Tesco has announced a significant change to its Clubcard loyalty scheme, responding to widespread customer complaints about what many have labelled an "unfair" rule. The supermarket giant will scrap the age restriction that has prevented teenagers from signing up, a move that comes after social media outcry over higher prices for young shoppers.
Ending the Age Barrier for Clubcard Access
Currently, Tesco's Clubcard Terms & Conditions stipulate that individuals must be at least 18 years old to register for the scheme. This has meant that students and young workers have been unable to benefit from discounted offers, such as the popular £3.85 meal deal, forcing them to pay the full price of £4.25 instead. The disparity has sparked considerable frustration among parents and younger customers alike.
Customer Outcry and Social Media Reaction
The issue gained traction when a mother voiced her concerns on Facebook, describing the situation as "absolutely disgusting." She recounted an incident where her daughter was denied the use of a Clubcard to purchase a sandwich, highlighting the perceived absurdity of treating the loyalty card like an age-restricted product such as alcohol. Her post resonated with many, amplifying calls for change.
A Tesco spokesperson has now confirmed that the company is "actively reviewing" the Clubcard scheme with the intention of making it available to under-18s later this year. This review marks a direct response to the feedback from customers who argued that the rule was discriminatory and penalised younger consumers unnecessarily.
How the Clubcard Scheme Works
Under the existing Clubcard system, customers collect points through various methods, including using the Tesco app, a physical Clubcard, or Tesco Bank cards when shopping in-store or online at tesco.com. Points can also be accrued via Tesco Mobile, Tesco Bank, at Tesco petrol stations, Esso sites with a Tesco Express, and in select One Stop stores. The number of points earned depends on the specific collection method and location.
Statement and Points Management
Tesco provides Clubcard statements every three months, either by email or post. For those enrolled in the Virgin Red or Virgin Atlantic Flying Club statement scheme, only email statements are available. Customers can log into their Clubcard accounts to view a points summary if they receive electronic statements, while paper statements also include this information. The points are grouped together on statements for easy tracking and redemption.
This rule change is expected to level the playing field for younger shoppers, ensuring they can access the same discounts and rewards as adult customers. It reflects a broader trend in retail towards greater inclusivity and responsiveness to consumer feedback, particularly in the competitive supermarket sector.
