A simple five-minute gift card trick is helping savvy shoppers save up to £100 a year on their weekly food shop, according to money-saving experts. By purchasing discounted gift cards from supermarket chains before heading to the checkout, consumers can slash their grocery bills without any extra effort.
How the Gift Card Trick Works
The method involves buying supermarket gift cards at a discount through resale websites or cashback apps. For example, a shopper might purchase a £100 gift card for £95, effectively saving 5% on their entire shop. Over a year, these savings can add up to £100 or more, depending on spending habits.
Money-saving website LatestDeals.co.uk founder Tom Church explained: “It’s a really easy way to save money without having to change your shopping habits. You just buy the gift card online, and then use it as normal at the till.”
Which Supermarkets Offer Discounted Gift Cards?
Discounted gift cards are available for major UK supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, and Waitrose. Discounts typically range from 2% to 6%, but occasional promotions can offer up to 10% off. Websites like Cardyard, Zeek, and Gift Card Granny allow users to buy and sell unwanted gift cards at a reduced price.
Maximising the Savings
To maximise savings, shoppers should combine discounted gift cards with supermarket loyalty schemes and yellow sticker reductions. For instance, using a 5% off gift card at Tesco while also using Clubcard prices can lead to even bigger discounts.
However, experts warn that shoppers should only buy from reputable sites to avoid scams. “Always check the seller’s rating and use a secure payment method,” Church added.
Potential Drawbacks
One downside is that some supermarkets limit the number of gift cards that can be used per transaction. Additionally, if a gift card is lost or stolen, it may not be refundable. Shoppers are advised to treat gift cards like cash and store them safely.
Despite these minor risks, the trick remains popular among bargain hunters. With the cost of living crisis continuing to squeeze household budgets, any method to reduce food bills is welcome.
