Can you stretch your Tesco Clubcard points even further?

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By Mark Burton
Know Your Money Editor

Britons are known for loving a bargain and loyalty point schemes are one area where people are often quick to sign up. Tesco is known for its Clubcard points, which can be spent on a variety of things such as petrol, holidays, family days out and meals. And with the supermarket currently running a double points Clubcard scheme, families up and down the UK could get their hands on more rewards every time they do their shopping.

Writing for the Guardian, Jill Papworth says she is a fan of the supermarket scheme but is always on the lookout to make her points work best for her. And she notes that stocking up on wine is one of the best ways she has discovered to spend her Clubcard vouchers. A special offer running until September 30th allows cash-concerned consumers to double the value of their vouchers. Ms Papworth says that buying six-bottle cases of wine can cost Brits just £14.

Furthermore, spending vouchers at partner companies such as Pizza Express prove to be beneficial. A £2.50 Clubcard voucher can be cashed in at these restaurants for £10. Meanwhile, cinemagoers can use a £3 voucher to get their hands on one free adult ticket at Cineworld.

But is the scheme really worth shopping at Tesco for?

Where have my favorite rewards gone?

Consumers will often have favourite things which they spend their points on and Ms Papworth says some of her own have now disappeared under the Clubcard scheme. Her family used to use vouchers to pay for car hire in Portugal, as well as a three-night stay in Disneyland Paris and a year's unlimited pass to UK attractions such as Alton Towers.

Indeed, many UK families may be taking more breaks at home, something which Clubcard vouchers could prove beneficial for. Recent research from Tesco Personal Finance reveals that a third of Britons claim they will spend less on their holidays this year. And 34 per cent intend to holiday at home, rather than hopping abroad.

"Over the past three years, over a third of Brits have taken last minute holidays and with their budgets stretched even further this year, this trend is set to continue," asserts a spokesperson for Tesco Travel Money.

"But those looking for a bargain break would be wise not just to look into the cost of travel but also the expenses they are likely to incur once they are there," they add. Indeed, with Tesco Clubcard vouchers lowering the cost of a getaway, families could afford to splash out on additional luxuries.

In reassuring Ms Papworth of the different rewards on offer, Tesco says: "We change our range regularly, choosing those we know from research [that reveals what] our customers want most."

But the Tesco Clubcard can deliver for Brits

Sticking cash into the Tesco savings-accounts/">Instant Access Savings account before October 7th can earn Brits a plethora of points. Stashing £1,000 gets savvy savers 500 points (£20 rewards), while £3,000 earns shoppers £40 in Clubcard points. And filling the account up with £10,000 allows them to get their hands on £60-worth of points.

"To do this, electronically move the money into Tesco a week before October 7th as you must have cleared funds on that specific day. Switch the cash back to a top savings account days later, since Tesco is only offering 0.75 per cent. The points should be awarded on your November Clubcard statement," the Guardian explains.

Such a move could help Brits battle the historically low interest rate set by the Bank of England at 0.5 per cent. But some people struggle to save their cash during the recession.

A poll by Abbey shows that 40 per cent of people do not currently stash their money into a savings account. And of those individuals who regularly save, 26 per cent admit they hoard less money now than they did last year. However, moving money into the Tesco Instant Access Savings account could allow shoppers to get their hands on more Clubcard points, making saving less of a chore for households.

"It's not too late for those Britons who haven't yet kick-started their savings habit to make a start - putting aside even a small amount each month will quickly add up to help provide them with a safety net in today's difficult economic climate," asserts Reza Attar-Zadeh, director of savings and investments at Santander.

Double or nothing

Savvy shoppers may also want to make full use of the double Clubcard points offer before it ends. Tesco reveals that the most popular parts of the store where people are taking advantage of this scheme are the wine and clothes sections.

The supermarket claims that a family who spends £90 a week at Tesco - excluding petrol - between now and Christmas could bag themselves £34 in Clubcard vouchers. As well as being cashed in online or in its stores, bargain-hunting Brits can exchange them for four-time their value under the partner scheme.

And the supermarket claims that £34 is enough for a return flight to Paris - which could see people ditch their weekly shop and take a last-minute break across the pond.

Important Notice
This guide is intended for general information only and is not intended as, and does not constitute, any form of advice, recommendation or endorsement by us of any particular product(s) or services and you should rely on your own further research and professional advice in relation to your specific requirements and circumstances before purchasing any products or services. Use of this guide is subject to the Terms of Use of the KnowYourMoney site.