9 tips to save money at Tesco including best time to shop and how to get cashback on groceries
FROM getting cashback back on spending, to the best time to shop Tesco.
We reveal how to save money when shopping at the UK's biggest supermarket.
Tesco has been battling to win back customers from discount rivals like Aldi and Lidl.
Last year, it launched a new brand - Jack's - but last month we revealed it has already closed one of its new stores.
It's also revamped its Clubcard scheme and launched a new premium service.
We spoke to Salman Haqqi, personal finance expert at , to get you the lowdown.
Get a Tesco Clubcard
Shoppers earn points each time they scan their Clubcard at the till or by entering their membership number before paying for an online order.
With your Clubcard, you earn one point for every £1 spent at the retailer.
Points can then be built up to turn into vouchers, with 150 points getting you a £1.50 voucher when you spend in store.
But an even better way to boost your points is to exchange them online via the Clubcard website for days our or restaurant meals, where they can we worth up to three times their value.
It's also worth checking if you have any unused points on your account.
They are valid for up to two years - we explain how to find them.
Is the Clubcard Plus worth it?
IF you're a regular Tesco shopper then you might be considering a ClubcardPlus.
The is an paid-for extension of the original loyalty scheme - but it costs £7.99 a month (or £95.88) a year.
You get 10 per cent off two in-store food shops up to the value of £200 each, every month - a discount of up to £20 each time.
These discounts can only be applied in store though, and can't be used online.
Whether you'll benefit from Clubcard Plus or not will depend on how frequently you shop at Tesco.
You'd need to spend at least £80 on one shop a month to make the monthly fee back, because you'd be getting £8 off your bill.
There's no point in spending that if you don't need to, so take a look back at how much you spend there to work out if its good for you.
To really make the most of it, you'd need to do another big shop on top of this to get a further 10 per cent off.
Other perks include 10 per cent off selected Tesco brands in-store including F&F, Fred &; Flo, Go Cook, Tesco Pet, Carousel, and Fox & Ivy.
Plus if you're a Tesco Mobile customer, you'll get double the data offered on your plan for free. Read our view on it.
Get cashback off your first online shop
Cashback site TopCashback.co.uk is giving new Tesco customers up to £15 off their first online shop.
To get the deal, you must be signed up to TopCashback and have never ordered online with Tesco - but be quick because it ends on November 26.
You also must spend a minimum of £45 to get any discount, and at least £60 to get the full £15 off.
TopCashback.co.uk is free to sign up - .
Find out more information about the Tesco deal .
Similarly, Quidco is giving new Tesco customers £9.60 off a minimum order of £45.
Like the above offer, this must be your first time ordered from Tesco online and you have to be signed up to Quido.
to find out more.
Join the Tesco Christmas Saver scheme
Tesco's Christmas Saver scheme is open for business now, but you can only join if you have a Clubcard.
Shoppers can top up their voucher balance with cash at checkout or at the customer service desk from as little as 50p.
This then turns into bonus money that can be put towards food and presents in store.
The maximum amount they can put away a year is £360.
This is how the voucher bonus breaks down:
- £25 – £49.50 top up = £1.50 bonus
- £50 – £99.50 top up = £3 bonus
- £100 – £199.50 top up = £6 bonus
- £200 – £360 top up = £12 bonus
If you sign up now, you'll get your bonus in November 2020.
Customers can sign up online on the My Clubcard Account page on the and opting in by the Voucher Schemes page.
You can also ring Tesco on 0800 591 688 or 0330 123 1688.
The scheme isn't protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) which means you could lose your money if Tesco were to go under, so it's worth keeping that in mind.
Also, remember to compare savings accounts as there may be a better place for you to stash your cash.
Do you order Tesco deliveries? Save on costs
If you want to save on home delivery costs, there's Tesco's monthly subscription service .
Those who are signed up will get all online deliveries over £40 delivered without charge, limited to one order per day.
But this subscription service isn't free - memberships start from £3.49 a month for free deliveries Tuesday to Thursday.
Do note there's also a £2 order charge for some subscriptions.
You'll also be tied into a contract with the length depending on the type of membership you choose.
Tesco typically charges between £1 and £7 to deliver so like Clubcard Plus, you'll only really benefit if you're an avid shopper.
Membership is worth considering if you do two or more shops over £40 a month.
If you're around to get it delivered mid-week, the saving potential is even bigger.
Save time by scanning as you shop
Some Tesco stores now offer a service, which means you can scan items with a barcode scanner as you walk around the supermarket.
You put your items straight into a bag and pay at a designated payment area once you’ve finished your shop.
It’s a good way to help you track your spending as you walk around the store.
And because you're packing as you go, it saves having to waste time bagging everything up at the end.
As an extra bonus, Clubcard members can get one point for every £1 spent using Scan as you Shop.
The best time for finding yellow sticker discounts
Yellow stickers mean an item has been reduced in price, often because it's close to the sell-by date or because it's been damaged.
If you have a big freezer at home, and the food can be frozen, then the yellow sticker items are a great way to stock up on top brands for less.
There are no hard and fast rules when yellow sticker items will appear.
Some big stores start reductions at 8am, while others don't start until early evening.
Check out our guide for when all the supermarkets start knocking down prices.
Look for "Exclusively at Tesco"
Look out for the “Exclusively at Tesco” range in store.
This range includes around 400 key items such as bread, tea bags and family meals, and the range is available across all stores.
According to Tesco, you can buy a basket of these items cheaper than you could buy at value-oriented competitors such as Aldi and Lidl.
Again, don't take their word for it though - always compare prices to make sure you're getting the best value.
Use or to set up price alerts and track prices across all the UK supermarkets.
Try downshifting your usual products
Can you really taste the difference between those Tesco Finest burgers and the standard Tesco patties?
If the answer is no, you could save a small fortune by downshifting your products.
Martin Lewis says the average family who spends £100 on their weekly shop can save £1,500 on average across the year.
For example, a Tesco Finest chicken kiev costs £6, while a standard Tesco kiev will only set you back £2 - that's a £4 saving.
Bring your own bag
Tesco charges 10p for its bags for life which might not sound a lot, but it adds up over time.
Say you use four bags in a big shop, once a week, that adds up to £1.60 over the month - or £20.80 in a year.
Save money by remembering to bring your own in - a top trick is to leave them in the boot of your car so you don't forget them on your next trip.
MORE ON MONEY
Looking for more ways to save cash on the high street? We've revealed 20 TK Maxx tips to finding a bargain, including its secret rewards scheme.
Plus here's 10 tips to save money in Aldi including best shopping times and when to browse the middle aisle.
And this mum shared how she saves £5,200 a year buying yellow sticker bargains and making "fakeaways".