Hello there, savvy shopper! Are you ready to unlock the incredible savings and benefits that come with Kroger Rewards? Whether you're a seasoned Kroger veteran or new to the family of stores, understanding how to maximize your rewards can make a huge difference in your grocery budget. Let's dive in and turn your regular shopping trips into rewarding experiences!
The Power of Kroger Rewards: More Than Just Groceries
Kroger's rewards program, primarily centered around the Kroger Plus Card (or your associated Alt ID), is designed to give you exclusive discounts, personalized offers, and a fantastic way to save on fuel. It's not just about clipping coupons; it's about a holistic approach to smart shopping.
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| How Do You Use Kroger Rewards |
Step 1: Getting Started - Are You In The Club?
First things first, do you have a Kroger Plus Card or a digital account linked to one? If not, no worries! It's super easy to get started.
Sub-heading: Obtaining Your Kroger Plus Card
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In-Store: Head to the customer service desk at any Kroger family store. They can issue you a physical Kroger Plus Card on the spot.
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Online: Visit Kroger.com and look for the "Sign In" or "Create Account" option. You'll need an email address to complete this step. During the registration process, you can link an existing physical card or create a new digital account which will automatically generate a virtual Kroger Plus Card number for you. If you don't have a physical card, you can often use your phone number (Alternate ID) at checkout once your account is set up.
Pro Tip: If you already have an online account but aren't sure if your physical card is linked, log in to your digital account and check the "Profile Information" section. You should see an option to link or edit your Shopper's Card number.
Step 2: Activating and Connecting Your Digital Life
Once you have your Kroger Plus Card (physical or digital), the next crucial step is to connect it to a digital account. This is where the real magic of personalized savings happens!
Sub-heading: Setting Up Your Digital Account and App
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Website Registration: If you obtained a physical card first, go to Kroger.com and create a digital account. During this process, you'll be prompted to enter your Kroger Plus Card number. This links your physical card to your online profile.
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Download the Kroger App: This is an absolute game-changer! Download the official Kroger app (available on iOS and Android). Log in with your newly created digital account. The app makes finding and using coupons, tracking fuel points, and managing your shopping list incredibly convenient. The app icon looks just like the Kroger logo – easy to spot!
Why is the app so important? It centralizes all your rewards, allowing you to access digital coupons, track your fuel points, and even use Kroger Pay for a seamless checkout experience.
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Step 3: Unlocking Savings: Digital Coupons & Weekly Ads
Now that your account is set up and linked, it's time to start saving serious money! Kroger's digital coupons are a cornerstone of their rewards program.
Sub-heading: Finding and Clipping Digital Coupons
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Browse Online/App: Open the Kroger app or visit Kroger.com. Navigate to the "Digital Coupons" section (usually under "Save" or "Coupons"). You'll see a vast array of available deals.
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"Clip" Your Savings: When you see a coupon you want to use, simply tap the "Clip" button next to it. This action links the discount directly to your Kroger Plus Card/digital account. You can also tap "Shop All Items" on the coupon to add qualifying products to your cart if you're shopping online for pickup or delivery.
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Weekly Digital Deals: Keep an eye out for "Weekly Digital Deals." These are often incredible discounts that refresh regularly. Kroger has even started offering paper copies of weekly digital deals in-store, allowing you to scan them at checkout instead of clipping online.
Important Note on Clipping: Unlike old-school paper coupons, you don't need to print digital coupons. Clipping them electronically is all that's required. The discount will automatically apply when you scan your Shopper's Card or enter your Alt ID at checkout.
Sub-heading: Navigating the Weekly Ad
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Preview Early: The Kroger app and website allow you to preview the upcoming weekly ad, helping you plan your shopping trips around the best sales.
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Combine with Coupons: The magic truly happens when you combine weekly ad sales with digital coupons. Always check if there's a digital coupon available for an item already on sale for even deeper discounts!
Step 4: Earning Fuel Points: Drive Down Your Gas Bill
One of the most popular and valuable aspects of Kroger Rewards is the fuel points program.
Sub-heading: How Fuel Points Accumulate
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Everyday Purchases: You earn 1 Fuel Point for every $1 spent on groceries and most general merchandise when you use your Kroger Plus Card or Alt ID.
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Bonus Points: Look for special promotions that offer bonus fuel points on certain items or gift card purchases. Buying gift cards at Kroger can be a fantastic way to rack up points quickly (e.g., earn 2x Fuel Points on gift card purchases).
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Exclusions: Be aware that some items, like gift cards for other retailers (in certain cases), adult beverages, tobacco products, pharmacy prescriptions, and fuel purchases themselves, typically do not earn fuel points.
Sub-heading: Redeeming Your Fuel Points
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At the Pump: When you arrive at a Kroger Fuel Center or a participating Shell location, simply swipe your Kroger Plus Card or enter your Alt ID (the phone number associated with your account). The pump will then prompt you to choose your fuel discount.
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Discount Tiers: Fuel points typically translate to cents off per gallon. For example, 100 points might equal a $0.10 per gallon discount, 200 points a $0.20 discount, and so on, up to a maximum (often $1.00 per gallon or more, depending on promotions and location).
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Maximum Redemption: You can usually redeem points for one fuel purchase, up to a maximum of 35 gallons.
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Expiration: Fuel points expire on the last day of the month after they are earned. So if you earn points in July, they expire on August 31st. Make sure to use them!
Can I redeem points for groceries instead of fuel? Yes! In some regions (like Columbus, Dillons, Baker's, Gerbes stores, or Florida/Oklahoma City Kroger Delivery markets), you might have the option to convert your fuel points into "Rewards Cash" for dollars off your next grocery purchase. Check your Kroger app or website for specific redemption options available in your area.
Step 5: Maximizing Your Rewards with Kroger Pay & Boost Membership
Kroger offers even more ways to save and streamline your shopping.
Sub-heading: The Convenience of Kroger Pay
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What is Kroger Pay? Kroger Pay is a feature within the Kroger app that combines payment and loyalty information into a single QR code.
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How it Works: At checkout (in-store or at the fuel pump), open the Kroger Pay feature in your app. It generates a one-time-use QR code. Scan this code, and it securely transmits both your payment method (which you've pre-loaded into the app) and your Kroger Plus Card information.
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Benefits:
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Contact-Free: A quick and hygienic way to pay.
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Faster Checkout: One scan does it all – no need to swipe your card and then enter your phone number.
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Enhanced Rewards (with Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard): If you use the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard with Kroger Pay for non-fuel purchases, you can earn up to 5% cash back on the first $3,000 in purchases each calendar year, and 2% on amounts above that.
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Sub-heading: Considering a Boost Membership
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What is Boost? Boost is an annual paid membership program that offers additional benefits beyond the standard Kroger Rewards.
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Key Benefits:
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Free Delivery: Often provides free grocery delivery on orders over a certain amount (e.g., $35), potentially with same-day or next-day options.
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Bonus Fuel Points: Boost members often earn 2x Fuel Points on grocery and general merchandise purchases.
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Exclusive Offers: Access to special member-only deals and promotions.
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Streaming Benefits: Some Boost memberships may even include streaming service subscriptions (e.g., Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+).
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Is it Right for You? If you frequently use Kroger's delivery service or are a high-volume shopper, a Boost membership could provide significant savings that outweigh the annual fee. Kroger often offers free trials or discounted first-year memberships, so it's worth exploring!
Step 6: Beyond the Basics: Other Ways to Engage
Kroger Rewards isn't just about personal savings; it can also benefit your community!
Sub-heading: Kroger Community Rewards
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Support Non-Profits: You can link your Kroger Plus Card to a non-profit organization through the Kroger Community Rewards program. A portion of your eligible purchases will be donated to that organization at no extra cost to you.
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How to Enroll: Visit KrogerCommunityRewards.com and follow the steps to select your chosen organization. You'll need your Kroger digital account information to link your card. Remember, you'll typically need to re-enroll every April.
10 Related FAQ Questions
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Here are some common questions about using Kroger Rewards, with quick answers:
How to check my Kroger Rewards points balance?
You can easily check your Fuel Points balance and other rewards information by logging into your digital account on Kroger.com or through the Kroger mobile app.
How to add digital coupons to my Kroger card?
Simply log into your Kroger digital account on the website or app, navigate to the "Digital Coupons" section, and tap the "Clip" button next to the coupons you wish to add.
How to use Kroger fuel points at the pump?
At a Kroger Fuel Center or participating Shell station, swipe your Kroger Plus Card or enter your Alt ID (phone number) at the pump. Follow the prompts to select your desired fuel discount.
How to get a Kroger Plus Card if I don't have one?
You can get a physical Kroger Plus Card at the customer service desk in any Kroger family store, or create a digital account online at Kroger.com which will provide you with a virtual card number (and allow you to use your phone number as an Alt ID).
How to change my phone number associated with my Kroger rewards?
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Log into your Kroger digital account on Kroger.com or in the app, go to your "Profile Information" or "Account Settings," and you should find an option to edit your Shopper's Card or Alternate ID details.
How to redeem Kroger Cash Back Rewards?
If you're in a region where "Rewards Cash" is available for grocery discounts, you can typically redeem these points in your digital account (via the app or website) by converting them to "Rewards Cash" which then applies to your next qualifying grocery purchase. For the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard, cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit or Real-Time Rewards.
How to link multiple Kroger Plus Cards to one household account?
Kroger often automatically links accounts that share the same street address and last name into a loyalty program household. This combines digital coupons, points, and cash back balances for shared benefits. If you need assistance, contact Kroger Customer Service.
How to contact Kroger customer service about rewards issues?
You can call Kroger Customer Service at 1-800-KRO-GERS (1-800-576-4377). They are generally available Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to Midnight EST, and Saturday-Sunday from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. EST.
How to know if a digital coupon was applied to my purchase?
Digital coupon discounts will appear on your receipt underneath the qualifying item(s), often identified as "ecpn." You can also check your digital receipt in the Kroger app or online.
How to get the most out of Kroger Rewards?
The best way to maximize your Kroger Rewards is to consistently use your Kroger Plus Card/Alt ID, actively clip digital coupons, take advantage of weekly ad sales, redeem your fuel points regularly before they expire, and consider a Boost membership if its benefits align with your shopping habits.
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