Most UK shoppers are familiar with the free Tesco Clubcard, but a premium paid version of the loyalty scheme remains a hidden gem for many. Known as Clubcard Plus, this subscription service offers significant savings on your food shop, yet it has flown under the radar since its 2019 launch.
What Does Clubcard Plus Offer?
For a monthly fee of £7.99, members receive all standard Clubcard points and deals, plus two crucial money-saving perks each month. The first is a 10% discount on groceries, usable twice per month. Shoppers simply scan a coupon in the Tesco Grocery & Clubcard app at checkout.
There is, however, a cap on the savings. Each 10% voucher is limited to a maximum discount of £20. This means the absolute maximum you can save on your food shopping is £40 per month.
Beyond groceries, the subscription includes an ongoing 10% discount on F&F clothing in stores. It also applies to selected brands like Paperchase, Fox & Ivy, and Tesco's own Go Cook and Go Play ranges. Additionally, Tesco Mobile customers on pay-monthly contracts get double data every month, subject to terms and conditions.
Is The Subscription Worth The Money?
New members can start with a free one-month trial, though this is only available to those who haven't subscribed in the previous six months. Bank details are required at sign-up, but the first charge of £7.99 only comes at the end of the trial month, allowing time to cancel.
Financial experts, including the team at MoneySavingExpert, caution against letting promotions lead to overspending. They advise shoppers to stick to a list and ask key questions: 'Do you need it? Can you afford it? Will you use it? Is it worth it?'
The maths suggests Clubcard Plus pays for itself if your regular grocery spending is high enough. On online forums like Reddit, users have crunched the numbers. One shopper, u/Dry-Teaching-5040, explained how they rearranged their monthly shop into two larger trips of around £150-£160 to maximise the 10% discount, netting over £30 in savings after the subscription fee.
Another user, u/Nels8192, confirmed its value, stating: "If you spend at least £80 in one shop, every month, or £40 twice, every month, then yes, absolutely worth it." They noted that on a £230 shop, the discount maxes out at £20, reducing the bill to £210.
Some savvy shoppers even time the free trial to coincide with expensive periods like Christmas. However, others find it less valuable for smaller, regular shops, highlighting that it's a personal calculation based on your spending habits.
Beyond Clubcard Plus: The Staff Perk
Tesco also runs an exclusive scheme for its employees. After three months of service, staff are eligible for a Colleague Clubcard, which they can share with one family member.
This card provides a baseline 10% discount in stores, online, and in Tesco Cafés, which boosts to 15% for four days after each payday. The benefits extend to 20% off F&F clothing, discounts on Tesco Mobile, insurance, and even 50% off health checks at Tesco Pharmacy.
While Clubcard Plus offers a potential shortcut to savings for big spenders, it requires careful budgeting to ensure the subscription fee doesn't encourage unnecessary purchases. For those who plan their shops strategically, however, it can be a lucrative way to cut the cost of the weekly grocery bill.
