Do you find yourself short on time and looking for a convenient way to get your groceries? Kroger Pickup is a fantastic solution, allowing you to shop online and simply drive to your local store for a quick and easy pick-up. But if you're new to the service, you might be wondering, "How exactly do I pay for this?"
Don't worry, you're in the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of paying for your Kroger Pickup order, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Step 1: Getting Started with Your Kroger Digital Account
Before you can even think about paying, you need to have a Kroger digital account. If you don't already have one, let's get that set up! This is where all your orders, payment methods, and digital coupons will live.
Sub-heading 1.1: Creating a New Account
Ready to dive in?
Head to the Kroger Website or App: Open your web browser and go to Kroger.com, or download the Kroger app from your smartphone's app store (available for both iOS and Android).
Look for "Sign In" or "Create Account": On the website, you'll usually find this in the top right corner. In the app, it will likely prompt you when you first open it.
Choose "Create Your Account": You'll be asked to provide some basic information, including your email address and a password. Make sure to choose a strong, unique password!
Link Your Shopper's Card (Optional but Recommended): If you have a physical Kroger Plus Card, you can link it to your digital account. This ensures all your loyalty points and personalized deals are automatically applied to your online orders. If you don't have one, a digital one will be created for you.
Set Your Preferred Store: This is crucial for Pickup orders. You'll need to select your local Kroger store where you intend to pick up your groceries. You can usually do this by entering your zip code or allowing the app to use your location.
Sub-heading 1.2: Signing In to an Existing Account
Already a Kroger online pro? Fantastic!
Go to Kroger.com or Open the App.
Select "Sign In": Enter your registered email address and password.
Verify Your Identity (if prompted): For security, you might be asked to verify your identity, perhaps through a code sent to your email or phone.
Step 2: Building Your Cart and Proceeding to Checkout
Now for the fun part: filling your virtual cart with all your grocery essentials! Browse departments, search for specific items, and don't forget to clip those digital coupons.
Sub-heading 2.1: Adding Items to Your Cart
Shop till you drop (virtually, of course)!
Browse or Search: Use the search bar to find specific products or navigate through the different categories.
Add to Cart: Click or tap the "Add to Cart" button next to each item you wish to purchase.
Adjust Quantities: You can easily change the quantity of an item in your cart if you need more than one.
Apply Digital Coupons: This is where the savings happen! Before you check out, make sure to "clip" any digital coupons that apply to items in your cart. These will automatically be discounted at checkout.
Sub-heading 2.2: Reviewing Your Order and Selecting Pickup Time
Once your cart is full, it's time for a quick review and to choose your pickup slot.
Go to Your Cart: Look for the shopping cart icon, usually in the top right corner of the website or bottom navigation of the app.
Review Your Items: Double-check your list! Make sure you have everything you need and that quantities are correct.
Proceed to Checkout: Click or tap the "Checkout" button.
Choose "Pickup": Ensure that "Pickup" is selected as your preferred shopping method.
Select a Date and Time Slot: Kroger will show you available pickup times. These slots can fill up quickly, especially during peak hours, so it's a good idea to book in advance. Choose a time that works best with your schedule.
Step 3: Understanding and Adding Payment Methods
This is the core of "how to pay for Kroger Pickup." Kroger offers several convenient payment options, primarily processed online before you arrive at the store.
Sub-heading 3.1: Accepted Payment Methods
Kroger Pickup primarily accepts online payments. Cash and checks are generally NOT accepted at the pickup location.
Credit Cards: Major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are widely accepted.
Debit Cards: You can use your debit card, provided it has a Visa or Mastercard logo and sufficient funds.
SNAP EBT (Food Stamps): Great news! Kroger now accepts SNAP EBT payments for Pickup orders at most locations (excluding Mariano's).
Kroger Pay: This is Kroger's own mobile payment system, linked to your digital account and chosen payment method. It's a quick and secure way to pay.
Gift Cards: While you generally cannot pay directly for your Kroger Pickup order with a physical gift card at the pickup point, you can often use Kroger gift cards online as a payment method during checkout. However, there can be nuances, especially with activating gift cards acquired through pickup, so it's always best to have a backup.
Sub-heading 3.2: Adding Your Payment Information
During the checkout process, you'll be prompted to enter your payment details.
Navigate to the "Payment" Section: After selecting your pickup time, you'll move to the payment step.
Add a New Card: If you haven't saved a payment method before, you'll see an option to "Add a new credit/debit card" or "Add SNAP EBT Card."
For Credit/Debit Cards: Enter your card number, expiration date, security code (CVV), and the billing address associated with the card.
For SNAP EBT: Select the "Add SNAP EBT Card" option. You will enter your EBT card number. Kroger will then separate your order into SNAP-eligible and non-SNAP-eligible items. Any non-eligible items (like fees or non-food items) will need to be paid for with another accepted payment method (credit/debit card).
Save for Future Use (Optional): Most users opt to save their payment information for faster future checkouts. Rest assured, Kroger uses secure encryption to protect your data.
Review Total and Confirm: Once your payment method is entered, you'll see the estimated total for your order. This total might slightly change for weighted items (like produce or meat) once they are accurately weighed at the store.
Step 4: Finalizing Your Order and Confirmation
Once your payment details are in, you're almost done!
Sub-heading 4.1: Placing Your Order
Click "Place Order" or "Submit Order": This button will authorize your payment and send your order to the chosen Kroger store.
Authorization Hold: When you place your order, Kroger typically places an authorization hold on your card for slightly more than your estimated total. This accounts for any potential fluctuations due to weighted items, substitutions, or final pricing. You are only charged the final amount after your order is picked and finalized. This hold usually drops off your account within a few business days after the actual charge goes through.
Sub-heading 4.2: Receiving Confirmation
You've done it!
Email Confirmation: You will receive an email confirming your order, including your pickup time, order number, and a summary of your items.
App Notification: If you're using the Kroger app, you'll likely receive an in-app notification as well.
Tracking Your Order (Optional): Some Kroger apps allow you to track the status of your order as it's being picked and prepared.
Step 5: Pickup Day - What to Expect
The big day is here! Getting your groceries is the easiest part.
Sub-heading 5.1: Arriving at the Store
Head to the Designated Pickup Area: Look for signs directing you to the Kroger Pickup parking spots. These are usually clearly marked.
Check In: Most Kroger Pickup services require you to "check in" when you arrive. This can often be done through the Kroger app (there might be a "I'm Here" button), by calling the number on the pickup sign, or by texting the provided number.
Wait in Your Vehicle: A Kroger associate will bring your order out to your car. No need to even get out!
Sub-heading 5.2: The Final Hand-off
Verification (Optional): The associate may ask for your name or order number to confirm it's your order.
Loading Groceries: The associate will load your groceries into your car.
Reviewing Substitutions (if any): If any items were out of stock, Kroger might have made substitutions. The associate will usually review these with you and you have the option to decline any you don't want. Any price difference for substitutions will be reflected in your final charge.
Final Receipt: You'll receive a final receipt, often via email, detailing the exact items and the total charged to your payment method.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions about paying for Kroger Pickup, with quick answers:
How to use SNAP EBT for Kroger Pickup?
You can use SNAP EBT by selecting "Add SNAP EBT Card" during the online checkout process. You'll enter your card number, and the system will separate SNAP-eligible items. Non-eligible items will require a separate credit/debit card payment.
How to add a credit or debit card for Kroger Pickup?
During online checkout, navigate to the payment section and choose "Add a new credit/debit card." Enter your card details (number, expiration, CVV, billing address) and save it for future use if desired.
How to use a Kroger gift card for Pickup orders?
While you typically can't swipe a physical gift card at pickup, you can often enter the gift card details as a payment method during the online checkout process. Ensure the gift card is activated and has sufficient balance.
How to avoid fees for Kroger Pickup?
Kroger Pickup is often free for orders over a certain amount (e.g., $35). Check Kroger's current policy as minimums can vary. Smaller orders might incur a small service fee.
How to change my payment method for a Kroger Pickup order?
Once an order is placed and processing has begun, you generally cannot change the payment method for that specific order. You would need to cancel and re-place the order with the desired payment method, subject to cancellation policies and available pickup slots.
How to see the final charge for my Kroger Pickup order?
Your card will typically have an authorization hold initially. The final charge is processed after your order is picked and fulfilled, and you'll receive an email with the final digital receipt reflecting any changes due to weighted items or substitutions.
How to use Kroger Pay for Pickup orders?
Kroger Pay is generally used for in-store purchases and fuel centers. For Pickup orders, you usually add your credit/debit card directly to the online checkout.
How to know if my payment went through for Kroger Pickup?
You will receive an email confirmation shortly after placing your order, indicating that your order has been received and payment authorization is in progress. The actual charge occurs upon pickup.
How to handle a payment error during Kroger Pickup checkout?
If you encounter a payment error, double-check your card details (number, expiration, CVV), ensure sufficient funds are available, and verify your billing address. If the issue persists, try a different payment method or contact your bank.
How to get a refund for a Kroger Pickup order?
For issues with items or charges, contact Kroger Customer Service directly (usually via phone or online chat). They will assist with processing any necessary refunds or adjustments.
