Want to give the gift of groceries, household essentials, or even a treat from a favorite brand? Kroger gift cards are a fantastic choice! They offer incredible flexibility and can even help you save on gas with their fuel points program. This lengthy guide will walk you through every step of buying Kroger gift cards, whether you prefer shopping online or in-store. Let's get started!
Step 1: Decide Your Kroger Gift Card Strategy – Online or In-Store?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's figure out your preferred shopping style. Do you enjoy the convenience of clicking a few buttons from your couch, or do you prefer the traditional experience of Browse aisles? Both online and in-store options for buying Kroger gift cards have their perks!
Online Purchase: Ideal for sending eGift cards instantly, customizing messages, or simply avoiding a trip to the store. You can often find special promotions for fuel points online.
In-Store Purchase: Perfect if you need a physical card immediately, prefer to pay with cash, or want to combine your gift card purchase with your regular grocery shopping.
Once you've made your decision, proceed to the relevant section below!
Buying Kroger Gift Cards Online
Purchasing Kroger gift cards online is a straightforward process, offering both physical and eGift card options. This is especially convenient for sending gifts to friends and family, even if they live far away.
Step 2: Navigate to the Kroger Gift Card Website
Your first stop for online purchases is the official Kroger Gift Card website.
Open your web browser and go to giftcards.kroger.com. This is the dedicated portal for purchasing a wide array of gift cards, including Kroger's own brand.
Step 3: Choose Your Gift Card Type and Value
Once on the website, you'll be greeted with a vast selection of gift cards.
3.1 Selecting the Kroger Brand Gift Card
Look for "Our Store Gift Cards" or specifically search for "Kroger" in the search bar. Kroger offers its own branded gift cards that can be used at any of the Kroger Family of Stores (like Ralphs, Fred Meyer, QFC, Fry's Food, Smith's Food and Drug, King Soopers, etc.).
Alternatively, you can browse the extensive list of other popular brand gift cards available through the Kroger Gift Card Mall. These include everything from restaurants and entertainment to clothing and home improvement stores. Keep in mind that while you can buy these through Kroger, they are for use at those specific retailers, not necessarily Kroger stores themselves.
3.2 Choosing Physical vs. eGift Card
eGift Card: If you want instant delivery via email, select the eGift card option. This is perfect for last-minute gifts. You'll typically be asked for the recipient's email address and a delivery date.
Physical Gift Card: If you prefer a tangible card to present, choose the physical gift card option. You'll need to provide a shipping address.
3.3 Specifying the Denomination
Kroger gift cards typically come in various denominations, often ranging from $5 to $500.
Select the exact amount you wish to load onto the card. Some gift cards might offer pre-set amounts, while others allow you to enter a custom value within a specified range.
Step 4: Personalize Your Gift Card (Optional)
Making your gift card special is easy online!
If you've chosen an eGift card, you'll often have the option to add a personalized message (usually up to 250 characters) and even choose a design or image to accompany the email.
For physical cards, some options might allow for a gift message to be included with the packaging.
Step 5: Add to Cart and Proceed to Checkout
Once you've selected your card, value, and any personalization:
Click on the "Add to Cart" or similar button.
Review your order summary to ensure everything is correct.
Step 6: Create an Account or Check Out as a Guest
This is where your fuel points come into play!
Sign In / Create Account: If you have a Kroger.com account, it's highly recommended to sign in. This allows you to link your Shopper's Card and earn fuel points on your gift card purchase. If you don't have an account, you can quickly create one.
Check Out as Guest: You can proceed as a guest, but you will not earn fuel points on your purchase.
Step 7: Enter Payment and Shipping/Delivery Information
This is the final step before completing your purchase.
7.1 Payment Details
Enter your credit or debit card information. Kroger's website is secure for transactions.
Double-check all payment details to avoid any delays.
7.2 Delivery Information
For eGift Cards: Carefully enter the recipient's email address. You can often schedule a future delivery date if you don't want it sent immediately.
For Physical Gift Cards: Provide the shipping address for the recipient. You'll usually have options for different shipping speeds, with varying delivery charges. Standard delivery typically takes 5-10 business days, while expedited options might take 2-4 business days.
Step 8: Review and Confirm Your Order
Before hitting that final "Place Order" button:
Carefully review all details: gift card type, value, recipient information, delivery method, and payment details.
Confirm that you understand the terms and conditions, especially regarding activation (some gift cards, particularly for pickup orders, might require activation after receipt).
Step 9: Receive Confirmation
Once your order is placed, you'll receive a confirmation email detailing your purchase.
For eGift cards, the recipient will receive an email with a link to their gift card (and you'll receive a confirmation when it's sent).
For physical cards, you'll get shipping updates.
Buying Kroger Gift Cards In-Store
If you prefer the tangible experience of shopping in person, buying Kroger gift cards at a physical Kroger Family of Stores location is incredibly easy.
Step 1: Locate Your Nearest Kroger Family Store
First, you'll need to find a Kroger Family of Stores location near you. This includes Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, QFC, Fry's Food, Smith's Food and Drug, King Soopers, and many more.
You can use the store locator on the Kroger website (kroger.com) or your preferred mapping app.
Step 2: Head to the Gift Card Display Aisle
Once inside the store:
Most Kroger stores have a dedicated gift card section, often located near the checkout lanes, customer service desk, or in a prominent aisle.
You'll find a wide array of gift cards neatly displayed on racks.
Step 3: Select Your Kroger Gift Card
Look for the Kroger-branded gift cards. These usually feature the Kroger logo and can be used across the Kroger Family of Companies.
Browse the available denominations. You'll typically find pre-set values like $10, $25, $50, $100, and sometimes cards that allow you to load any amount within a range (e.g., $5-$500). Choose the one that suits your needs.
Step 4: Proceed to Checkout
Once you have your chosen gift card(s):
Take them to any checkout lane – whether it's a manned register or a self-checkout station.
Step 5: Purchase and Activate Your Gift Card
This is the crucial step for in-store purchases.
Hand the gift card to the cashier. They will scan it and load the desired amount onto the card.
Inform the cashier of the exact denomination you wish to load if it's a variable-value card.
Pay for your gift card. You can use cash, debit card, or credit card.
Important: Link Your Shopper's Card! If you have a Kroger Shopper's Card, make sure to scan it or enter your associated phone number before completing the transaction. This is how you'll earn valuable fuel points on your gift card purchase.
Activation: In most cases, Kroger gift cards purchased in-store are activated at the time of purchase. You should receive a receipt that confirms the loaded value.
Note: If you're using Kroger Pickup for gift cards, they might have a $0 balance at pickup and require online activation via
Kroger.com/giftcardactivation
Step 6: Keep Your Receipt (Optional but Recommended)
While Kroger gift cards generally don't require activation after an in-store purchase, it's always a good idea to keep your receipt. It serves as proof of purchase and can be helpful if there are any issues with the card.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check my Kroger gift card balance?
You can easily check your Kroger gift card balance online at
How to use a Kroger gift card for online purchases?
When checking out on Kroger's website or a related Kroger Family of Stores website, look for the "gift card" payment option. Enter your gift card number and PIN (usually found under a scratch-off strip on physical cards) to apply the balance.
How to use a Kroger gift card for fuel?
To use a Kroger gift card for fuel, you need to prepay at the fuel kiosk inside the store. eGift cards generally cannot be redeemed directly at the fuel pump reader.
How to replace a lost or stolen Kroger gift card?
Unfortunately, Kroger gift cards should be treated like cash. If a Kroger gift card is lost, stolen, or damaged, it will generally not be replaced, and any remaining value will be lost.
How to earn fuel points when buying Kroger gift cards?
To earn fuel points, you must scan your Kroger Shopper's Card or enter your associated phone number at the time of purchase, whether online or in-store. Kroger often has promotions for extra fuel points on gift card purchases (e.g., 4X fuel points).
How to buy Kroger gift cards in bulk?
Kroger offers a corporate gift card program for bulk purchases. You can find more information on their corporate gift card website, which is often managed by a partner like Blackhawk Network. This is ideal for businesses or charities.
How to send a Kroger eGift card to someone else?
When purchasing an eGift card online, you'll be prompted to enter the recipient's email address and can often choose a delivery date. The eGift card will be sent directly to their inbox.
How to activate a Kroger gift card purchased for pickup?
If you add gift cards to your Kroger Pickup order, they will have a $0 balance when you pick them up. You will need to activate them online at
How to find out what stores accept Kroger gift cards?
Kroger gift cards are redeemable at all Kroger Family of Companies stores, which include banners like Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, QFC, Fry's Food, Smith's Food and Drug, King Soopers, and many others. Refer to
How to know if a Kroger gift card has an expiration date or fees?
Kroger gift cards do not expire and do not have any fees. The funds on the card will remain available until used.