As of May 18, 2025, select Kroger and affiliated stores are once again offering a waiver of the purchase fee on $150 or more in Visa® or Mastercard® variable-load gift cards. Although the official digital coupon is not universally visible, community reports indicate that the offer is active in certain regions through May 20, 2025, subject to clipping the coupon in-app or in-store. Availability is inconsistent—Your Mileage May Vary (YMMV)—and some shoppers have noted successful redemptions in Texas and Central Ohio. Below is a detailed breakdown of the promotion, its history, regional nuances, redemption steps, and expert tips to maximize value.
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Kroger Waives Purchase Fee on $150+ Visa/Mastercard Gift Cards – YMMV
Kroger’s Variable-Load Gift Card Promotions
- Past
Promotions: Kroger has periodically waived the standard purchase fee
(typically $6.95) when customers load $150 or more onto a Visa® or
Mastercard® variable-load gift card.
- Affiliate
Stores: Harris Teeter and other Kroger affiliates have offered similar
promotions, typically requiring digital coupons clipped via the Kroger
app.
- Coupon
Mechanics: These promotions are generally distributed as digital
coupons in the Kroger app. Once clipped, the coupon automatically applies
at checkout.
Importance for Manufactured Spending and Rewards Churning
- Manufactured
Spending Value: A $150 variable-load gift card with the fee waived
allows users to earn credit card rewards without incurring extra cost.
- Fuel-Points
Stackability: Kroger typically offers 2× fuel points on gift card
purchases, although occasional 4× promotions apply to fixed-value gift
cards. Variable-load cards usually earn the standard 2× rate.
The Current Offer (May 14–20, 2025)
Offer Details
- What’s
Free: The $6.95 purchase fee is waived on Visa® or Mastercard®
variable-load gift cards of $150 or more.
- Valid
Dates: May 14 through May 20, 2025.
- Where
It’s Available: In-store at select Kroger and affiliated stores, with
confirmed activity in Texas and Central Ohio.
- Limitations:
- One
coupon per Kroger account.
- Digital
coupon must be clipped in the app before purchase.
- In-store
only; not valid online.
- Excludes
fixed-value gift cards.
Reader Reports (YMMV)
- Texas:
Some shoppers have confirmed the deal is live from May 14 to May 20.
- Central
Ohio: Shoppers have reported receiving fuel points and successful fee
waivers.
- Unavailable
in Some Areas: In some regions, the coupon does not appear in the app,
indicating it may be geo-targeted.
Fine Print and Restrictions
Digital Coupon Requirements
- Clip
Beforehand: Navigate to “Digital Coupons” in the Kroger app and search
for the fee-waiver coupon.
- Limited
to One: Only one coupon per account.
- In-Store
Use Only: Valid only at physical Kroger or affiliated locations.
- Coupon
Expiration: Current offer is valid through May 20, 2025.
Exclusions
- Fixed-value
gift cards ($25, $50, $100) are not eligible.
- Only
variable-load cards qualify.
- Digital
coupons cannot be stacked with paper coupons.
How to Redeem
- Check
Availability: Search for the coupon in the Kroger app’s Digital
Coupons section.
- Visit
a Participating Store: Head to a Kroger or affiliate location where
the coupon appears to be active.
- Select
Your Gift Card: Choose a variable-load gift card and load $150 or
more.
- Present
the Coupon: Ensure the cashier applies the digital coupon. If the fee
isn’t waived automatically, ask for a manager.
- Pay
and Confirm: Total should reflect only the face value (e.g., $150).
Check your receipt to ensure the fee was waived.
Regional Variability (YMMV)
- Geo-Targeting:
Coupon visibility varies by region, with some users unable to find it in
the app.
- Fuel
Points: Some regions may offer 2× fuel points on qualifying purchases.
Check app offers for additional rewards.
- Affiliate
Variations: Availability may differ among banners like Harris Teeter,
Fred Meyer, or King Soopers.
Expert Tips and Considerations
- Maximize
Credit-Card Rewards: Use a credit card that offers elevated rewards on
grocery purchases.
- Liquidation
Strategy: Plan ahead if you intend to use the gift card for bill pay
or other payment methods.
- Avoid
Reseller Fees: By acquiring the card without a fee, you preserve value
even if reselling.
- Watch
for Expiration: Clip the coupon early and redeem before May 20.
- One-Per-Household
Rule: Coordinate with other household members if you want to redeem
more than once.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The May 14–20, 2025 promotion waiving the $6.95 fee on $150+
Visa®/Mastercard® variable-load gift cards offers a useful opportunity to earn
rewards, reduce out-of-pocket costs, or manage spending strategically. However,
because availability varies and requires an app-based coupon, users should
verify eligibility before heading to the store. If available, clip the coupon,
confirm the discount at checkout, and explore ways to maximize the card’s value
based on your financial strategy.