TESCO shoppers should make sure they’re aware of several huge Clubcard changes coming within weeks.
The supermarket giant has made a flurry of changes recently.
Shoppers will need to make sure they’re prepared for the changesGetty
Some of the changes have already started and shoppers will have needed to have taken action in order to earn points.
Below we explain all you need to know.
Tesco’s Clubcard was launched in 1995, allowing shoppers to earn points as they shop – which can then be turned into vouchers for money off food or other partner schemes.
Each time you spend £1 in store and online, you get one point when you scan your card or app.
Points cut at reward partners from June
From June 14, Clubcard points spent with reward partners will be worth less.
Customers can currently exchange and triple the value of these vouchers at various reward partners including Pizza Express and Zizzi.
But from June 14, Clubcard vouchers will only be worth double their value if exchanged at any of Tesco’s 100 reward partners.
The move will mean that their value won’t go as far as it used to on things like family days out at Alton Towers Resort, meals at PizzaExpress, sunny getaways with Hotels.com and much more.
Customers wishing to avoid the points devaluation for as long as possible can do so by ordering partner codes before June 14.
These codes will still be worth the current rate and shoppers will have 12 months from their issue to redeem them.
Change to points for fuel from June
Drivers using Clubcards can currently get one point for every £2 of fuel they buy.
From June 14, you will collect one point for every two litres instead.
The current average cost of a litre of unleaded in the UK was 145.69p as of May 5, according to the RAC, so two litres cost almost £2.91.
That means the majority of people will be getting less Clubcard value from buying fuel.
The change excludes Esso filling stations with a Tesco Express store.
For Tesco Bank customers, the number of points you collect will also depend on whether you use your card to collect points for fuel, to pay for fuel, or both.
More changes at Tesco
Clubcard app closed in April
Shoppers can no longer use the Clubcard app.
Customers will need to download a new app – the Tesco Grocery & Clubcard app – in order to keep earning points.
Alternatively, you can use your physical Clubcard card.
Even if you haven’t downloaded it, you won’t lose any points or coupons.
You’ll just have to log in online to access your account.
It comes as the Tesco Pay+, which let you store your credit or debit card along with Clubcard details, closed on February 27.
Increased online charges
The supermarket giant has upped the minimum spend for home delivery.
The threshold has jumped from a minimum of £40 to £50.
The fee for not meeting the minimum spend has also risen to £5, up from £4.
Meanwhile, the minimum spend for click & collect will remain at £25 across all stores.
Free roaming extension for Tesco Mobile users
Tesco Mobile users will be able to roam for free in 48 European and worldwide countries until the end of 2023.
The provider had originally planned to ditch the Roam like at Home package in May.
It means that customers will be able to use their mobile phone data, make calls and send texts in dozens of countries without any hidden charges.
Customers will still be charged extra for data roaming outside these countries.
Meanwhile, you will be charged if you go over your usual UK contracted limit.
You can set up a “safety buffer” though, which caps the limit you can spend on data to make you don’t use too much money.
Read more on which countries apply in our guide.
How can I save on my supermarket shop?
There are many ways you can cut costs on your groceries.
Firstly, take advantage of supermarket schemes as the majority offer them and it’s an easy way to earn points and save cash.
We’ve got some great tips on how to make the most of the loyalty schemes you’re signed up to here.
Keep an eye out for offers too.
For example, Morrisons is currently offering shoppers 5p off a litre of fuel when they spent £35 in store and online.
There are cheap food clubs run by local community groups or charities floating around.
They’re different to food banks because you don’t need to be referred by anyone to join one.
These clubs link up with local supermarkets, who donate food nearing their sell-by date.
They are usually run from public places, such as church halls.
There are also food waste apps to make use of.
The Too Good To Go app, for instance, matches you with local food outlets that have food left at the end of the day to sell for less.
You pay from £1 to £7 for a ‘magic’ bag or box from a local business that contains a surprise mix of products.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]