Kroger Credit Card Rewards, Limits, and How to Get Started

Ever wondered if a store credit card could actually make your life easier? Or maybe you’re just tired of missing out on rewards every time you buy groceries. I’ve been there. Let’s break down everything you need to know about the Kroger credit card-no jargon, just the facts, tips, and a few real-life stories.

Let’s start simple. The Kroger credit card is officially called the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard®. You can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted. But here’s the kicker: you get the best rewards when you shop at Kroger and its family of stores.

It’s not just a store card. It’s a real credit card, backed by U.S. Bank, with perks that go way beyond the checkout lane.

Why bother with another card in your wallet? Here’s why the Kroger credit card stands out:

• 5% Cash Back on Mobile Wallet Purchases: Use Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or Kroger Pay and get 5% back on up to $3,000 a year for each wallet. That’s $150 in your pocket if you max it out.
• 2% Back at Kroger Stores: Every time you shop at Kroger or its family of stores, you get 2% back. That’s real money, not just points you’ll never use.
• 1% Back Everywhere Else: Use your card anywhere Mastercard is accepted and still earn rewards.
• 25¢ Off Per Gallon on Fuel: For the first year, get 25¢ off per gallon at Kroger fuel centers when you redeem 100 fuel points and pay with your card. After the first year, you can keep this discount by spending $6,000 or more a year with your card.
• $100 Statement Credit: Spend $500 in the first 90 days and get a $100 statement credit. That’s like free groceries.
• No Annual Fee: That’s right, zero. No hidden charges for just having the card.
• Free Boost Membership: New cardholders get a free year of Kroger Boost Essential, which gives you extra savings and free delivery on groceries.
• World Elite Mastercard Perks: Includes travel benefits, no foreign transaction fees, hotel rate guarantees, and 24/7 emergency help.

Info Box:
Rewards expire after 36 months. You must have an open and good-standing account to redeem. Purchases at Kroger Fuel Centers don’t earn points. See card agreement for full details.

Let’s get real. You want to know how this card fits into your life. Here’s a quick table to show where you earn the most:

Purchase Type	Cash Back Rate	Annual Cap	Notes
Mobile Wallet (Kroger Pay)	5%	$3,000	After cap, drops to 2%
Mobile Wallet (Others)	5%	$3,000	After cap, drops to 1%
Kroger Stores	2%	Unlimited	Excludes fuel centers
Everywhere Else	1%	Unlimited	Any place Mastercard is accepted
Kroger Fuel Discount	25¢/gallon	With 100 points	First year, then with $6k annual spend

You might be thinking, “Wait, don’t I already have a Kroger Plus card?” Good question.

• Kroger Plus Card: This is your free shopper card. It gives you discounts, digital coupons, and fuel points every time you shop.
• Kroger Credit Card: This is a credit card that also acts as your Plus card. So, you get all the Plus card perks, plus cash back and special fuel discounts.

Tip:
If you already have a Plus card, you can link it to your new credit card account. If not, they’ll make one for you automatically when you apply.

Applying is easy. Here’s how I did it:

• Online: Go to the Kroger credit card site or the Kroger app. Click “Apply Now.” Fill out your info-name, address, income, and Social Security number.
• By Phone: Call 1-888-219-1822 and apply with a real person.
• In-Store: Some Kroger stores have kiosks or staff who can help you apply.

Most people get an instant decision. If you’re approved, your card comes in the mail in about 7–10 days. Just call 888-200-9959 to activate it when it arrives.

Info Box:
You’ll need to be at least 18, have a valid Social Security number, and meet credit requirements. Approval is subject to a credit check.

Once you have your card, you’ll want to keep tabs on your spending and rewards. Here’s how to log in:

• Go to the Kroger Mastercard website or the U.S. Bank online banking portal.
• Enter your personal ID and password. If it’s your first time, you’ll need to register using your card number and some personal info.
• Once logged in, you can:
  • Check your balance
  • Pay your bill
  • See your rewards
  • Redeem points
  • Add authorized users
  • Request a credit limit increase

Tip:
If you forget your password, just click “Forgot password?” and follow the steps. Don’t stress-it happens to all of us!

Remember, U.S. Bank issues the Kroger credit card. So, you can also manage your account through U.S. Bank’s online and mobile banking. This gives you:

• Secure access to your account from any device
• Mobile app for banking on the go
• Alerts for payments, spending, and suspicious activity
• Easy bill pay and balance transfers

Pro Tip:
Download the U.S. Bank mobile app for quick access to your Kroger credit card info. It’s free and super easy to use.

Now, let’s talk about credit limits. When you’re approved, your starting limit might be as low as $500 or as high as $2,000 or more. It depends on your credit score and history.

Some people with high credit scores (750+) have reported getting $500 at first, but were able to request a higher limit quickly-sometimes up to $5,000-after using the card for a couple of weeks.

How to Request a Credit Limit Increase:

• Log in to your account.
• Go to “Customer Service,” then “Self Service.”
• Click “Request a Credit Limit Increase.”
• Enter your info and submit.

Heads up: Sometimes, they’ll do a “hard pull” on your credit, which can temporarily lower your score by a few points.

Stuff happens. Cards get lost. Charges look weird. Or maybe you just want to ask about your rewards. Here’s how to get help:

• Kroger Card Customer Service: 1-844-237-0593 (24/7)
• U.S. Bank Credit Card Support: 1-800-344-5696 (lost/stolen cards)
• Application Status: 1-800-947-1444 (option 1)
• Boost Membership Questions: 1-833-557-4278

Tip:
Have your card or account info handy when you call. They’ll ask to confirm your identity for your protection.

You’ve earned rewards-now what? Here’s how to use them:

• Statement Credit: Redeem for cash back directly on your bill (minimum $10).
• Kroger Gift Cards: Use points for gift cards (minimum $25).
• Real-Time Rewards: Use your phone to redeem rewards instantly at checkout for grocery savings.

Info Box:
Rewards expire after 36 months, so don’t let them sit unused!

If you’re not ready for a credit card, the Kroger Plus card is your friend. It’s free and gives you:

• Digital coupons
• Fuel points
• Weekly ad savings
• Access to exclusive deals

You can sign up online, in the Kroger app, or at any store. Just link your card to your account for the best savings.

Want to get the most out of your card? Here’s what I do:

• Always Pay with Mobile Wallet: That 5% cash back adds up fast.
• Use at Kroger for Groceries: Stack the 2% cash back with digital coupons and Plus card deals.
• Redeem Fuel Points: Save big at the pump, especially in the first year.
• Pay Your Balance in Full: Avoid interest charges and keep your rewards.
• Set Up Account Alerts: Never miss a payment or a suspicious charge.

• Set Up AutoPay: Never miss a payment.
• Link Your Plus Card: Double up on rewards.
• Check for Special Offers: Sometimes Kroger runs extra promos just for cardholders.
• Keep Track of Your Spending: Use the app or website to avoid surprises.

If you shop at Kroger or its family of stores, the Kroger credit card is a smart move. The rewards are real, the fuel savings are huge, and there’s no annual fee. Plus, it’s easy to manage with online and mobile banking.

Just remember-pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest. Use your mobile wallet for the biggest rewards. And don’t forget to redeem those points before they expire.