Kroger's Fuel Points program is a fantastic way to save money on gasoline, especially if you regularly shop at their family of stores. It's like a reward system that literally puts money back in your pocket (or, rather, keeps it there by reducing your gas bill!). But how exactly do you navigate the pumps and make sure you're getting that sweet discount? Let's dive in with a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to using your fuel points at a Kroger gas station.
Fueling Up for Savings: Your Guide to Using Kroger Fuel Points
Are you ready to turn your grocery spending into significant savings at the gas pump? Excellent! The Kroger Fuel Points program is designed to do just that. With a little understanding of how it works and what to do at the pump, you'll be driving away with a lighter wallet and a fuller tank for less.
Step 1: Accumulating Your Precious Fuel Points
Before you can redeem, you need to earn! This is where your regular Kroger shopping habits come into play.
How to Earn Fuel Points: The Basics
Shop at Kroger Family Stores: This is the primary way to earn. For every $1 you spend on eligible groceries and general merchandise at Kroger and its family of stores (like Ralphs, Fred Meyer, King Soopers, Fry's, etc.), you'll earn 1 Fuel Point. Make sure you always use your Kroger Shopper's Card or your associated Alt-ID (your phone number) at checkout.
Prescriptions: Filling qualifying prescriptions at a Kroger pharmacy also earns you fuel points. You can earn a significant amount here, often 25 points per qualifying prescription and even more for 90-day refills!
Gift Cards: The Supercharger! This is often the fastest way to rack up points. When you buy gift cards from Kroger (for other retailers, restaurants, or even Kroger itself), you typically earn 2 Fuel Points for every $1 spent. Keep an eye out for special promotions where this can jump to 4X or even 5X points on gift card purchases! Imagine buying a gift card for a place you already frequent, like Amazon or Starbucks, and getting quadruple the fuel points!
Important Notes on Earning:
Exclusions: Be aware that certain items typically do not earn fuel points, including alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets, money orders, postage stamps, and sometimes even fluid milk products (depending on your state).
Tracking Your Points: You can easily check your Fuel Points balance on your Kroger receipt, by logging into your Kroger digital account on their website, or through the Kroger mobile app. It's smart to keep an eye on your balance so you know when you have enough for a good discount.
Boost Membership: If you're a frequent Kroger shopper, consider their "Boost" membership. It often provides 2X Fuel Points on everyday purchases, essentially doubling your earning power!
Step 2: Understanding Fuel Point Redemption Tiers
Once you've accumulated points, it's time to understand their value at the pump.
100 Fuel Points = 10¢ off per gallon: This is the baseline.
200 Fuel Points = 20¢ off per gallon
... and so on!
The savings increase incrementally. At most Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Centers, you can redeem up to 1,000 Fuel Points for a massive $1.00 off per gallon! This is a significant discount and can lead to substantial savings, especially if you have a large fuel tank.
Key Redemption Details:
Maximum Gallons: Typically, you can redeem your fuel points for a discount on up to 35 gallons of fuel in a single transaction. This is great for filling up larger vehicles or even two cars if you're clever about it (more on that later!).
Expiration: This is crucial! Fuel Points usually expire on the last day of the month after they were earned. For example, points earned in May will expire on June 30th. They do not roll over from month to month or combine across earning periods. So, if you have 80 points from May and 150 from June, you can't combine them to make 200 points to get 20¢ off. You'd use 100 from June for 10¢ off, and the 80 from May would expire if not used. Always use your oldest points first if you have the option!
Participating Locations: Fuel points can be redeemed at Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Centers and at participating Shell gas stations. You can usually find a list of participating locations on the Kroger website or app.
Step 3: Navigating to the Gas Station
Alright, you've got those points burning a hole in your virtual pocket. It's time to hit the gas station!
Locate a Kroger Fuel Center: Use the Kroger app or website to find the nearest Kroger Fuel Center or a participating Shell station. It's always a good idea to confirm they accept Kroger Fuel Points.
Check Gas Prices: While not directly related to redemption, it's always smart to check gas prices in your area using apps like GasBuddy. Even with a discount, comparing prices can help you maximize your savings.
Step 4: Redeeming Your Fuel Points at the Pump (The Main Event!)
This is where the magic happens. The process is quite straightforward once you know what to do.
Scenario 1: Using Your Kroger Shopper's Card or Alt-ID (Most Common)
Pull Up to the Pump: Park your vehicle at an available pump.
Initiate the Transaction: The pump screen will typically prompt you to insert your credit/debit card or enter your loyalty information.
Scan Your Shopper's Card or Enter Alt-ID:
If you have your physical Kroger Shopper's Card: Look for a card reader slot on the pump and swipe your card.
If you prefer using your phone number (Alt-ID): Select the "Loyalty ID" or "Alternate ID" option on the screen. You'll then be prompted to enter the phone number associated with your Kroger account.
Confirm Your Fuel Points: The pump screen will then display your available fuel point balance and the corresponding discount options.
You will typically see options like:
"Redeem all available points for $X.XX off per gallon."
"Choose a specific month's points to redeem." (This is important if you have points expiring soon from an older month)
"Enter the amount you want to use in 10¢ increments." (This allows you to use a partial discount if you don't want to use all your points or don't have enough for the next tier).
"Save 3¢ per gallon without using points." (Even if you have no points, simply using your Shopper's Card or Alt-ID will often get you a small discount).
Select Your Desired Discount: Choose the option that best suits your needs. If you have points from different months, the system will usually default to redeeming the oldest points first, but it's good to be aware of your options.
Insert Payment Method: After confirming your fuel point redemption, the pump will then ask for your payment method (credit card, debit card, Kroger Pay, etc.). Insert your card or follow the instructions for your chosen payment method.
Begin Pumping: Once your payment is authorized, you can begin fueling your vehicle. The discount will be applied automatically to the price per gallon displayed on the pump.
Scenario 2: Using Kroger Pay (Mobile App)
Kroger Pay is a fantastic, contactless way to combine your loyalty and payment in one scan.
Open the Kroger App: Before you even get to the pump (or while you're waiting), open your Kroger mobile app.
Access Kroger Pay: Look for the "Kroger Pay" option within the app.
Select "Use at the Pump": This option will be available in the Kroger Pay interface.
Choose Your Fuel Discount: Within the app, you'll be presented with your available fuel point balances and redemption options. Select the discount you wish to apply.
Select Payment Method: Choose the payment method you've linked to your Kroger Pay wallet.
Generate QR Code: The app will generate a unique QR code.
Scan at the Pump: At the gas pump, look for the scanner (often near where you'd normally swipe your card or enter your Alt-ID). Scan the QR code displayed on your phone. This single scan transmits both your loyalty information (for fuel points) and your payment details.
Begin Pumping: Once the pump authorizes the transaction, you can start fueling.
Step 5: Maximizing Your Savings and Troubleshooting Tips
Fill Up Fully (or Near Fully): Since the discount applies to up to 35 gallons, try to fill up as much as possible to get the most value from your points. If you have multiple vehicles, consider filling them back-to-back at the same pump to maximize the 35-gallon limit in one transaction.
Don't Waste Points: Always be mindful of your point expiration dates. It's better to use a smaller discount than to let points expire unused.
Combine Offers: Sometimes, you might find additional promotions or coupons that can be stacked with your fuel point discount for even greater savings. Check your Kroger app or weekly ad.
Having Trouble?
"My points aren't showing up!" Double-check that you used your Shopper's Card or Alt-ID when earning. Also, sometimes it takes a short while for points to register in the system.
"The discount isn't applying!" Make sure you selected the fuel point redemption option on the pump screen. If you're still having issues, go inside and speak with an attendant. They can often manually apply the discount or troubleshoot the problem.
"I have points from last month, but the pump only shows this month's!" At Kroger Fuel Centers, you should have the option to select which month's points you want to redeem. If the pump isn't offering this, try speaking with an attendant or using Kroger Pay, which often provides more granular control.
"Can I get cash back?" No, fuel points are for fuel discounts only. You cannot redeem them for cash back.
By following these steps, you'll become a pro at leveraging your Kroger Fuel Points, making your trips to the gas station a little less painful and a lot more rewarding!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my Kroger Fuel Points balance?
You can easily check your Fuel Points balance on your latest Kroger grocery receipt, by logging into your Kroger digital account on their official website (kroger.com), or through the Kroger mobile app.
How to earn Kroger Fuel Points faster?
To earn points faster, focus on purchasing gift cards (which often yield 2x or even 4x fuel points during promotions), look for "bonus fuel point" promotions on specific items in the weekly ad or app, and consider signing up for a Kroger Boost membership for 2x points on everyday purchases.
How to use Kroger Fuel Points at Shell gas stations?
At participating Shell locations, simply swipe your Kroger Shopper's Card or enter your Alt-ID (phone number) at the pump. The system will recognize your loyalty account and display your available fuel point discount, allowing you to redeem it.
How to know when my Kroger Fuel Points expire?
Kroger Fuel Points typically expire on the last day of the month after they were earned. For example, points earned in January expire on February 28/29. You can see the expiration dates when you check your balance online or in the app.
How to get more than $1 off per gallon with Kroger Fuel Points?
While the standard maximum redemption is $1.00 off per gallon (1,000 points) at most Kroger Fuel Centers, some select cities or specific promotions might offer higher discounts. Additionally, if you use a Kroger credit card, you might get an additional discount on top of your fuel point savings, effectively bringing your total discount over $1.00 per gallon.
How to use Kroger Fuel Points for two cars in one transaction?
At a Kroger Fuel Center, if you have enough points for a significant discount and two vehicles needing fuel, you can often fill up one car, then without rehanging the nozzle or ending the transaction, move the hose to the second car and continue pumping. The discount will apply to up to 35 gallons in that single transaction.
How to use Kroger Pay to redeem fuel points?
Open the Kroger app, select "Kroger Pay," then "Use at the Pump." Within this option, you'll choose your desired fuel discount and payment method, then generate a QR code. Scan this QR code at the gas pump to apply your fuel points and pay in one step.
How to get a discount at a Kroger gas station without any fuel points?
Even without accumulated fuel points, simply by scanning your Kroger Shopper's Card or entering your Alt-ID (phone number) at a Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Center, you are often eligible for a small baseline discount, typically 3 cents off per gallon.
How to troubleshoot if my Kroger Fuel Points aren't applying at the pump?
First, ensure you correctly entered your Alt-ID or swiped your Shopper's Card. Check the pump screen to make sure you selected the option to apply your fuel point discount. If issues persist, go inside the gas station and speak with an attendant, who can often manually assist or troubleshoot the problem.
How to avoid losing expiring Kroger Fuel Points?
Regularly check your fuel point balance and expiration dates. If you have points nearing expiration, plan a trip to a Kroger or participating Shell gas station before the end of the month to use them, even if it's for a partial fill-up or a smaller discount.
