Ready to unlock some serious savings at Kroger? You're in the right place! Kroger's rewards program is designed to help you save on groceries, fuel, and more. It might seem like a lot at first, but with this step-by-step guide, you'll be a Kroger savings pro in no time. Let's dive in!
How Does Kroger Rewards Work? Your Ultimate Guide to Savings!
Kroger's rewards system is built around its Shopper's Card, a powerful tool that unlocks a world of discounts, personalized offers, and exclusive benefits. It's much more than just a loyalty card; it's your key to maximizing every shopping trip.
Step 1: Getting Started – Your First Step Towards Savings!
The very first thing you need to do is get yourself a Kroger Shopper's Card. Don't worry, it's completely free and incredibly easy!
Sub-heading 1.1: Obtaining Your Shopper's Card
In-Store: You can simply ask for a Shopper's Card at the customer service desk or even at the checkout counter during your next visit to any Kroger Family of Stores. They'll typically issue you a physical card right away.
Online/Digital Account: For even more convenience, you can create a digital account on the Kroger website or through their mobile app. When you create an account online, you'll have the option to link an existing physical Shopper's Card or create an "Alt ID" (an alternate ID, usually your phone number) that functions just like a physical card. This is often the most recommended way to get started, as it seamlessly integrates with digital coupons and personalized offers.
Sub-heading 1.2: Linking Your Card (If Applicable)
If you received a physical card in-store but plan to use the digital features (which you absolutely should!), make sure to link your physical Shopper's Card number to your online digital account. This ensures all your purchases, whether in-store or online, contribute to your rewards and discounts. You can do this in your account profile section on the Kroger website or app.
Step 2: Understanding the Core – The Power of Your Shopper's Card
Your Shopper's Card is the foundation of the entire Kroger rewards ecosystem. It automatically tracks your purchases and applies discounts.
Sub-heading 2.1: Automatic Discounts
When you scan your Shopper's Card (or enter your Alt ID) at checkout, you automatically receive sale prices and member-exclusive discounts. Many items throughout the store will be marked with special "Shopper's Card Price" tags, meaning you only get that lower price if your card is scanned. Don't forget to scan it every time!
Sub-heading 2.2: Earning Fuel Points
This is one of the most popular and valuable aspects of the Kroger rewards program. For almost every dollar you spend on groceries and general merchandise at Kroger Family of Stores, you earn 1 Fuel Point.
How it Works:
For example, if you spend $100 on groceries, you'll earn 100 Fuel Points.
These points accumulate throughout the month.
100 Fuel Points typically equate to 10 cents off per gallon of fuel at Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Centers and participating Shell locations.
You can often redeem up to 1,000 Fuel Points for $1.00 off per gallon (up to 35 gallons in a single fill-up).
Keep an eye out for special promotions where you can earn 2x, 4x, or even 5x Fuel Points on specific purchases, like gift cards or certain departments. These can drastically increase your savings at the pump!
Sub-heading 2.3: Digital Coupons – Your Personal Savings Stash
Kroger's digital coupons are a game-changer for savvy shoppers. These are coupons you "clip" online or in the app and they are automatically loaded to your Shopper's Card.
How to Use Them:
Browse and Clip: Log into your digital account on the Kroger website or app. Go to the "Digital Coupons" section. You'll see hundreds of coupons for various products. Simply click "Load to Card" for any coupon you want to use.
Shop: Purchase the qualifying item(s) in-store or online.
Scan and Save: When you check out, scan your Shopper's Card or enter your Alt ID. The digital coupon discount will automatically be applied to your purchase and will show up on your receipt.
Pro Tip: Many digital coupons are "5x" coupons, meaning you can use them up to five times in a single transaction, offering substantial savings on multiple units of an item.
Step 3: Maximizing Your Rewards – Beyond the Basics
Kroger offers several advanced ways to amplify your savings.
Sub-heading 3.1: Kroger Boost Membership
This is a paid annual membership that takes your savings to the next level.
Key Benefits:
Free Delivery: Unlimited free grocery delivery on orders over a certain amount (typically $35). This can save a ton on delivery fees if you frequently use the service.
2X Fuel Points: Members automatically earn double Fuel Points on everyday purchases. This means you reach fuel discounts twice as fast!
Exclusive Offers: Boost members often receive additional exclusive digital coupons and personalized discounts.
Is it for You? If you frequently shop at Kroger and utilize their delivery service or fill up your gas tank often, a Boost membership can quickly pay for itself in savings.
Sub-heading 3.2: Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard
For the ultimate Kroger loyalist, this credit card offers even more rewards.
Cash Back: Earn cash back on your Kroger purchases (often higher rates for Kroger Pay or mobile wallet transactions) and on purchases everywhere else Mastercard is accepted.
Additional Fuel Points: The card can also come with additional fuel point benefits.
Note: This is a credit card, so it involves credit approval and the usual considerations of managing a credit line.
Sub-heading 3.3: Cash Back Offers
Kroger is also testing a "Cash Back" program where you can earn money back on specific items.
How it Works: Similar to digital coupons, you load these offers to your Shopper's Card. When you purchase the qualifying item, your cash back balance accrues.
Redemption: You can then cash out your earnings either to your Shopper's Card balance (for future Kroger purchases) or sometimes even to your PayPal account once you reach a certain threshold.
Step 4: Staying Informed and Tracking Your Savings
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to saving money!
Sub-heading 4.1: The Kroger App – Your Mobile Savings Hub
The Kroger mobile app is an indispensable tool for managing your rewards.
Features:
View your current Fuel Points balance.
Clip digital coupons on the go.
Create shopping lists.
View your digital receipts.
Access weekly ads for your local store.
Activate Kroger Pay for even quicker checkout and potential additional rewards.
Sub-heading 4.2: Weekly Ads and Personalized Offers
Weekly Ads: Always check your local Kroger's weekly ad (available online or in the app) before you shop. This highlights current sales, BOGO (Buy One Get One) deals, and special promotions.
Personalized Mailers/Emails: As a Shopper's Card holder, Kroger will often send you personalized coupons and offers based on your past purchase history. These can be incredibly valuable for saving on items you regularly buy. Don't throw them away!
Step 5: Redeeming Your Rewards – The Payoff!
All that effort in earning rewards leads to this moment!
Sub-heading 5.1: Redeeming Fuel Points
At the Pump: At a Kroger Fuel Center or participating Shell station, simply swipe your Shopper's Card or enter your Alt ID before you begin fueling. The system will automatically apply your available fuel discount.
Expiration: Remember, Fuel Points typically expire on the last day of the month following the month they were earned. Don't let them go to waste!
Sub-heading 5.2: Redeeming Digital Coupons and Cash Back
Automatic Redemption: As mentioned, digital coupons are automatically applied at checkout when you scan your Shopper's Card and purchase the qualifying items.
Cash Back Redemption: Follow the instructions in the app or on the website to transfer your earned cash back to your Shopper's Card or PayPal.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about Kroger Rewards:
How to get a Kroger Shopper's Card?
You can get a physical card at any Kroger store's customer service desk or checkout, or create a digital account and Alt ID online at Kroger.com or through the Kroger app.
How to check my Kroger Fuel Points balance?
You can check your Fuel Points balance on the Kroger website by logging into your digital account, or easily within the Kroger mobile app. It's also often printed on your receipts.
How to load digital coupons to my Kroger Shopper's Card?
Log into your digital account on Kroger.com or the Kroger app, navigate to the "Digital Coupons" section, and click "Load to Card" on each coupon you wish to use.
How to redeem Kroger Fuel Points at the gas pump?
At a Kroger Fuel Center or participating Shell station, swipe your Shopper's Card or enter your Alt ID before selecting your fuel grade and pumping gas. The discount will apply automatically.
How to know if an item qualifies for Fuel Points?
Generally, most grocery and general merchandise purchases at Kroger Family of Stores earn Fuel Points. Exclusions often include gift cards (though some promotions offer bonus points on them), alcohol, tobacco, pharmacy prescriptions, and fuel purchases themselves.
How to use Kroger Pay for extra rewards?
Activate Kroger Pay within the Kroger app and link your payment method. When checking out, scan the Kroger Pay QR code for a secure, fast transaction and to earn higher cash back rewards (if using the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard).
How to find weekly deals at Kroger?
Access your local store's weekly ad on Kroger.com or through the Kroger mobile app. You can also receive email notifications for sales and personalized offers.
How to cancel a Kroger Boost Membership?
You can cancel your Boost membership at any time through the "Membership Management" section of your digital account on Kroger.com. Note that membership fees are typically non-refundable, but benefits continue until the end of your paid period.
How to use Cash Back Rewards from Kroger?
Once you've accrued Cash Back Rewards (from specific offers loaded to your card), you can typically redeem them by transferring the balance to your Shopper's Card for in-store credit or, in some cases, to your PayPal account. Check the "Cash Back Offers" section in your digital account for details.
How to stack coupons at Kroger?
Kroger allows you to stack certain discounts: you can use a manufacturer's digital coupon with a store sale price, and sometimes even combine it with a paper coupon if the terms allow (though typically digital coupons supersede paper ones for the same item). The best way to stack is to look for digital coupons on items already on sale in the weekly ad.