Next time you’re at the till in Tesco and you go to pay with your Clubcard, you might find things have changed.
That’s because the supermarket is scrapping the feature that allows it’s loyalty card holders to pay in store by using the Clubcard app.
Previously, shoppers had been able to open up the app and select the ‘pay in store’ option, paying for their shopping while simultaneously collecting Clubcard points.
However, this is now being phased out by Tesco, and the feature – formerly known as Tesco Pay+) will cease to exist as of March 7.
That means you’ll need to make sure you scan your Clubcard after your shopping has been scanned, then pay separately with card or cash instead.
The supermarket claimed the decision was made because alternative payment methods were becoming more popular with its customers, and highlighted that the change won’t affect your existing points.
An email sent to customers explained: ‘To ensure we’re able to keep bringing out the best value and convenience, we’ve taken the decision to remove the pay in-store feature from the Tesco app.
‘Between now and March 7, the pay in-store feature will be phased out and any linked card details will be removed, unless you’re using them for GetGo, Whoosh, or home delivery shopping.
‘You can still earn points and access Clubcard Prices by simply scanning your Clubcard or app at the till.’
Some shoppers weren’t too pleased though, including one person on Reddit who wrote: ‘Use it daily… it’s pretty convenient to me, no need to scan Clubcard… just pay with the app. Quite a strange move from Tesco.’
‘So annoying. How is it more convenient to turn what was one step, into two?’ asked another, while a third commented: ‘I literally use this for every purchase, whyyyyyyyyy.’
In response, a Tesco spokesman said: ‘We regularly review the payment options available to our customers.
‘It’s still quick and easy to earn points on your shopping and fuel and enjoy Clubcard Prices offers by tapping your Clubcard in-store, scanning it via the Tesco App, or by adding it to your Apple or Google wallet.’
Other changes at Tesco
This change comes after the UK’s biggest supermarket announced it would be closing 10 in-store pharmacies, leaving customers worries about how far they would have to travel to get their medications.
A spokesperson from the retailer told Metro: ‘Following a comprehensive review, last month we took the difficult decision to close a small number of our pharmacies later this year, in line with customer demand.
‘We remain committed to providing our customers with the very best pharmacy services and continue to have a network of over 350 pharmacies across the country open and ready to help.’
The supermarket is also trialling a new perk when it comes to its Clubcard scheme. Dubbed Your Clubcard Prices, the new feature will give customers personalised discounts based on their shopping habits.
Selected customers will be offered personalised deals every Wednesday on their most bought items. And what’s more, the same deal can then be used multiple times in a seven-day period.
Available through the Tesco app, the discounts will be automatically linked to shoppers’ Clubcards, making it easy to access the offers with a simple scan or a tap at the till as usual.
It won’t affect regular Clubcard deals either.
Not every customer will get to be part of the trial, although it’s unclear how many people are eligible or how long the trial will last for.
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