With rising grocery prices, consumers are increasingly turning to supermarket loyalty schemes to save money. For instance, Tesco offers discounts to Clubcard holders, with claims that members can save up to £375 annually on groceries, while Sainsbury’s Nectar scheme suggests savings of over £450. Approximately 24 million UK households are now registered with Tesco’s loyalty program, and 76% of consumers participate in some form of loyalty scheme, according to Mintel research.
Amid high food inflation, instant savings are becoming a priority for shoppers. Nick Carroll of Mintel emphasizes that consumers are focused on immediate benefits rather than delayed savings. While these loyalty programs are designed to provide genuine discounts, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that although many loyalty products do offer savings against regular prices, it is still important for shoppers to compare prices and shop around.
Various supermarket loyalty programs exist. Tesco’s Clubcard allows members to earn points redeemable for discounts on shopping. Sainsbury’s Nectar operates similarly, offering points that can be earned through purchases in-store and online. Asda has a digital-only rewards program, where users complete “missions” to earn cash discounts, while Lidl’s app-based scheme provides access to weekly offers and personalized coupons.
Programs such as Waitrose’s My Waitrose offer unique perks, like free hot drinks. Marks & Spencer’s Sparks scheme focuses on personalized customer rewards, while Co-op’s membership gives access to various discounts and charity options.
Despite the benefits of these loyalty schemes, consumer group Which? indicates that not all discounts are equal. Their research suggests that while loyalty cards can help reduce costs, alternatives like Aldi often provide lower prices without the need for loyalty programs.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/oct/11/uk-supermarket-loyalty-cards-prices-rated-clubcard-nectar