The average shopper has 18 loyalty programs cluttering their mobile device, and most sit there forgotten like that workout app you downloaded in January. But here’s what savvy deal hunters know: certain grocery loyalty programs actually deliver jaw-dropping savings that’ll make your wallet do a happy dance. We’re talking fuel discounts, free groceries, and exclusive deals that can slash your shopping bills by hundreds annually.

Time to separate the money-saving superstars from the total duds.

Kroger’s Boost Program: The Heavy Hitter That Costs to Save

Let’s start with the big kahuna. Kroger’s Boost program isn’t free like their basic Plus Card, but at $59 annually for Boost Essential or $99 for the full Boost membership, it’s packed with perks that frequent shoppers swear by.

What You Get:

• 2X fuel points on every dollar spent on groceries and general merchandise
• Free delivery in as little as 2 hours on orders of $35 or more
• Exclusive monthly coupons and early access to sales
• Streaming benefits including Disney+, Hulu, or ESPN+ for annual members

The Real Talk: Kroger claims Boost members save up to $1,000 annually on groceries, gas, and delivery fees. You can try it risk-free with a 30-day free trial to see if the math works for your shopping habits. The program pays off best if you’re already spending $100+ weekly at Kroger and using their fuel centers regularly.

Pro Tip: Sign up for Kroger’s Rewards World Elite Mastercard to get your first year of Boost membership free.

Safeway’s “For U” Program: The Free Champion

Safeway’s completely free “Safeway for U” loyalty program offers personalized deals, points on every purchase, and flexible redemption options. This isn’t your grandma’s punch card system.

The Sweet Spots:

• Earn 1 point per dollar spent on groceries
• Every 100 points automatically converts to $1 off at checkout
• Free item every month just for being a member
• 2X and 4X points bonus events that help you rack up rewards faster
• Birthday treats and personalized deals based on your shopping habits

The Genius Part: Unlike programs focused solely on fuel discounts, Safeway recognizes not everyone has access to gas stations, so you can use rewards for free groceries or cash discounts instead. The flexible redemption system makes it easy to maximize savings no matter how you prefer to shop.

Target Circle: The Unexpected Grocery Hero

Don’t sleep on Target’s grocery game. Target Circle offers automatic deals and personalized bonuses that apply at checkout, early access to sales, birthday rewards, and exclusive offers.

Why It Works:

• Free same-day delivery from multiple retailers through Shipt Marketplace with Circle 360 ($10.99 monthly)
• Stack Attack: Combine Circle rewards with RedCard’s 5% discount for maximum savings
• Extra 30 days for returns with paid membership

Smart Strategy: Use Target for household essentials and pantry staples where their Good & Gather brand often beats name-brand prices, then stack your Circle rewards.

Walmart+: The Convenience King

At $98 annually or $12.95 monthly, Walmart+ offers free delivery on orders over $35, mobile scan-and-go shopping, and fuel savings. But here’s the catch: there’s no traditional points accumulation system.

What Makes It Worth Considering:

• Free Paramount+ streaming subscription included
• Early access to deals and Black Friday sales
• Free return pickup from your home
• Discounts at Burger King and other partners

Reality Check: This works best for busy families who value convenience over points-based rewards and already shop Walmart regularly.

Hidden Gems Beyond the Big Names

Costco’s Executive Membership

For $120 annually, Costco’s Executive membership gets 2% cashback on purchases, plus additional credit card rewards. The break-even point? Spending $6,000 annually, which most families hit easily.

Regional Standouts

Other regional programs worth exploring include Giant’s Flexible Rewards program, which lets you use points for both groceries and gas discounts, plus double points on healthy Guiding Stars-rated products.

The Smart Shopper’s Strategy

Maximum Impact Moves:

• Stack loyalty rewards with digital coupons and cashback credit cards to cut grocery bills by 10-20% or more
• Focus on programs with fuel rewards if you drive regularly
• Don’t spread yourself too thin across multiple stores
• Track your spending to ensure paid memberships actually save money

Red Flags to Avoid:

• Programs requiring excessive personal information for minimal rewards
• Complicated point systems with expiration dates that sneak up on you
• “Free” trials that auto-renew at high monthly rates

Bottom Line

The average grocery shopper frequents five different stores but only belongs to 2-3 loyalty programs. The smartest approach? Pick 1-2 programs that match where you already shop most frequently, then work those systems like a pro.

The Winners: Kroger Boost for frequent shoppers who drive, Safeway for U for no-commitment savings, and Target Circle for household essentials. The key isn’t collecting every card in your wallet—it’s maximizing the ones that fit your actual shopping patterns.

Ready to turn your grocery routine into a money-making machine? Start with one program that matches your current shopping habits, then watch those savings stack up faster than you can say “digital coupon.”

Always read program terms and conditions as benefits may vary by location. Offers subject to change.