Full Breakdown
Tesco Expands Clubcard Eligibility to Under-18s
2/16/2026, 11:30:39 PM
Introduction of Under-18 Eligibility
Tesco, the UK's largest supermarket chain, is set to expand its popular Clubcard loyalty scheme to include under-18s for the first time. This initiative aims to provide millions of young shoppers with access to discounted prices on thousands of products, including meal deals, and the ability to accumulate points for cash vouchers. While Tesco has not provided a specific timeline for the implementation of this change, a spokesperson confirmed that the company is actively reviewing the Clubcard's eligibility criteria.
Background and Context
The decision to include under-18s in the Clubcard program comes amid growing calls from consumer advocates for broader access to supermarket loyalty schemes. Campaigners, including the consumer organization Which?, have criticized existing restrictions that prevent young people from benefiting from discounts during a time of rising living costs. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has also urged supermarkets to reconsider their policies, suggesting that allowing under-18s to participate could be achieved through parental or guardian involvement or by creating a junior membership option.
Comparison with Other Supermarkets
Tesco's move aligns with practices at other supermarket chains. For instance, Morrisons permits younger customers to access discounts through their parents' accounts, while Co-op allows individuals aged 16 and over to join its loyalty scheme and offers a junior membership for younger customers with parental assistance. These examples highlight a trend among retailers to adapt their loyalty programs to be more inclusive of younger shoppers.
Official Statements & Responses
Reena Sewraz, retail editor at Which?, expressed support for Tesco's decision, stating, “Which? 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.” She emphasized the importance of this change, particularly for young people facing financial challenges. Tesco's spokesperson reiterated the company's commitment to providing value to all customers, including those without a Clubcard, through competitive pricing strategies.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the positive reception from some quarters, there remains skepticism about the speed and effectiveness of Tesco's implementation of the new policy. Critics have urged the supermarket to act promptly to ensure that the benefits of the Clubcard are accessible to young shoppers as soon as possible. The CMA's recommendations also indicate that while current eligibility requirements may not violate consumer law, there is still room for improvement in making loyalty programs more inclusive.
What's Next
As Tesco prepares to roll out this significant change, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the implementation process and its impact on young consumers. The expansion of the Clubcard to under-18s could set a precedent for other retailers to follow, potentially reshaping the landscape of supermarket loyalty schemes in the UK.
