Tesco has launched a new version of its loyalty scheme specifically designed for 16 and 17-year-olds. The major update means that younger shoppers can finally access the supermarket's discounted member prices when they visit stores.
Teenagers Gain Access to Clubcard Prices and Points
The UK's biggest grocer confirmed that these teenage members can also collect loyalty points on their shopping trips. These points can later be converted into handy vouchers to help reduce their final bills at the checkout. This decision comes after significant pressure from consumer groups who highlighted that younger people were unfairly locked out of cheaper food rates. Previously, strict age limits on the loyalty programme prevented teenagers from accessing these everyday savings.
How Teens Can Sign Up via Parent Invitation
The fresh digital card is only accessible to teenagers who use the supermarket's official app or website. To register, a young person needs to be sent an online invitation directly from a parent or guardian's existing account, writes Josie Clarke. Adults can easily trigger this process by clicking the profile icon inside their own smartphone app. From this menu, parents can simply press the invitation button to forward a secure registration link to their teenager. However, this specific option will only show up for people who have installed the most recent software updates. Because of this, shoppers are being encouraged to update their mobile application if the feature is missing.
Executive and Consumer Group Reactions
Tesco Group membership and loyalty director Shama Wilson 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. From today, our new Clubcard for 16-17s members will not only be able to get Clubcard prices in-store, including our iconic Tesco lunchtime meal deal for just £3.85, but also collect points that they can turn into vouchers for money off their in-store shopping."
Which? retail editor Reena Sewraz said: "The expansion of Tesco Clubcard is a huge win for young consumers – it's something we've campaigned for in recent years as the cost-of-living crisis has left many households struggling with the cost of the weekly shop. As the UK's biggest retailer, Tesco is sending an important message about supporting young people who may be hit hard by cost-of-living pressures – and other supermarkets that still have restrictions should follow suit. That said, the requirement for a parent or guardian to unlock membership for their 16 to 17-year-old could be a barrier for young people who may be parents, carers, or guardians themselves. Our research shows that Clubcard prices aren't always the cheapest on the market, but they still offer substantial savings compared with standard prices."
Clubcard's Reach and Impact
More than 24 million British homes are currently signed up to the scheme, which originally started over three decades ago. Company data reveals that the loyalty card is currently scanned during more than 80% of all grocery transactions. The new teen-focused initiative is expected to further expand the programme's footprint, offering younger shoppers a tangible way to save amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
