Sky News: Tesco to Open Clubcard to Under-18s After Review — What Shoppers Stand to Gain

The latest sky news coverage highlights a notable change in supermarket loyalty policy: Tesco intends to make its Clubcard available to under-18s this year after a formal review of eligibility rules. The development matters because Clubcard discounts and vouchers are a significant way for shoppers to reduce grocery bills, and widening access would directly affect younger customers who currently miss out.

Sky News: The announcement and immediate implications

Tesco has said it is actively reviewing its Clubcard scheme with the intention of making Clubcard available to under-18s this year. The loyalty scheme lets shoppers get discounts on thousands of products and collect points that can be converted into vouchers. Tesco has not outlined the mechanics of how under-18s would join or explained the reasons for the change in detail, but it has stressed that customers without a Clubcard can still find value through existing price match and low-price initiatives.

What widening Clubcard access means for young shoppers and the market

Enabling under-18s to join a major loyalty programme would remove a barrier that currently prevents many young people from accessing lower prices on everyday items. Research referenced in recent coverage shows that a loyalty card can deliver meaningful savings on a typical supermarket shop, and for households under pressure from rising costs, those savings matter.

Other supermarket policies vary: some chains require customers to be 18 or older to join loyalty schemes, while others allow younger shoppers to be added to a parent or guardian's account. Specific age thresholds cited in recent material include 18 for several large supermarkets, 16 at some retailers, and as young as 13 at certain health-and-beauty chains. Allowing younger customers direct access would align eligibility with the experiences of youths who already contribute to household spending and who often shop independently.

Policy context: competition, data and potential ripple effects

The competition regulator has indicated that eligibility requirements are unlikely to breach consumer law but that retailers could do more to broaden access, including allowing under-18s to benefit from schemes. Loyalty cards also function as a tool for retailers to collect purchase data and compete on price, which helps explain why eligibility rules matter strategically for the grocery market.

Opening a flagship loyalty programme to younger customers is likely to prompt responses across the sector. When a market leader adjusts rules that affect pricing and customer incentives, peer retailers often reassess their own policies to remain competitive and to avoid alienating cost-conscious shoppers. For families and young people, the immediate impact would be increased access to discounted items and the ability to earn rewards directly.

Next steps and what shoppers should watch for

• Implementation details: Tesco has not specified how under-18 access would be implemented; shoppers should watch for further announcements about eligibility, verification and any parental consent mechanisms.
• Timing: The intention is for the change to happen this year, but the retailer has not provided a firm date; rollout timelines may be subject to internal review and technical updates.
• Sector reaction: Other supermarkets may review their own rules, especially those that currently restrict younger customers from joining loyalty schemes or require parental linking.

The move follows pressure from consumer campaign activity to widen loyalty access and comes at a moment when many households are seeking ways to stretch budgets. sky news coverage has foregrounded readers’ responses and the broader consumer implications; details may evolve as retailers publish implementation plans and the market adjusts.