Shoppers’ fury as Tesco slashes value of clubcards

Supermarket Tesco is under fire from shoppers after it announced it is cutting the value of its Clubcard rewards scheme.

From 14 June, Clubcard points will be worth twice their value when customers cash them in, rather than three times as they are now. 

Many shoppers expressed their disappointment on social media, with several writing on Twitter that they intended to switch to a different supermarket as a result.

Dear @tesco. Just got your email to tell me that the clubcard voucher exchange value is now worth only up to 2x as much, not up to 3x the value anymore. Really disappointing, as we love our Clubcard treats. Not that long ago they were worth up to 4x the value. 😥 #tescoclubcard

— MarDenners (@MarDenners) March 17, 2023

Dear @tesco. Just got your email re clubcard voucher exchange value changing to 2x, not 3x the value. Really disappointing! Not that long ago they were worth 4x the value. Are you not making enough profit already? #greedy #recordprofits 😥 #tescoclubcard

— Katie James (@katiemjames4) March 18, 2023

@MoneySavingExp Hi were you aware of this? Outrageous move by Tesco Clubcard! pic.twitter.com/vjcexemYcN

— Jo Clode (@JoClode1) March 17, 2023

Thanks for rewarding our loyalty @Tesco after posting profits of £2.6 BILLION. #Tesco #Clubcard pic.twitter.com/2JsGPXcTJ0

— Gary Scaddan (@ScadsG) March 18, 2023

Disappointing email from #tescoclubcard reducing their rewards offer, it’s been a big influence on my loyalty the last few year 👎

— Erica 💙 (@eckafatcat) March 17, 2023

“I don’t quite think they understand how much of an attraction their Clubcard is to their customers,” a shopper from Stockport told BBC. “The customer is key and in my opinion holds all the cards. What I will lose via Clubcard I will gain via cheaper shopping.” 

Tesco’ clubcard scheme enables shoppers to collect points for money spent at Tesco and exchange them for vouchers which can be used in store or for restaurant meals and day trips. 

In an email to customers, the Tesco chief customer officer, Alessandra Bellini, said the move would “make sure we can continue to provide you with a wide range of exciting rewards, while keeping our product prices low”.  

Tesco claimed it still had the biggest and most generous loyalty scheme in the UK. The grocer first introduced Clubcard in 1995 and within a year, customers were spending 28% more in its stores. The popular scheme enables points to be spent at the likes of Pizza Express, Legoland and Alton Towers. 

Sainsbury’s and Boots also cut the value of loyalty schemes recently. From May, Boots Advantage card holders will get 25 per cent less for every pound they spend in store, collecting 3p rather than 4p.