Tesco Expands Clubcard Eligibility to Under-18s

Tesco, the UK's largest supermarket chain, is set to allow under-18s to participate in its popular Clubcard loyalty scheme for the first time. This decision comes as part of a broader review of the program aimed at making it more accessible to younger consumers. Currently, the Clubcard provides discounts on thousands of products and allows users to accumulate points that can be converted into vouchers for groceries and dining. A Tesco spokesperson confirmed, “We are actively reviewing Tesco Clubcard with the intention of making Clubcard available to under-18s this year.”

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Historically, the Clubcard has been limited to individuals aged 18 and over, a policy that has faced criticism from consumer advocates. Reena Sewraz, retail editor at Which?, highlighted the unfairness of excluding young people, especially those struggling with the rising cost of living. The Competition and Markets Authority has also urged supermarkets to broaden access to loyalty schemes, suggesting that eligibility could be extended through parental consent or junior memberships.

The Independent

The announcement has been welcomed by various consumer advocacy groups. Which? has long campaigned for the removal of age restrictions on loyalty programs, emphasizing the significant savings that can be achieved through the Clubcard. Sewraz stated, “We’ve been putting pressure on Tesco for years now over its unfair policy of excluding young people... this is a big step in the right direction.” Other supermarkets, such as Morrisons and Co-op, have already implemented more inclusive policies, allowing younger customers to benefit from discounts through parental accounts or junior memberships.

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The move by Tesco reflects a growing trend among retailers to adapt their loyalty programs to meet the needs of younger shoppers. While Tesco's decision is a significant step, it also highlights the disparities in loyalty schemes across the industry. For instance, while Co-op allows those aged 16 and over to join, Morrisons has similar provisions for younger customers. In contrast, some supermarkets, like Lidl, have more restrictive policies that can exclude certain demographics.

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In response to the changes, Tesco has reiterated its commitment to providing value to all customers, stating that those without a Clubcard can still benefit from competitive pricing strategies, including an Aldi price match. The supermarket has also expanded its Clubcard offerings, introducing triple voucher rewards at various restaurants, which allows customers to maximize their savings.

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As Tesco prepares to implement these changes, the focus will be on how quickly and effectively the new policy is rolled out. The expansion of the Clubcard to under-18s is expected to enhance the shopping experience for younger consumers and could prompt other supermarkets to reconsider their loyalty program policies.

The Independent

• “We are actively reviewing Tesco Clubcard with the intention of making Clubcard available to under-18s this year.” — Tesco Spokesperson

Tesco Clubcard to become available for under-18s this year

• “research shows that the savings from Tesco Clubcard can be really significant, which is why access to them matters so much for shoppers trying to make ends meet.” — Reena Sewraz, Retail Editor at Which?

The Independent