The Best Grocery Store Rewards Programs for Budget-Conscious Shoppers

Groceries are typically the third largest bill behind housing and transportation. Being careful while grocery shopping is important, and so is getting easy savings so you can focus on getting the items you and your family want without breaking the bank.

You’ve likely seen advertisements within a grocery store of their rewards or loyalty programs. Stores use these to offer discounts and deals to keep customers returning. Many of these programs come with immediate rewards, even just for signing up. 

The best part: earning rewards is typically as simple as inputting your phone number at checkout. But getting the full value of the points requires a plan for your grocery shopping.

Here’s what you need to know about how these programs work and how they work.

What To Know about the Psychology of Rewards Programs

People love feeling like they’re getting something extra for their money, which is why the promise of discounts or freebies keeps them coming back. The idea of earning something over time, like points or a special status, also triggers a feeling of progress and achievement, which makes shopping feel more rewarding.

However, this can also work negatively. For example, if a grocery store without a loyalty program offers kiwis for $2, and the one with rewards offers the same kiwis for $3, the second store may retain customers for their desire to earn points. So yes, earning rewards can be a valuable way to save money, but keep searching for deals wherever they may be.

Start stacking store rewards, Instacart discounts, Upside perks, and fuel savings to cut your grocery bill today.

A Breakdown of Popular Grocery Store Loyalty Programs

Kroger Plus Card

The Kroger Plus Card is a free loyalty program that offers shoppers discounts, fuel rewards, and personalized savings at Kroger and its family of stores, including: Fred Meyer, Ralphs, King Soopers, Fry’s, Smith’s, Dillon’s, Harris Teeter, QFC, and Mariano’s. By signing up, members gain access to special in-store savings, digital coupons, and cashback offers, helping them save money on everyday groceries.

Additionally, every dollar spent earns fuel points, which can be redeemed for discounts at Kroger Fuel Centers and participating Shell stations. Cardholders can also enjoy deals based on their shopping habits, maximizing savings through the Kroger app or website. With no cost to join, the Kroger Plus Card makes grocery shopping more rewarding.

Pro tip: Plan your recipes around the digital coupons and cashback offers available to save even more.

Safeway Just for U

The Safeway Just for U program helps shoppers save on groceries, household items, and more. Available through the Safeway app and website, Just for U provides digital coupons, personalized deals based on shopping history, and Safeway for U rewards that can be used for discounts on groceries or gas at participating stations. 

You can redeem the points you earn for: Free grocery items or tiered basket discounts, discounts on gas at participating fuel stations, or automatic cash off during your next grocery run. 

Members also enjoy special perks like a $5 off coupon when you sign up, birthday treats, and a free monthly item. By linking their phone number or club card at checkout, shoppers can easily access their savings and earn rewards every time they shop, making it easy to stretch their budget.

If you earn points with this program, keep in mind that they expire after two months of earning them.

Target Circle

Target Circle is Target’s loyalty program offering deals, discounts, and cashback rewards on everyday purchases. There is a free and paid membership, where the paid membership gets higher rewards back. 

For the free membership, shoppers earn 1% back on eligible purchases, which can be redeemed on future Target trips. Members also receive birthday rewards, early access to special sales, and personalized offers based on their shopping habits. The program is easy to join via the Target app or website, making it a simple way for frequent shoppers to save while enjoying extra perks.

To add to the savings, you can also sign up for a reloadable card or debit card where you will earn 5% back on all Target purchases.

Don’t Overlook Weekly Ads and Apps

Loyalty programs cost money to run, and not every store offers them. Budget stores like Aldi and Family Dollar don’t offer them, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t more savings to be had.

For example, Aldi puts out a weekly ad for each store, showing what’s on sale for that week.

Also, there are apps offering even more savings. Upside offers several ways to save on both groceries and gas in your area, and Instacart runs promotions where you can get your groceries delivered for sometimes less than going in-store.

Using Support Programs

If you plan on using SNAP or WIC benefits during your grocery shopping, you can still earn rewards along the way. At checkout, share your loyalty program information, and then pay with your assistance card.

Your benefits are limited, so using a grocery loyalty program to earn points and potentially offset your bill could be a great way to stretch your dollars.

Final Thoughts

Before you head out to your local grocery store, search to see if they have a loyalty program in place, or even a weekly ad with coupons. If they have a rewards program, ask an employee how you can join.

It can be as simple as putting your phone number in at checkout to earn more rewards, and save even more money on your next grocery bill.