Hey there, Kroger shopper! Are you ready to unlock the true potential of your Kroger points and turn them into incredible savings? Whether you're a seasoned points pro or just starting your journey, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of maximizing your rewards. Let's dive in and make those points work for you!
Understanding Your Kroger Points: The Basics
Before we get to spending those hard-earned points, let's quickly review what they are and how you accumulate them. Kroger operates on a loyalty program where you earn points for nearly every dollar you spend at their family of stores, both in-store and online.
Fuel Points: These are the most common type of points, typically earning you 1 Fuel Point for every $1 spent on qualifying purchases. These points are primarily used for discounts at the pump.
Rewards Cash (or Dollars Off): In some select locations, Kroger allows you to redeem your Fuel Points for "Rewards Cash" which translates to dollars off your next grocery purchase. This is a fantastic option if you don't frequently fill up your tank or prefer to see direct savings on your groceries.
Cash Back Offers: Separate from your general loyalty points, Kroger also offers "Cash Back Offers" on specific items. When you purchase these items and clip the offer to your card, you accumulate cash back that can be redeemed later.
Important Note: The specific redemption options and values can vary by region, so always double-check your local Kroger store's policies or your digital account for the most accurate information.
Step 1: Getting Started – Do You Have a Kroger Account and Shopper's Card?
This is the crucial first step! Without a Kroger digital account and a linked Shopper's Card, your purchases won't earn points, and you won't be able to redeem them.
Sub-heading: Create or Link Your Digital Account
If you don't have a digital account yet:
Visit the Kroger website: Go to Kroger.com and look for "Create Account" or "Sign Up."
Provide your details: You'll typically need to enter your name, email address, and create a password.
Link your Shopper's Card: If you already have a physical Shopper's Card, you'll be prompted to link its number to your new digital account. This ensures all your past and future purchases are tracked for points.
If you already have a digital account but haven't linked a card (or aren't sure):
Log in to your account: Head to Kroger.com or open the Kroger app and sign in.
Navigate to "Profile Information" or "Account Settings": Look for a section related to your Shopper's Card number.
Edit/Add your Shopper's Card number: Enter the number found on the back of your physical card. If you don't have a physical card, you can often get one at the customer service desk in any Kroger store.
Don't have a physical Shopper's Card? No problem! You can still earn and redeem points by providing the phone number associated with your digital account at checkout.
Step 2: Earning Your Kroger Points – The Smart Way to Shop!
Now that your account is set up, let's talk about maximizing your point-earning potential. Every shopping trip is an opportunity!
Sub-heading: Everyday Purchases and Fuel Point Accumulation
Scan Your Shopper's Card/Use Alt-ID: This is the most fundamental step. Always scan your physical Shopper's Card or enter your associated phone number (Alt-ID) at the register for every single purchase. This ensures you get 1 Fuel Point for every $1 spent on eligible items.
Online Orders (Pickup & Delivery): When you shop online for Pickup or Delivery, make sure you're logged into your digital account. Your points will automatically accumulate.
Gift Cards: The Double Points Powerhouse!
This is a game-changer for many savvy shoppers. Kroger frequently offers 2X (or even 4X!) Fuel Points on gift card purchases.
Think about gift cards for places you already shop: restaurants, clothing stores, entertainment, or even home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowe's. Buying these gift cards at Kroger means you earn extra fuel points for money you were going to spend anyway.
Always check for promotions! Kroger often advertises special "4X Fuel Points Fridays" or similar events.
Prescriptions: Did you know you can earn Fuel Points on qualifying prescriptions filled at a Kroger Pharmacy? It's a great way to boost your points if you have regular prescriptions.
Points Events & Digital Coupons: Keep an eye out for special "Points Events" and clip digital coupons that offer bonus points on specific products. These are advertised in the weekly ad, on the Kroger website, and in the mobile app.
Step 3: Tracking Your Points – Staying Informed
Knowing how many points you have and when they expire is crucial for effective redemption.
Sub-heading: Where to Check Your Balance
Your Receipt: After every in-store purchase where you use your Shopper's Card, your current Fuel Point balance will be printed at the bottom of your receipt.
Kroger Website (Digital Account):
Log in: Sign in to your Kroger digital account on the website.
Navigate to "Rewards" or "Points": You'll find a dedicated section showing your current Fuel Point balance and often a breakdown of how they were earned.
Kroger Mobile App:
Download the app: If you haven't already, download the Kroger app to your smartphone.
Log in: Sign in with your digital account credentials.
Check your "Rewards" or "Points" section: The app provides a convenient, on-the-go way to monitor your points.
Sub-heading: Understanding Point Expiration
Fuel Points typically expire on the last day of the month after they are earned. For example, points earned in May will expire on June 30th.
Monthly balances do not combine across months. Each month is a separate earning and redemption period. This means it's wise to use your points before they vanish!
Step 4: Redeeming Your Kroger Points – The Payoff!
This is the exciting part! You've earned them, now let's use them to save some serious cash.
Sub-heading: Option A: Fuel Discounts at the Pump
This is the most common way to redeem your Kroger points, and it can lead to significant savings on your gas bill.
Find a Participating Fuel Center: Kroger Fuel Centers are usually located near Kroger stores. You can also redeem points at participating Shell locations. Use the store locator on the Kroger website or app to find one near you.
At the Pump:
Scan your Shopper's Card: Swipe your physical Kroger Shopper's Card.
Enter your Alt-ID: Alternatively, enter the phone number associated with your digital account.
Follow the Prompts: The pump screen will display your available Fuel Points and offer redemption options.
You'll typically be asked if you want to apply your discount.
You can often choose to redeem the full amount of points available for the current month or select a specific increment (e.g., 10¢, 20¢, etc.). To get the most value, it's usually best to redeem your full points for the maximum discount.
Pump your gas: The discount will be applied directly to the price per gallon.
Maximum Redemption: At Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Centers, you can redeem up to 1,000 Fuel Points for $1 off per gallon, up to 35 gallons. At participating Shell locations, 100 Fuel Points typically equate to 10¢ off per gallon.
Sub-heading: Option B: Rewards Cash (Dollars Off Groceries)
This option is available in select locations only (such as Columbus stores, Dillons, Baker's, Gerbes, or in Oklahoma City and Florida Kroger Delivery markets). If you're in one of these areas, this is how you can get cash off your groceries!
Log in to your Digital Account: Access your Kroger account via the website or mobile app.
Navigate to "Rewards" then "Points": Look for the section specifically dedicated to your points balance and redemption options.
Select "Redeem Points for Rewards Cash": You'll see an option to convert your points into a dollar value. Remember, 100 points generally equals $1 off.
Enter the Amount to Redeem: Input the number of points you wish to convert.
Confirm Redemption: Tap "Continue" or "Redeem Points" again to apply the savings to your next purchase.
Automatic Application: Once redeemed, your Rewards Cash will automatically apply to your next Kroger transaction, whether it's in-store (with your Shopper's Card) or online (Pickup/Delivery).
Important: Rewards cash typically expires on the last day of the month after the points were earned. For instance, rewards cash redeemed from May points will expire at the end of June.
There might be a daily maximum redemption limit (e.g., 1,000 points per day).
Sub-heading: Option C: Cash Back Offers (Distinct from Loyalty Points)
Kroger's Cash Back Offers work a bit differently from the loyalty points.
Browse Cash Back Offers:
Website: Log in to your digital account and navigate to "Savings & Rewards" then "Cash Back Offers."
App: Check the "Cash Back Offers" section in the app.
Load Offers to Your Card: "Clip" or "load" the desired Cash Back Offers to your Shopper's Card before you shop.
Purchase Qualifying Items: Buy the specific items that correspond to the clipped Cash Back Offers. Remember to scan your Shopper's Card at checkout!
Accrue Cash Back: The cash back value will accrue in your account within a week of purchase.
Cash Out Your Rewards:
Log in to your account: Go to the "Cash Back" page.
Select "Cash Out": You can typically choose to transfer your accumulated cash back to your Shopper's Card (to be applied to future grocery purchases) or to your PayPal account.
Minimum for PayPal: There's usually a minimum amount (e.g., $20) required to cash out to PayPal.
Daily Limit: There might be a daily maximum for cash out (e.g., $99.99).
Important: Cash Back Offers usually cannot be combined with digital coupons on the same item.
Step 5: Advanced Tips for Maximizing Your Savings
You're almost a Kroger points master! Here are some pro tips to squeeze even more value.
Combine Fuel Fill-ups: If you have multiple cars in your household, try to fill them up at the same time (up to 35 gallons total per redemption) to maximize the "dollars off per gallon" discount. You can even use fuel jugs if allowed at your station!
Don't Wait Until the Last Minute: While points expire at the end of the next month, sometimes system updates can be tricky. Aim to use your points a few days before the official expiration date to avoid any issues.
Complete Surveys: Some Kroger receipts offer a survey opportunity that can earn you extra Fuel Points (e.g., 50 points). Check the bottom of your receipts!
Kroger Boost Membership: Consider a Kroger Boost membership if you shop frequently. This paid membership often offers benefits like free grocery delivery and 2X Fuel Points on everyday purchases, significantly accelerating your earning.
Kroger Credit Card: If you're a loyal Kroger shopper, explore the Kroger credit card. It often provides enhanced rewards, such as additional cash back on Kroger purchases and extra fuel discounts.
Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about Kroger points, with quick answers:
How to check my Kroger points balance?
You can check your balance on your grocery receipt, by logging into your Kroger digital account on their website, or through the Kroger mobile app in the "Rewards" or "Points" section.
How to redeem Kroger Fuel Points at the pump?
At the gas pump, swipe your Kroger Shopper's Card or enter your Alt-ID (phone number) and follow the prompts to apply your available fuel discount.
How to use Kroger points for groceries (Rewards Cash)?
In select regions, log in to your digital account on the Kroger website or app, go to "Rewards" then "Points," and choose to convert your points into "Rewards Cash" which will be applied to your next grocery purchase.
How to earn more Kroger Fuel Points?
Shop regularly at Kroger and always use your Shopper's Card/Alt-ID. Purchase gift cards, especially during 2X or 4X point promotions. Fill qualifying prescriptions at the Kroger Pharmacy. Look for special "Points Events" and clip digital coupons.
How to link my Kroger Shopper's Card to my digital account?
Log in to your Kroger digital account on the website or app, navigate to your "Profile Information" or "Account Settings," and enter your Shopper's Card number.
How to find participating Kroger Fuel Centers or Shell locations?
Use the store locator tool on the Kroger website or mobile app and filter for "Fuel Centers" or "Gas Stations" to see eligible redemption locations.
How to know when my Kroger points expire?
Kroger Fuel Points expire on the last day of the month after they were earned. You can see the expiration date on your receipt or in your digital account.
How to get Kroger Cash Back offers?
Log in to your Kroger digital account on the website or app, go to "Savings & Rewards," then "Cash Back Offers," and "clip" or "load" the desired offers to your Shopper's Card.
How to cash out Kroger Cash Back rewards?
Once you've accrued cash back from offers, log in to your digital account, go to the "Cash Back" section, and choose to transfer the funds to your Shopper's Card or a linked PayPal account (subject to minimums).
How to get a Kroger Shopper's Card?
You can sign up for a free digital account online, which creates a virtual Shopper's Card, or request a physical card at the customer service desk of any Kroger family of stores.
There you have it! A comprehensive guide to mastering your Kroger points. By following these steps and staying informed, you'll be well on your way to significant savings on both your groceries and your fuel. Happy shopping!
