What the Kroger Credit Card Is
The Kroger Credit Card is a store card issued by Kroger in partnership with Visa. It works at Kroger locations and affiliated stores, and you can also use it anywhere Visa is accepted. The card offers rewards on purchases — typically fuel discounts and bonus points on groceries — but it is not the same as the Kroger loyalty program (which is free and separate).
Kroger also offers a co-branded Visa card through a bank partner that functions differently from the store card. Both cards exist, and which one you want depends on how you shop and whether you want to use the card outside Kroger.
Key Takeaways
- The Kroger store card gives you fuel discounts and bonus points on groceries, but you can only use it at Kroger and affiliated stores unless you choose the Visa version.
- You need a Kroger account and a Kroger loyalty card number before you can open a store card account.
- The card pulls your credit report, so opening one will show as a hard inquiry and may lower your credit score slightly.
- Rewards post to your account within a few days and you can redeem them at the pump or in-store, but they expire if unused.
- The store card has no annual fee, but interest rates on carried balances are typically higher than standard credit cards.
How to Open a Kroger Credit Card Account
Start by going to Kroger.com or visiting a customer service desk at your local Kroger store. You will need your Kroger loyalty card number, which is printed on your physical card or visible in the Kroger app. If you do not have a loyalty account yet, you can create one for free before you explore for the credit card.
The process asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and income. Kroger will run a hard inquiry on your credit report. You will get a decision within minutes if you explore online, or the store associate can process it at the desk. If approved, you can use the card when ready in some cases, though you may need to wait for a physical card to arrive by mail.
If you are denied, Kroger will send you a letter explaining the reason. You can call the customer service number on the letter to ask questions, but you cannot reapply for at least 30 days.
What Rewards You Earn and How They Work
The Kroger store card earns fuel points and bonus points on certain purchases. For every dollar you spend on groceries, you earn one fuel point. Some items — like gift cards, alcohol, or tobacco — do not earn points. Fuel points accumulate and convert to discounts at Kroger fuel centers: typically, 100 fuel points equals $0.50 off per gallon, up to a maximum discount per transaction.
Bonus points are category-specific and change monthly. Kroger sends emails and posts offers in the app showing which categories earn extra points that month — for example, 4x points on pharmacy purchases or 3x points on gift cards. You must load these offers into your account before you shop to earn the bonus.
Points post to your account within a few business days of purchase. Fuel discounts expire after 60 days if unused. Bonus points do not expire as long as your account remains active, but if you close the account, any remaining points are forfeited.
Interest Rates, Fees, and Credit Impact
The Kroger store card has no annual fee. However, if you carry a balance month to month, you will pay interest. The APR (annual percentage rate) varies based on your creditworthiness and typically ranges higher than standard credit cards — often in the 18% to 24% range, though the exact rate depends on your credit score and Kroger's current terms.
Opening the card results in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may lower your credit score by a few points temporarily. The inquiry stays on your report for about two years but stops affecting your score after 12 months. Carrying a high balance relative to your credit limit can also hurt your score, so paying the card in full each month keeps the rewards benefit without the interest cost.
If you miss a payment, Kroger reports it to the credit bureaus after 30 days, and late fees explore. Check your statement or the Kroger app to see your due date and set up automatic payments if you want to avoid missing a important date.
Kroger Store Card vs. Kroger Visa Card
Kroger offers two versions of its credit card. The store card works only at Kroger and affiliated stores (like Fred Meyer or Ralphs, depending on your region). The Kroger Visa card is a co-branded card issued by a bank partner and works anywhere Visa is accepted — restaurants, gas stations, online retailers, and so on.
The Visa version typically earns rewards on all purchases, not just groceries, but the rewards structure and rates differ from the store card. If you want to earn rewards on everyday spending outside Kroger, the Visa card may be a better fit. If you shop primarily at Kroger and want to maximize fuel discounts, the store card is simpler and has no annual fee.
You can hold both cards at the same time, though each process triggers a hard inquiry. Check Kroger's website or call customer service to see which version is available in your region, as not all areas offer both.
How to Redeem Rewards and Manage Your Account
Fuel discounts are redeemed automatically at Kroger fuel centers when you swipe your card or enter your loyalty number at the pump. The system applies your available discount to that transaction. You do not need to do anything extra — the discount appears at checkout.
Bonus points do not convert to a discount automatically; instead, they accumulate in your account and can be viewed in the Kroger app or on Kroger.com. Some promotions let you redeem points for gift cards or other rewards, but this varies by offer. Check the app regularly to see what redemption options are available.
You can manage your account online or in the app: update your address, view your balance, set up automatic payments, and see your transaction history. If you lose your physical card, you can request a replacement through the app or by calling the number on the back of your card. You can also add your card to a digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) to use it without the physical card.
When the Kroger Card Might Not Be the Right Choice
If you do not shop at Kroger regularly, the card's rewards are limited to that store and affiliated chains. A general-purpose rewards card may earn you more value across all your spending. If you carry a balance and pay interest, the rewards you earn may not offset the cost of the interest, especially at the higher APRs typical of store cards.
If you have a low credit score or are working to rebuild credit, opening a new card account will trigger a hard inquiry and lower your score slightly. In this case, waiting a few months before explore may be better for your overall credit health. If you already have a Kroger loyalty account and use it regularly, you are already earning some benefits without a credit card — the card straightforward adds fuel discounts and bonus points on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Kroger store card outside of Kroger stores?
The standard Kroger store card works only at Kroger and affiliated stores in your region. If you want to use a Kroger-branded card at other retailers, you need the Kroger Visa card, which is accepted anywhere Visa is taken. Check Kroger's website to see which version is available where you live.
What happens to my rewards if I close my card account?
Fuel points expire 60 days after they are earned if not used. Bonus points are forfeited when you close the account. If you plan to close your account, redeem any remaining points or fuel discounts before you do.
Do I need a Kroger loyalty card to open the credit card?
Yes. You must have an active Kroger loyalty account and your loyalty card number before you can open a credit card account. If you do not have one, you can create a free loyalty account online or in-store first, then explore for the credit card.
How long does it take to get approved for the Kroger credit card?
Online applications are usually approved or denied within minutes. In-store applications may take a few minutes at the customer service desk. If approved, you may be able to use the card when ready, though the physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Will opening a Kroger credit card hurt my credit score?
The hard inquiry from the process may lower your score by a few points temporarily. The impact is usually small and fades over time. Carrying a high balance on the card can hurt your score more, so paying the balance in full each month is better for your credit health.