Hey there! Ever found yourself staring at an empty fridge, dreading the grocery store trip, or just wanting to save some precious time? Well, Kroger Pickup is here to be your grocery-getting superhero! Imagine selecting all your favorite items from the comfort of your couch, then simply driving to your local Kroger, and having friendly associates load your perfectly packed order right into your car. Sounds pretty great, right?
If you're ready to embrace the convenience, let's dive into exactly how to place a Kroger Pickup order, step by step!
Step 1: Get Set Up – Your Kroger Account is Your Key!
Before you can start filling your virtual cart with deliciousness, you'll need a Kroger account. Don't worry if you don't have one yet; it's quick and easy to create!
Sub-heading: A. New to Kroger.com or the Kroger App? Let's Create Your Account!
Head to the Digital Hub: Open your web browser and go to
Kroger.com Find the "Sign In" or "Create Account" Option: Look for a button or link usually located in the top right corner of the website or at the bottom/top of the app. Click on it.
Choose "Create Account": You'll likely see an option to "Sign In" or "Create Account." Select Create Account.
Enter Your Details: You'll be prompted to enter information such as your email address, create a password, and provide your first and last name.
Link Your Loyalty Card (Highly Recommended!): This is a crucial step for maximizing your savings and personalized offers! If you already have a Kroger Plus Card (or a loyalty card from a Kroger family banner like Ralphs, Fred Meyer, King Sooper, etc.), enter your loyalty card number or the alternative ID associated with it. If you don't have one, you can often create a digital one during this process. This links all your digital coupons and fuel points to your online account!
Confirm Your Account: Kroger will likely send you a confirmation email. Be sure to check your inbox and click the verification link to fully activate your account.
Sub-heading: B. Already Have an Account? Simply Sign In!
Navigate to the Sign-In Page: Go to
Kroger.com Enter Your Credentials: Input your registered email address and password.
Click "Sign In": You're ready to go!
Step 2: Choose Your Store & Shopping Method
Now that you're logged in, the next vital step is to tell Kroger where you want to pick up your order.
Sub-heading: A. Selecting "Pickup" as Your Shopping Method
Look for "Pickup at" or "Shop": On the Kroger website, usually near the top left or right, you'll see "Pickup at [Your Current Store/Location]". In the app, there might be a dedicated "Pickup" tab or an option to "Choose Your Way to Shop."
Enter Your Location: If it's not already set to your preferred store, click on the current location. A pop-up or new screen will appear where you can enter your ZIP code or allow the app/website to use your current location.
Find Your Store: A list of nearby Kroger stores offering pickup will appear. Browse through them and select the store that's most convenient for you. Pro tip: Consider the store closest to your route home or work!
Confirm "Pickup": Ensure that "Pickup" is selected as your preferred shopping method for that particular store. If you accidentally select "Delivery," you'll need to go back and change it.
Step 3: Time to Shop! Filling Your Cart with Groceries
This is the fun part! Kroger makes it super easy to find what you need.
Sub-heading: A. Navigating the Aisles (Virtually, of Course!)
Search Bar is Your Best Friend: Have specific items in mind? Use the search bar at the top of the page or app. Type in what you're looking for (e.g., "milk," "organic bananas," "chicken breast") and hit enter.
Browse Departments: If you prefer to browse, just like in a physical store, you can explore various departments (e.g., Produce, Dairy, Meat & Seafood, Pantry, Frozen).
"Start My Cart" & "Buy Again": For returning customers, Kroger offers fantastic features like "Start My Cart" (which can recommend items based on your past purchases) or a "Buy Again" section, making it incredibly fast to reorder your staples.
Weekly Ad & Digital Coupons: Don't forget to check the weekly ad for sales and browse the digital coupons section. You can "clip" these coupons directly to your Shopper's Card, and they'll automatically apply to eligible items in your cart. This is a huge money-saver!
Sub-heading: B. Adding Items to Your Cart & Managing Quantities
Adding to Cart: Once you find an item you want, click the "Add to Cart" button.
Adjusting Quantities: Need more than one? After adding, you'll usually see a "+" and "-" button next to the item in your cart (or directly on the product listing). Use these to adjust the quantity.
Weighted Items: For items sold by weight (like certain fruits, vegetables, or deli meats), you'll often enter the desired weight or quantity, and the estimated price will update. The final price for these items will be determined at the time of pickup.
Sub-heading: C. Understanding Substitutions
Kroger's Pickup service aims to fulfill your order exactly as placed, but sometimes items might be out of stock. This is where substitutions come in.
"Allow Substitutions" Option: As you add items or view your cart, you'll often see a checkbox or toggle labeled "Allow Substitutions" for each item, or a general setting for your entire order.
What it Means: If you allow substitutions and an item is out of stock, Kroger will try to replace it with a similar item (e.g., a different brand of the same product, or a larger size if available).
Your Preferences Matter: You can often specify your preferences for substitutions, like "best match," "specific item only," or "no substitution." If you choose "no substitution," that item will simply be removed from your order if unavailable.
Review at Pickup: Even if you allow substitutions, you always have the right to reject any substituted items when you pick up your order. The associate will typically show you the substitutions.
Step 4: Review Your Cart & Proceed to Checkout
Once your virtual cart is brimming with groceries, it's time to review and finalize your order.
Sub-heading: A. Checking Your Cart for Accuracy
Click on the Cart Icon: Usually in the top right corner of the website or bottom navigation of the app, click on your shopping cart icon.
Verify Your Items & Quantities: Take a moment to scroll through your entire order. Make sure you haven't forgotten anything and that the quantities are correct.
Digital Coupons Applied: Confirm that any digital coupons you clipped have been applied to the relevant items. You'll see the discount reflected in your subtotal.
Sub-heading: B. Scheduling Your Pickup Time
This is a critical step!
Select a Date and Time Slot: You'll be prompted to choose a specific date and a one-hour time window for your pickup. Popular timeslots can fill up quickly, especially during peak hours or holidays, so it's a good idea to place your order in advance if you have a specific time in mind.
Availability: If no times are available, you may need to try a different day, a different store, or check back later as new slots can open up.
Step 5: Payment & Confirmation
Almost there! The final steps involve payment and receiving your order confirmation.
Sub-heading: A. Entering Payment Information
Accepted Payment Methods: Kroger Pickup typically accepts credit cards, debit cards, and SNAP EBT (at most locations). Currently, cash or checks are generally not accepted for online pickup orders.
Estimated Total: You'll see an estimated total for your order. Keep in mind that the final price may adjust slightly due to weighted items, substitutions, or last-minute coupon applications. A hold will be placed on your account for this estimated amount.
Secure Payment: Enter your card details securely. Kroger uses encryption to protect your financial information.
Bring Your Card to Pickup: It's a good practice to bring the physical credit/debit card you used online to the pickup location, as sometimes verification is required. Also, have a backup card just in case.
Sub-heading: B. Review & Submit Your Order
Final Review: Before hitting "Submit," take one last look at your order summary, chosen pickup time, and payment details.
Submit Order: Once you're confident, click the "Submit Order" or "Place Order" button.
Sub-heading: C. Confirmation & Updates
Order Confirmation: You'll immediately receive an on-screen confirmation, followed by an email or text message (if you opted for SMS updates) with your order details and confirmation number. Keep this handy!
Modifying Your Order: You can usually modify your order (add or remove items) up until a certain cut-off time, which is often the night before your scheduled pickup or a few hours before the picking process begins. Check your order details for the exact cut-off time.
Substitution Notifications: If you opted for them, you might receive notifications about any substitutions or out-of-stock items before you arrive.
Step 6: Pickup Time! Getting Your Groceries
The big moment has arrived!
Sub-heading: A. "On My Way" Feature (Highly Recommended!)
Use the App/Website: When you're on your way to the store, open the Kroger app or website and use the "On My Way" feature (if available). This notifies the store that you're en route, helping them prepare for your arrival and minimize your wait time.
Notifications: You might also receive a notification when your order is ready for pickup.
Sub-heading: B. Arriving at the Store
Follow the Signs: Look for designated "Online Pickup," "ClickList," or "Kroger Pickup" parking spots. These are usually well-marked and close to the store entrance.
Park in a Numbered Spot: Park your car in an available numbered pickup spot.
Check-In:
Call the Number: There will be a phone number prominently displayed on the pickup sign. Call this number and tell the associate your name, order number, and parking spot number.
App Check-In: Alternatively, many stores allow you to check in through the Kroger app, simply by entering your parking spot number.
Be Patient: Sometimes there might be a short wait, especially during busy times.
Sub-heading: C. Receiving Your Order
Associate Arrival: A friendly Kroger associate will bring your order out to your car.
Review & Confirm: They will usually confirm your name and order. This is your chance to review any substitutions and decline them if you wish.
Show ID (if applicable): If your order contains age-restricted items like alcohol or tobacco, you must present a valid government-issued photo ID.
Load-Up: The associate will then load your groceries into your vehicle. You don't even have to get out of your car!
Coupons: If you have any paper coupons, this is the time to hand them to the associate for processing. (Note: digital coupons are usually already applied.)
Final Receipt: You'll receive a final receipt, which will reflect any changes due to weighted items, substitutions, or paper coupons.
And that's it! You've successfully placed and picked up your Kroger order. Enjoy your fresh groceries and the time you saved!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to create a Kroger account for pickup?
You can create a Kroger account on Kroger.com or through the Kroger app by selecting "Create Account" and following the prompts to enter your details and link your loyalty card.
How to change my pickup store or time slot?
Once an order is placed, you generally cannot change the store or time slot. You would need to cancel the existing order and place a new one with the correct store and time, provided the order hasn't already begun being picked.
How to modify or cancel a Kroger Pickup order?
You can usually modify or cancel your order through the "My Purchases" or "Order History" section of your Kroger account online or in the app. There's a cut-off time (often the night before or a few hours prior to pickup) after which modifications or cancellations are no longer possible.
How to add digital coupons to my Kroger Pickup order?
Digital coupons can be "clipped" directly to your Shopper's Card from the "Digital Coupons" section on the Kroger website or app. They will automatically apply to eligible items in your cart during checkout.
How to use paper coupons with a Kroger Pickup order?
For pickup orders, you need to present your paper coupons to the Kroger associate when they bring your order out to your car. They will scan them and apply the discounts to your final total.
How to handle out-of-stock items and substitutions in my Kroger Pickup order?
During the ordering process, you can choose to "Allow Substitutions" and even specify your preference for each item (best match, specific item only, no substitution). If a substitution is made, the associate will show it to you at pickup, and you can accept or decline it then.
How to pay for my Kroger Pickup order?
Kroger Pickup typically accepts credit and debit cards online. SNAP EBT is also accepted at most locations. You'll enter your payment information during the online checkout process. It's recommended to bring the card you used to the store for verification.
How to know when my Kroger Pickup order is ready?
You can opt-in for SMS notifications, or use the "On My Way" feature in the app/website when you're headed to the store. The store will also typically notify you when your order is ready for pickup.
How to check in when I arrive at the Kroger Pickup location?
Park in a designated pickup spot and call the phone number listed on the sign, providing your name, order number, and parking spot number. Alternatively, you can use the Kroger app's check-in feature.
How to get help if I have an issue with my Kroger Pickup order?
For any issues or concerns, you can contact Kroger Customer Service. Their contact information (phone, chat, email) is usually available on the "Help Center" or "Contact Us" section of their website or app.
