Points Rewards Plus is a unique loyalty program designed for shoppers at the Kroger family of stores. It allows customers to earn rewards by purchasing participating products, which can then be redeemed for gaming credits, grocery savings, and various gift cards. Understanding how to navigate this program ensures you never miss out on the value earned during your routine grocery trips.
What is Points Rewards Plus?
Points Rewards Plus is a rewards initiative separate from the standard fuel points program most shoppers are familiar with. While fuel points help you save at the pump, Points Rewards Plus focuses on providing digital entertainment and lifestyle rewards. This program is a partnership between major grocery retailers and popular gaming and entertainment brands.
When you shop at participating stores, such as Kroger, Ralphs, Dillons, or King Soopers, certain items are marked with the Points Rewards Plus logo. Purchasing these items earns you special points that accumulate in a dedicated online account. These points can eventually be traded for high-value items in the program’s online catalog.
How to Get Started with the Program
To begin earning and redeeming, you must have a digital account with a participating grocery retailer. This account must be linked to your physical Shopper’s Card or Alt ID used at the checkout counter. Follow these steps to ensure your account is set up correctly:
- Create a Digital Account: Visit the official website of your local grocery store and sign up for a digital account using your email address.
- Link Your Shopper’s Card: Ensure your loyalty card number is connected to your digital profile so your purchases are tracked automatically.
- Visit the Rewards Portal: Navigate to the dedicated Points Rewards Plus section within the store’s website or app to activate your participation.
Once these steps are complete, any qualifying purchase you make will automatically contribute to your points balance. You do not need to scan separate receipts or enter codes manually for most transactions.
How to Earn Rewards Points
Earning points is straightforward, but it requires paying attention to the items in your cart. Not every item in the store qualifies for the program. Look for the specific Points Rewards Plus shelf tags while you shop to identify participating products.
Identifying Participating Products
Participating items usually include a wide variety of household names, ranging from snacks and beverages to frozen foods and cleaning supplies. The brands involved often change seasonally, so it is helpful to check the current participating products list on the rewards website or in the weekly store circular.
The Earning Process
For every qualifying dollar spent on participating items, you earn points toward a “Reward Point.” Typically, once you reach a certain threshold of spending on these specific items, one Reward Point is added to your account. These Reward Points are the currency used in the rewards catalog.
Checking Your Points Balance
Monitoring your progress is essential to ensure you are reaching your savings goals. You can check your balance through several different methods depending on your preference for mobile or desktop access.
Using the Store App
Most retailers in the Kroger family have a mobile app that includes a section for rewards. Log in to the app, navigate to the “Rewards” or “Promotions” tab, and look for the Points Rewards Plus link. Your current balance of earned Reward Points should be displayed prominently.
Online Web Portal
If you prefer using a computer, log in to your store’s website and visit the rewards dashboard. The Points Rewards Plus portal provides a detailed history of your earnings, showing exactly when points were added and which transactions triggered them. This is the best way to verify that your recent shopping trips were recorded correctly.
Redeeming Your Points for Rewards
The most exciting part of the program is redeeming your points. The rewards catalog is extensive and offers options that appeal to a wide range of interests. To redeem, you must log in to the rewards portal and browse the available items.
Available Reward Categories
- Gaming Credits: You can redeem points for currency used in popular games or for platform-specific gift cards like Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo eShop.
- Grocery Savings: If you prefer to save on your next trip, you can often trade points for digital coupons that apply directly to your grocery bill.
- Gift Cards: The catalog frequently includes gift cards for dining, apparel, and online retailers.
- Charitable Donations: Some versions of the program allow you to convert your rewards into donations for various non-profit organizations.
The Redemption Process
Once you select a reward, follow the on-screen prompts to claim it. Digital rewards like gaming codes or gift card numbers are usually sent to the email address associated with your account within 24 to 48 hours. If you choose grocery savings, the discount is typically loaded directly onto your Shopper’s Card for use during your next visit.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, points may not appear in your account immediately, or you may have trouble logging in. Most issues can be resolved with a few simple checks.
Points Not Showing Up
It is important to remember that points can take up to 48 hours to reflect in your account after a purchase. Additionally, ensure that you actually purchased participating items and that you used your Shopper’s Card at the register. If the points still do not appear after a few days, keep your receipt and contact the store’s customer service department.
Login Difficulties
If you cannot access the rewards portal, verify that your digital account is active on the main grocery store website. Often, a password reset on the store’s primary site will fix access issues for the rewards section. Ensure that you are not using a VPN, as some security settings can interfere with the login process on rewards platforms.
Maximizing Your Benefits
To get the most out of the program, keep an eye out for “Double Points” events. Occasionally, the program will offer promotions where purchasing specific items earns you twice the usual amount of points. Planning your shopping trips around these events can help you reach your rewards much faster.
Additionally, check the rewards catalog frequently. Some high-value rewards are available in limited quantities or for a limited time. If you see a gift card or gaming credit you want, it is often best to redeem your points as soon as you have enough.
Conclusion
The Points Rewards Plus program is a valuable tool for anyone who regularly shops at participating grocery stores. By simply choosing participating brands, you can earn significant rewards that go beyond standard grocery discounts. Start by ensuring your digital account is linked to your loyalty card, and keep a close eye on your points balance to make the most of every dollar spent. For more tips on managing digital loyalty programs and saving money on everyday purchases, explore our other helpful guides and articles.