(qlmbusinessnews.com . Fri 13th Feb, 2026) London, UK —
Unlocking Savings: Tesco Opens Clubcard Benefits to Young Shoppers
Tesco has announced plans to extend its Clubcard loyalty scheme to individuals under the age of 18 within the current year, a move that will enable younger consumers to enjoy discounts on a plethora of products, including the chain's popular meal deals, and accumulate points that can be redeemed for vouchers.
The supermarket giant has yet to detail the reasons behind its decision to open up the Clubcard scheme to a younger demographic or how this extension will be implemented.
This development comes in the wake of pressure from consumer advocacy group Which?, which has been vocal in its criticism of what it describes as “unfair restrictions” placed by supermarkets on access to their loyalty schemes.
According to the UK's competition watchdog, while the eligibility criteria imposed by supermarkets do not contravene consumer law, there is room for these retailers to make their schemes more inclusive, notably by permitting those under 18 to participate.
Loyalty schemes serve a dual purpose for retailers: they gather data on customer purchasing habits and, by offering items at reduced prices, help stores stay competitive especially in times of rising food costs.
Research by Kantar indicates that the average UK consumer holds loyalty cards for three different supermarkets. However, most major supermarket chains have traditionally set the minimum age for participation in their loyalty schemes at 18 years.
Exceptions to this rule include Morrisons, which allows young shoppers to use a parent or guardian's account to obtain discounts, and the Co-op, which permits those aged 16 and above to sign up directly for its loyalty scheme. For younger shoppers, a junior membership is available provided that a parent or guardian acquires and registers a temporary card on their behalf.
A representative for Tesco stated: “We are actively reviewing Tesco Clubcard with the goal of making it accessible to those under 18 this year. Customers without a Clubcard can still find exceptional value at Tesco, thanks to our Aldi Price Match and Everyday Low Prices strategy.”
Which? has pointed out that current age, location, and digital access requirements exclude millions from securing discounts at major retailers. The consumer group has also noted that Tesco has been twice denied the coveted “Recommended Provider” status in its annual customer satisfaction survey due to the exclusivity of its Clubcard discounts.
Reena Sewraz, Which? retail editor, remarked on the significance of Clubcard savings for shoppers trying to manage their budgets, praising Tesco's decision as “a big step in the right direction” and stressing the importance of swiftly implementing these changes.
Adam Leyland, editor-in-chief of the Grocer, suggested to the Reporters that Tesco's initiative might prompt other supermarkets to follow suit. He mentioned that while Tesco is not the first to cater to younger consumers with its loyalty card, it is the most prominent, potentially setting a precedent for others.
Addressing concerns over data protection for minors, Leyland argued that if young people are permitted to engage in a range of activities, including banking, using social media, driving, and marriage, they should likewise be able to access competitively priced food for themselves and their dependents.
This News Story is brought to you by QLM Business News, your Digital Media Channel.
Visit QLM businessnews.com for more business news stories. Also follow us on Facebook, X, and Youtube.
To help QLM Business News bring you more news stories like this, please like, share, and subscribe.
Unlock unparalleled business growth and effortlessly attract a stream of new customers through QLM Business News Sponsored Advertising. Elevate your brand's presence and captivate your target audience with precision. Visit QLMbusinessnews.com and click on “Advertise” to harness the power of strategic advertising. Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to propel your business to new heights of success!
Disclaimer: All images presented herein are intended solely for illustrative purposes and may not accurately depict the true likeness of the subjects, objects, or individuals referenced in the accompanying news stories.
