Verdict
In the mood to earn free groceries? With the Kroger 1-2-3 Rewards MasterCard you can, given that you shop at Kroger stores. Fortunately, Kroger stores are located across the country, making this a valuable rewards card for many families.
Overview
The 1-2-3 Rewards MasterCard provides rewards on a three-tiered scale. You’ll earn a certain number of points depending upon whether you charge Kroger brand products, shop at a Kroger store or make your charges at other locations.
Each quarter, you’ll receive your rebate points sent directly to your credit card account. You can then use these points to purchase items at Kroger stores.
How This Card Works
As with most rewards cards, the more you charge the more rewards you’ll receive.
You’ll also have to use your card wisely. You’ll get the most rewards points by charging Kroger brand products, the least whenever you make a charge at a non-Kroger location.
Keep in mind, too, that if you don’t shop frequently at Kroger stores, this card may not make financial sense for you. Even if you have a good credit score, the purchase interest rate attached to it is too high.
Travel and Shopping Benefits
You’ll earn three rewards points for every dollar’s worth of Kroger brand items you charge with your 1-2-3 Rewards MasterCard credit card. You’ll also earn two rewards points for every dollar you charge at Kroger stores. And one rewards point for every dollar you charge at other locations.
Be warned that you won’t earn any rewards points if you use your credit card to charge fuel at Kroger fuel centers.
You’ll receive your rewards points every quarter. You can then redeem these points to purchase groceries and other items at Kroger stores.
Fees
The purchase interest rate attached to the 1-2-3 Rewards MasterCard can range from 13.99 percent to 23.99 percent, depending on your credit score.
There is no annual fee.
Cash advances cost either $10 or 4 percent of the advance amount, whichever is higher, while returned-payment and late-fee penalties cost $35.
You can transfer balances to the card at an introductory interest rate of 5.99 percent for the first nine billing cycles after you take out the card.
Final Thoughts
To be honest, I would rather use the Blue Cash Preferred card to max out the credit card rewards on my grocery shopping. That card gives you 6% back on your first $6,000 of grocery purchases every year.
However, if you are adamant about taking out the Kroger 1-2-3 Rewards card, here is what you need to know:
Pros
- Frequent Kroger shoppers can earn plenty of rewards points.
- You can redeem rewards points for groceries and other items at Kroger stores.
- You can earn higher rewards points for charging Kroger brand products.
Cons
- High purchase interest rates.
- Card not as valuable to shoppers who don’t often shop at Kroger stores.
- No benefits to using this card at Kroger fuel centers.
