**Tesco to Open Clubcard Access to Under-18s This Year, Hailed as ‘Huge Win’ by Which?**
Tesco, the UK’s largest supermarket chain, has announced plans to extend Clubcard access to shoppers under the age of 18 starting this year. The move comes as a direct result of a campaign by consumer advocacy group Which?, which has lauded the decision as a “huge win for shoppers.”
Previously, customers needed to be at least 18 years old to hold a Clubcard, preventing younger shoppers from directly benefiting from loyalty points, exclusive discounts, and personalized offers. This policy meant that teenagers and younger individuals, who often make independent purchases or contribute to family shopping, were unable to access the same savings as adult Clubcard holders.
Which? has been actively campaigning on this issue, arguing that the age restriction unfairly disadvantaged younger consumers. A spokesperson for Which? stated, “This is a significant victory for young shoppers and a testament to the power of consumer advocacy. Loyalty schemes should be accessible to everyone, and we applaud Tesco for recognizing the need to update their policy.”
The change means that teenagers and pre-teens will be able to collect points on their purchases, access ‘Clubcard Prices,’ and potentially receive personalized offers, helping them to save money on everything from snacks to school supplies. For parents, this could streamline family shopping, allowing children to make independent purchases while still contributing to household savings, without the need to share a parent’s card.
While Tesco has yet to release full details on the registration process for under-18s – which is expected to include parental consent for younger applicants – the supermarket is likely aiming to foster early brand loyalty and help younger customers manage their spending more effectively.
Details regarding data privacy and parental oversight for minors’ accounts are anticipated to be clarified closer to the launch, addressing concerns about data collection from younger demographics.
The decision from Tesco could also put pressure on other retailers with similar age restrictions on their loyalty programs to review their policies, potentially leading to a broader industry shift towards more inclusive access. Further announcements from Tesco regarding the exact launch date and registration procedures are expected in the coming months.
