Deals of the week: the loyalty card lowdown

This week’s deals round-up looks at loyalty cards, which can save you serious cash on your weekly shop.

Here’s what the major supermarkets are offering, how the loyalty schemes stack up, and where to find the best value.

Nectar card

With over 18 million members, Nectar is one of the UK’s biggest loyalty schemes. You can rack up points at a number of retailers, including Sainsbury’s, Argos and Esso.

Perks include:

• Nectar prices: members-only discounts in-store and online.
• Your Nectar prices: get personalised savings based on what you usually buy.
• Weekly bonus offers: tailored to your shopping habits.
• Points: earn 1 point per £1 spent at Sainsbury’s - 1 point equals 0.5p. 
  – earn higher earn rates with partners, for example, 10 points equals £1 at Lego.

Spending points:

Use points in-store, online or with partners like Caffè Nero, where 400 points will give you any size drink!

How to sign up:

You can grab a card in-store or register via the Nectar website or app.

Lidl Plus

Lidl Plus provides instant digital discounts and weekly offers tailored to your usual shop.

Perks include:

• Weekly coupons for groceries and household essentials.
• Scratch & win: chance to win prizes after every shop.
• Digital receipts: no more paper clutter.
• Partner deals: offers from brands outside Lidl.

How to sign up:

Download the Lidl Plus app (iOS, Android, Huawei) and register with your phone number.

Tesco Clubcard

With 23 million members, Tesco’s Clubcard is still king of the loyalty hill.

Perks include:

• Clubcard prices: get exclusive discounts in-store and online.
• Points: earn 1 point per £1 or per litre of fuel.
  – 250 points equals a £2.50 voucher
  – vouchers can be doubled with over 100 reward partners, such as Disney+, Legoland, Virgin Atlantic
• Clubcard Plus: is a premium version for £7.99 a month that gives you 10% off two shops a month, plus 10% off F&F clothing.

How to sign up:

Join via the Tesco website or app. If you already have a plastic card, you can register it online or in the app, linking it to your account. 

Morrisons More

Morrisons revamped their loyalty scheme with a focus on digital rewards and big-name partners.

Perks include:

• More partner points: earn with over 300 online brands, including eBay, ASOS and Expedia.
  – just shop via the More app or website
• Get in-store points on selected products.
• ‘More Fiver’: get a £5 voucher once you reach the threshold.

How to sign up:

You can register in-store, call 0345 611 6111, or use the More app. You can choose a digital or physical card.

M&S Sparks

With M&S Sparks, there’s no points, just personalised offers, freebies and surprise giveaways.

Perks include:

• Tailored discounts: based on your shopping habits, for example, £1 off roast chicken, or 15% off fruit & veg.
• Café loyalty: buy six hot drinks and get one free.
• Birthday treats: like a pastry or Percy pigs.
• Feel-good factor: M&S donates 1p to charity every time you shop.
• Win your shop: one lucky Sparks customer wins their shop free in every store each week.

How to sign up:

You can join through the M&S app or website and then access your Sparks card in the app.