Tesco has launched a version of its Clubcard specifically for 16 and 17-year-olds, enabling younger customers to access the supermarket's lower loyalty prices for the first time. The move addresses criticism from consumer groups that previously excluded teenagers from cheaper grocery deals due to age restrictions on loyalty schemes.
New Digital Clubcard for Teens
The new Clubcard for 16-17s is digital-only, available exclusively through the Tesco app or website. To join, teenagers must be invited by a parent or guardian who has a Clubcard account. The parent or guardian can send an invitation link via the Tesco app by clicking the identity icon, accessing account settings, and selecting the "invite to Clubcard" button. This button is only visible on the latest version of the app, so users are advised to update if necessary.
Shama Wilson, Tesco Group membership and loyalty director, said: "We are delighted to be giving younger customers access to Tesco Clubcard for the first time, and we have no doubt that it will prove popular with 16- and 17-year-olds, whether they are shopping in one of our 'big Tesco' or 'little Tesco' stores."
Benefits and Impact
Members of the new Clubcard for 16-17s can access Clubcard prices in-store, including the Tesco lunchtime meal deal for £3.85, and collect points that convert into vouchers for money off shopping. More than 24 million UK households are signed up to Tesco Clubcard, which has been running for over 30 years. According to Tesco, a Clubcard is used in more than 80% of its sales.
In May, consumer group Which? found that with a basket of 95 items, Tesco was the fifth cheapest supermarket in the UK when shopping with a Clubcard. Without a Clubcard, Tesco ranked eighth, behind Sainsbury's when using a Nectar card. The watchdog reported that the average price for a basket of 95 items at Tesco was £196.88 with a Clubcard, compared to £202.27 without.
