Supermarket giant Sainsbury's has issued a vital warning to its Nectar Card holders, particularly those who regularly purchase fuel from Esso petrol stations. The alert concerns recent updates to the Nectar app and aims to clear up customer confusion about how to correctly collect loyalty points.
The Core Issue: Barcode vs. QR Code
This announcement follows a significant change made by Sainsbury's last month, when it updated the Nectar app to feature a QR code in place of the traditional barcode. This shift led to what the supermarket described as customer "confusion" regarding the new process.
However, Sainsbury's has now provided a crucial clarification. In a direct email to Nectar Card holders, the supermarket stated: "You can still collect Nectar points at Esso, but you need to make sure you're scanning your barcode." The company explained that despite the new QR code being prominent in the app, the tills at Esso petrol stations are not yet equipped to scan it and still require the original barcode to register points.
How to Find Your Barcode in the Updated App
To continue accumulating points on fuel purchases, Sainsbury's has advised shoppers on the specific steps to access their barcode. Customers must first ensure they have updated their Nectar Card app to the latest version. Once updated, they should tap their digital card on the app's home screen and then swipe left to view the barcode that Esso tills can scan.
The supermarket also confirmed another important change for users. Following the recent updates, Nectar Card holders will no longer be able to view their barcode via their Apple or Google Wallet. The Nectar Card app is now the sole method for accessing the necessary barcode at Esso forecourts.
Customer Reaction and Security Rationale
The alterations to the Nectar Card scheme initially sparked bewilderment and frustration among some shoppers last month. On social media platform X, one customer publicly requested "clarity" from Sainsbury's, simply stating, "Confusion reigns." Another shopper criticised the move, calling it a "tedious and unnecessary change" and suggesting they might not bother with the process going forward.
Addressing the reasoning behind the update, a Nectar spokesperson previously informed the Manchester Evening News that the introduction of QR codes was a new, more secure way for customers to collect and spend their points. The spokesperson emphasised that "security is extremely important to us" and that this is one of several measures implemented to safeguard customer accounts.
