Understanding the Kroger Boost Program
The Kroger Boost membership program is a powerful loyalty tool designed for customers who frequently shop at Kroger and its family of stores. While the basic Kroger Plus card offers digital coupons and fuel points, Boost is a premium, subscription-based upgrade that adds significant value, particularly for those who rely on grocery delivery services. By paying an annual or monthly fee, members unlock a new level of perks, moving beyond standard discounts to include major benefits like unlimited free delivery.
The Two Tiers of Boost Membership
Kroger offers two primary tiers for its Boost program, each tailored to different shopping habits and budgets. Both tiers are paid subscriptions that provide double Fuel Points and other exclusive benefits, but they differ in their delivery speed and streaming perks.
- Boost: This top-tier option offers the fastest delivery and the most comprehensive streaming package. Members enjoy free grocery delivery on orders of $35 or more in as little as two hours. Annual subscribers also receive ongoing access to their choice of Disney+ (with ads), Hulu (with ads), or ESPN+.
- Boost Essential: The more budget-friendly tier, Boost Essential provides free delivery on orders of $35 or more for next-day delivery. While it still offers premium benefits, the streaming offer is a six-month trial instead of an ongoing subscription for annual members.
Key Benefits Included with Boost
The core advantages of a Kroger Boost membership are designed to increase convenience and savings. Here is a breakdown of the primary benefits:
- Unlimited Free Delivery: The signature perk of Boost is unlimited free delivery on online orders over $35. This eliminates per-delivery service fees and is especially valuable for those who frequently order groceries online.
- 2x Fuel Points: All Boost members earn double Fuel Points on qualifying purchases made in-store, online for pickup, or for delivery. This accelerates the rate at which you can save money on gas at Kroger fuel centers.
- Exclusive Discounts: In addition to standard digital deals available to all Kroger Plus members, Boost subscribers receive exclusive, member-only offers and special promotions. Periodically, Kroger holds "Boost Bonus Days" with even deeper discounts on private-label brands.
- Streaming Services: Annual Boost members get ongoing access to one of three streaming services (Disney+ with ads, Hulu with ads, or ESPN+), while annual Boost Essential members receive a six-month trial to one of these services.
Is Kroger Boost Worth It for You?
Deciding if Boost is a worthwhile investment depends on your personal shopping habits. For heavy users of Kroger's delivery service and those who drive frequently, the savings from free delivery and 2x Fuel Points can quickly offset the membership cost. As a rule of thumb, if you spend a significant amount on grocery delivery fees or have a high monthly grocery bill that translates into fuel savings, Boost is likely a good fit. Kroger offers a free 30-day trial for new members to help them evaluate the program's value before committing.
Comparing Boost to Other Grocery Programs
It's helpful to compare Kroger's Boost to other grocery programs to see how it stacks up. Unlike Amazon Prime, which includes a vast array of other benefits beyond Whole Foods grocery delivery, Boost focuses primarily on food, gas, and a limited streaming option. It is a targeted offering for loyal Kroger shoppers. Other services like Walmart+ offer competing delivery and fuel savings programs, making it a key area for comparison when considering a new grocery membership. A detailed comparison table can help highlight the differences.
| Feature | Kroger Boost ($99/yr) | Kroger Boost Essential ($69/yr) | Walmart+ | Amazon Prime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Speed | Same-day (as fast as 2 hrs) | Next-day | Same-day (as fast as 1 hr) | Same-day & 2-hr windows |
| Free Delivery Minimum | $35+ order | $35+ order | $35+ order | Varies by store/location |
| Fuel Point Multiplier | 2x Fuel Points | 2x Fuel Points | Up to 10 cents off/gallon | None at Whole Foods |
| Streaming Service | Disney+, Hulu, or ESPN+ | 6-month trial | Paramount+ Essential | Amazon Prime Video |
| Retail Focus | Kroger Family of Stores | Kroger Family of Stores | Walmart & Sam's Club | Amazon & Whole Foods |
How to Sign Up for Kroger Boost
Signing up for the Kroger Boost program is a straightforward process. First, you must have an existing Kroger Plus loyalty card and a digital account. You can then enroll online through the Kroger website or app by selecting your preferred membership tier and completing the payment. Once enrolled, the benefits, including free delivery and 2x Fuel Points, are typically activated within an hour.
Conclusion
Kroger Boost is an excellent, value-added service for frequent Kroger customers seeking to maximize savings and convenience. By offering unlimited free delivery, double fuel points, exclusive coupons, and streaming perks, it significantly upgrades the standard Kroger Plus card. The decision to purchase a membership ultimately depends on your delivery frequency and how much you can benefit from the tiered perks. For many shoppers, especially those who rely on home delivery, the cost can be recouped quickly, making Boost a valuable addition to their savings strategy.
