Listen carefully to the automated menu options. You'll likely need to select an option related to "Kroger Plus Card," "Loyalty Program," or "Account Assistance."
Speak to a Representative: Explain that you need help finding your Kroger Alt ID. They will ask for some identifying information to verify your account and then provide you with your Alt ID.
Sub-heading 4.2: Visiting the Customer Service Desk In-Store
For in-person assistance, head to your local Kroger store.
Approach the Desk: Locate the customer service desk.
Explain Your Need: Inform the associate that you're trying to find your Kroger Alt ID.
Provide ID: They will likely ask for your photo ID (like a driver's license) and potentially your full name and address to look up your account.
Retrieve Alt ID: Once they verify your identity, they can often provide you with your Alt ID on the spot or help you link a new virtual card to your existing account. They might even be able to issue you a new physical card with your linked rewards.
Step 5: Proactive Steps – Saving and Remembering Your Alt ID
Once you've successfully found your Kroger Alt ID, take a moment to ensure you won't forget it again!
Sub-heading 5.1: Commit it to Memory
Since it's often your phone number, try to memorize it if you haven't already. It's the most convenient method at checkout.
Sub-heading 5.2: Save it in Your Phone Contacts
Create a contact in your phone for "Kroger Alt ID" and save the 10-digit number there. This way, it's always easily accessible.
Sub-heading 5.3: Utilize Digital Wallet Features
If your phone has a digital wallet (like Apple Wallet or Google Pay), you might be able to add your Kroger Plus Card there. While not directly your Alt ID, it often links to it, and the barcode can be scanned for convenience.
Sub-heading 5.4: Write it Down (Safely)
If you prefer a physical reminder, write your Alt ID down and keep it in a safe place, like your wallet (on a small piece of paper, not directly on your main cards for security) or in a home file.
By following these steps, you'll be able to easily locate and use your Kroger Alt ID, making your shopping experience smoother and ensuring you always get the best deals!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Kroger Alt ID
Here are 10 common questions related to finding and using your Kroger Alt ID, with quick answers:
How to know if I have a Kroger Alt ID?
You likely have an Alt ID if you signed up for a Kroger Plus Card. It's usually the 10-digit phone number you provided during registration.
How to use my phone number as my Kroger Alt ID at checkout?
Simply type your 10-digit phone number (including area code) on the keypad at the checkout when prompted for your Kroger Plus Card.
How to find my Kroger Alt ID if I forgot my Kroger.com password?
On the Kroger.com sign-in page, click "Forgot Password" and follow the instructions to reset it using your email address. Once logged in, you can find your Alt ID in "My Account."
How to find my Kroger Alt ID if I don't have a Kroger digital account?
If you don't have a digital account, try your primary phone number at checkout. If that doesn't work, call Kroger Customer Service at 1-800-576-4377 or visit the customer service desk in-store.
How to retrieve my Kroger Alt ID without my physical Kroger Plus Card?
Your Alt ID is designed for this exact purpose! Use your 10-digit phone number at checkout, or log into your Kroger digital account online or in the app.
How to update my phone number used as my Kroger Alt ID?
You can update your Alt ID by logging into your Kroger digital account online or via the mobile app in the "My Account" or "Profile" settings, or by contacting customer service.
How to link my physical Kroger Plus Card to my digital account and Alt ID?
When creating or editing your Kroger digital account online or in the app, there will be an option to link your physical Shopper's Card number. This will connect all your loyalty benefits.
How to ensure my digital coupons apply with my Kroger Alt ID?
Once you load digital coupons to your Kroger digital account, they are linked to your Alt ID. When you use your Alt ID at checkout, the coupons will automatically apply to qualifying purchases.
How to get a new Kroger Plus Card if I only have an Alt ID?
You can visit the customer service desk at any Kroger store. They can look up your account using your Alt ID and issue you a new physical Kroger Plus Card linked to your existing rewards.
How to confirm my Alt ID is working correctly at the store?
After entering your Alt ID at checkout, observe the screen for confirmation of discounts applied or if your name appears. You can also ask the cashier to confirm your loyalty account was recognized.
