SAINSBURY’S has reduced the number of points customers can earn when paying with one of its credit cards – in a blow to shoppers.
At the moment, shoppers who pay for their groceries with a Sainsbury’s Bank credit card can get two Nectar points for every £1 spent.
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Customers can also earn these points when shopping at Argos, Habitat and Tu clothing.
But from November 1, customers will only get one point for every £1 spent, meaning the scheme is now less generous.
One Nectar Card point is then worth 0.5p, so you need 200 Nectar points to save £1 to spend.
Furious shoppers have taken to Twitter to slam the supermarket for making the change.
One said on Twitter: “So disappointed in Sainsbury’s today announcing that Nectar points on credit card spending will be slashed.
“Talk about hitting people when it’s already hard.”
Another said: “What’s the benefit of this card now?”
A third vowed to switch credit card provider following the announcement.
They said: “Sainsbury’s have just halved all Nectar point collection rates on its credit card.
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“Can anyone recommend a good cashback credit card to reply my Sainsbury’s card?
“Very annoyed about this.”
Sainsbury’s responded to customers on Twitter and said it “constantly reviews its offers” to make sure it is offering the best deals.
The supermarket said on Twitter: “We’ve reduced the number of points you earn when paying with your credit card whilst making sure we’re still offering Nectar points when you shop with us.
“Our points offer remains competitive. We’re sorry for your disappointment.”
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson told The Sun: “While we understand this offer is popular with card holders, we are certain that all customers will continue to find great value and to save money with Sainsbury’s through our low priced food, competitive financial services and affordable Argos and Habitat brands.”
How are Nectar points changing for Sainsbury’s bank credit card customers?
Customers will still be able to connect points when paying with their credit card.
But from November 1, the supermarket will award one point for each full £2 spent at Sainsbury’s, Argos, Habitat and Tu Clothing in the UK.
It will also award one point for each full £5 spent everywhere else.
This includes:
- Argos eBay stores
- Argos Clearance stores
- Argos For Business
- Argos Spares
- Argos Financial Services
- Sainsbury’s Bank
- Sainsbury’s Energy
- Sainsbury’s Cafes
- Sainsbury’s e-Gift Cards
How does Sainsbury’s Nectar card work?
One of the longest-running loyalty card schemes, the Nectar Card was launched in 2002 after Sainsbury’s, Debenhams, BP and Barclaycard all combined their loyalty schemes under one brand.
Sainsbury’s then bought Nectar in 2018 and revamped the loyalty scheme in 2019.
Sainsbury’s customers receive a range of points-boosting offers based on their shopping habits every week.
Customers would be able to see the deals on the website or app each week, then collect the extra points if they buy the item in store or online.
How it works is shoppers earn points when they spend money at Sainsbury’s, Sainsbury’s petrol stations and also at other retailers such as Ebay and Dulux Decorator Centres.
To get one Nectar point you need to spend £1 in Sainsbury’s store, or you get one Nectar point for every litre of fuel purchased in Sainsbury’s fuel stations.
At most of Nectar’s online partner stores, you’ll collect two points for each £1 you spend.
One Nectar Card point is then worth 0.5p, so you need 200 Nectar points to save £1 to spend.
Once you have enough points you can turn them into vouchers to buy your next food shop at Sainsbury’s or to buy things such as plane tickets at Expedia, train tickets from Eurostar or cinema tickets for Vue cinemas.
The Sun has put together a list to the best and worst supermarket loyalty schemes.
We have also complied a guide to everything you need to know about taking out a credit card.
