Tesco to axe popular Clubcard feature next week
Tesco has announced it is axing one of its most popular Clubcard services despite many shoppers using it every day.
The supermarket's Clubcard app has a raft of services, from checking how many points are in an account to seeing what deals are on offer.
But from 7 March, shoppers will no longer be able to use the app to pay for their shopping in store. This is to keep offering customers 'the best value and convenience,' a Tesco spokesperson said.
This means that shoppers will now always need to scan their Clubcard first before paying with a different payment method like card or cash.
An email sent to customers said: 'To ensure we're able to keep bringing out the best value and convenience, we've taken the decision to remove the pay in-store feature, formally known as Tesco Pay+, from the Tesco app.
'Between now and March 7, the pay in-store feature will be phased out and any linked card details will be removed, unless you're using them for GetGo, Whoosh, or home delivery shopping.
'So next time you're in-store, you'll need to pay separately after scanning your Clubcard. You can still earn points and access Clubcard Prices by simply scanning your Clubcard or app at the till.'
The email adds that the Tesco Clubcard can still be added to an Apple or Google wallet, which may be the easiest option for customers who had come to rely on the mobile app for payment. This would put all cards in the same place for a similar, but less streamlined experience.
A Tesco spokesperson said: 'We regularly review the payment options available to our customers.
"It's still quick easy to earn points on your shopping and fuel and enjoy Clubcard Prices offers by tapping your Clubcard in-store, scanning it via the Tesco App, or by adding it to your Apple or Google wallet.'
The change comes after Tesco recently revealed it was launching a trial to offer personalised deals to Clubcard holders based on their most common purchases.
And in a recent survey by Which?, the British grocery giant was named the UK's second-best supermarket on metrics like value, store appearance, and overall shopping experience.
It was just narrowly beat out by M&S which, despite being on the pricier side of the list, was the only store to be officially verified by the consumer champion.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
Tesco to shed light on sales as ‘awful April' bill hikes squeeze budgets
Tesco shareholders will be watching closely for signs that it is managing to fend off competition as the supermarket price war heats up and 'awful April' bill hikes eat into household income. The UK's biggest supermarket chain will unveil its financial results for the first three months of its financial year on Thursday. Tesco recently signalled that a price war was mounting within the sector, saying that it expects to make as much as £400 million less in profit in the year ahead as a result of what it called 'a very competitive market'. Asda has promised its biggest price cuts in 25 years under returning boss Allan Leighton, in a bid to revive the languishing chain. The rapid growth of discounters Aldi and Lidl in the UK has also driven more competition as supermarkets move to match some of their prices to low-cost alternatives. Tesco is expecting to generate a group adjusted operating profit of between £2.7 billion and £3 billion for the year to February 2026, down from the £3.1 billion made over the latest year. A group of analysts for AJ Bell said that, despite fears of a supermarket price war, Tesco's share price was close to a 12-year high. 'Asda's reboot under new chair Allan Leighton prompted such concerns but, for now, the competition seems relatively limited in scope, with a focus on Clubcard and loyalty scheme customers and loss-leaders that drive footfall,' they said. 'Mr Leighton claims he can see the green shoots of recovery at Asda, but the latest Kantar survey of market share in the UK grocery market suggests that Tesco, Aldi and Lidl continue to have both Asda and Morrisons for breakfast.' Asda is the UK's third-largest UK supermarket, behind Sainsbury's, but remains close to being overtaken by Aldi which has seen its share of the market grow steadily. Meanwhile, investors will be looking for an update from Tesco on how consumers are faring following the onset of higher bills during what has been dubbed as 'awful April'. Household bills including for electricity, water, phone deals, and council tax rose for many from the beginning of the month. Financial markets analyst Michael Hewson said trading updates from the UK's biggest retailers can give a strong indication of consumer trends and any signs of weakness in the UK economy. He said Tesco's Booker division – the food wholesaler – was the 'main drag' on its latest annual sales figures, 'largely due to weakness in its tobacco business, as well as the fast-food market serviced by its Best Food logistics brand'. 'This business supplies the likes of Burger King, Pret a Manger, Pizza Express, Zizzi, Nando's and Pizza Hut, and saw a like-for-like sales decline of 5.1% to £1.44 billion,' he said.
NBC News
4 hours ago
- NBC News
How to buy refurbished tech from Apple, Amazon and more
The latest and greatest tech is usually pretty expensive. Premium prices plus ongoing uncertainty around tariffs has made a lot of people naturally hesitant to invest hundreds (or thousands) of dollars in a new phone or laptop. One of the easiest ways to save money on tech products is by buying them used or refurbished. A refurbished device is one that is 'returned, repaired or restored to a like-new condition,' says Ozzy Russell, former operations manager at Back in the Box, a New Jersey tech refurbisher and seller. We explain everything you need to know about used and refurbished products, plus share a few of the biggest and best retailers marketplaces to shop. Selected. Our top picks What does refurbished mean? People often confuse refurbished, used and open-box products as the same thing. Adding to that confusion are sub-categories like factory refurbished and certified refurbished. Below is a brief explanation of the differences between these categories, according to Russell. Used and pre-owned: These items are returned by a previous owner and may show signs of wear and tear. Typically, they do not come with a warranty, and often have not been tested to see if they work perfectly. Open-box: Near-new products with little or no signs of wear. These products are quick returns from customers, display models from stores or products with damaged packaging. They may or may not include accessories or warranty. Refurbished: Returned products that are repaired or restored to a like-new condition through part replacement and inspection. Refurbished products are often tested by professionals to make sure they perform as advertised, and typically come with a warranty. Certified refurbished: These are returned products that are repaired or restored with a more intensive inspection and certification process. Certified refurbished products are sold by the original manufacturer or an authorized partner of the manufacturer. They often come with extended warranty and return periods. How I picked the best sites to shop refurbished I focused on marketplaces selling certified refurbished products because they 'meet strict quality standards set by the manufacturer and are often indistinguishable from new products in terms of performance and appearance,' says Russell. I also put emphasis on the following perks: Warranty and return: I highlighted marketplaces that offer a warranty period or return policy in case of any unexpected issues with the product. Product selection: Most popular marketplaces sell a variety of certified refurbished electronics, including smart phones, gaming consoles, home goods and cameras. Accessories: We only chose retailers that include necessary accessories like charging and power cables in the box. The best sites to buy refurbished tech Most of our favorite refurbished retailers are larger online retailers and marketplaces like Apple, Amazon and EBay. Best for Apple products: Apple Certified Refurbished What we like: In-house testing Mint condition products Something to note: Pricier than other storefronts Short return policy If you're looking to save money on Apple products, look into Apple's certified refurbished storefront. Buying directly from Apple means the device has been refurbished and tested by Apple's team, according to the brand. All Apple certified refurbished products come with a new battery, new outer shell and relevant accessories in the box. 'These iPhones typically have the highest level of quality assurance and customer support,' says Russell. All of the certified refurbished products come with free shipping and returns. It's also important to note that Apple's certified refurbished storefront has a limited stock of products, and is often more expensive than other refurbished storefronts. Product offered: Apple products | Warranty: 1 year | Return policy: 14 days | Shipping: free | Conditions offered: mint | Accessories: manufacturer included Best shopping experience: Back Market What we like: Easy to use website Great product selection Something to note: Nothing at this time Back Market is an online storefront that only sells certified refurbished tech products — that makes it easier to navigate than most other storefronts. Brands and products are sensibly organized, and you can easily select the condition and configuration of most devices on the site. That means instead of having to scroll through a huge list of iPads, I can easily select one model and choose my preferred color and spec options from there. I was sent a refurbished iPad Air (4th Generation) from Back Market to try out. Labeled as 'excellent' condition, it felt like a brand-new product to me. It had no visible blemishes, knicks or scratches, had a healthy battery and performed as expected, and continues to work great after two years of use. Most items on Back Market are sold through third-party sellers who pass Back Market's screening process. Back Market also has a specific certified renewed page for products that are refurbished and sold directly from manufacturers. Best warranty: EBay Certified Refurbished What we like: Huge selection of products Long warranty Something to note: Nothing at this time You might associate eBay with bidding on used items, but the storefront now has many new ways to shop including its certified refurbished program, which sells electronics, household tools, cameras and sporting goods, to name a few. These items come with a two year Allstate SquareTrade warranty — it's a third-party warranty, but the longest of our top picks. EBay also has a lengthy 30-day return policy. All of its certified refurbished products are in 'pristine, like-new' condition, according to the brand. Product offered: electronics, home goods, auto parts, etc. | Warranty: 2 years, third party | Return policy: 30 days | Shipping: free | Conditions offered: pristine like-new | Accessories: original or new, generic included Widest product selection: Amazon Renewed What we like: Wide product selection Generous return policy Something to note: No manufacturer warranty Hard to navigate website Amazon Renewed has a huge selection of certified refurbished electronics including smartphones, earbuds, office products and cameras. All products sold on Amazon Renewed are professionally inspected and tested to ensure they work as expected by an Amazon performance-managed supplier, according to the brand. Amazon Renewed hosts many third-party sellers, but Amazon ensures that their third-party sellers meet certain criteria to sell on Amazon Renewed. Amazon Renewed products do not come with manufacturer warranty. Instead, they come with either a one year or 90 day return policy, depending on the item's condition. Product offered: electronics, home goods, outdoor tools, etc. | Warranty: n/a | Return policy: one year for premium condition products, 90 days for all other conditions | Shipping: Varies | Conditions offered: premium, excellent, good, acceptable | Accessories: generic or original manufacturer included Other places to shop certified refurbished Samsung Certified Re-Newed What we like: In-house testing and parts Something to note: Pricier than other storefronts Samsung sells older generations of their popular Galaxy smartphones refurbished via its Certified Re-Newed page. Like Apple certified refurbished, these smartphones are refurbished by Samsung, in a Samsung facility, with Samsung parts, according to the brand. All Samsung Re-Newed products come with a one year warranty and a 28-day free return period. Best Buy Geek Squad Certified Refurbished What we like: In-house refurbishing Home or store delivery options Something to note: Possible restocking fees All of Best Buy's Geek Squad certified refurbished products are refurbished by Best Buy staff. The retailer sells electronics like Apple products, headphones and computer accessories and you can ship items to your address or a nearby Best Buy store. Walmart Restored What we like: Wide product categories Competitive prices Something to note: No manufacturer warranty Hard to navigate website Similar to Amazon Renewed, Walmart Restored sells certified refurbished products that have been handled by third party sellers who are accepted and managed by Walmart. Only a select group of Walmart sellers can participate in the program, according to the brand's FAQ page. The brand sells products across categories like tech, appliances and TVs. How to shop for refurbished tech One of the main reasons we focused on certified refurbished tech is confidence. Certified refurbished tech undergoes a more intensive repair and inspection process than returned, open-box and other used conditions. When shopping for certified refurbished products Russell recommends you: Choose a reputable seller: Many marketplaces host third-party sellers with customer reviews you can read. Look for sellers with lots of positive, recent reviews. Check the item's condition: Most marketplaces sell items in different conditions ranging from fair to excellent, although the specific wording may vary. Read up on what these cosmetic conditions mean for each marketplace. Check the age of the product: Old tech products, especially smartphones that rely on software updates, can have issues running current software and hardware, says Russell. This might lead to reduced longevity and more everyday issues over time. Verify details like warranty and return policy: Both policies can be helpful if you need to return and exchange a refurbished product. Inspect your item on arrival: When you receive your refurbished item, be sure to look it over thoroughly. If you find issues that were not mentioned in the listing, contact the seller as soon as possible, says Russell. Meet our expert At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? I am a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including recent stories on smartwatches, over ear headphones and more. For this piece, I spoke with a professional tech refurbisher and seller to better understand the process and online retailers available. I also own many used and refurbished tech products purchased from different marketplaces.
Geeky Gadgets
4 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
iPhone 17: All the Leaks & Rumors – Is It REALLY Worth Upgrading?
The iPhone 17 series is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases in Apple's lineup, with rumors pointing to a combination of refined design, enhanced performance, and user-focused upgrades. Apple is expected to unveil four models: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. While the changes may not be innovative, they reflect Apple's commitment to delivering premium materials, innovative technology, and an improved user experience. Below is a detailed look at a new video from Zollotech at the key aspects of the iPhone 17 series. Watch this video on YouTube. Design and Build: A Blend of Durability and Elegance Apple appears to be emphasizing both durability and aesthetic appeal in the iPhone 17 lineup. The Pro models are rumored to feature titanium frames, which are both lightweight and exceptionally strong, offering a premium feel. Meanwhile, the standard and Air models are expected to use aluminum, striking a balance between cost-effectiveness and durability. One of the standout features could be the iPhone 17 Air, rumored to be Apple's thinnest phone yet, with a profile measuring between 5.5 and 5.8 mm. This ultra-slim design is likely to appeal to users seeking a sleek and portable device. Additional design updates include repositioned USB-C ports, revised speaker layouts for better audio output, and the continued presence of the Dynamic Island feature, which enhances interactivity and display consistency across the lineup. Display Enhancements: Bigger and Better The iPhone 17 series is expected to introduce larger displays across all models, providing an immersive viewing experience. Here's what the rumored screen sizes look like: The standard iPhone 17 may feature a 6.3-inch display. The iPhone 17 Air and Pro Max models could offer 6.6-inch and 6.9-inch screens, respectively. All models are expected to support a 120 Hz refresh rate, making sure smooth scrolling and fluid visuals, particularly for gaming and video playback. However, the absence of a variable refresh rate could slightly impact battery efficiency. To enhance usability, Apple is reportedly incorporating anti-reflective coatings and scratch-resistant technology, improving visibility in bright environments and making sure long-term durability. Camera Upgrades: A Focus on Photography Photography enthusiasts are likely to appreciate the rumored camera enhancements in the iPhone 17 lineup. The Pro models are expected to feature a 48 MP camera system across all lenses, allowing sharper and more detailed images. Advanced features such as 8K video recording and dual-camera recording are also anticipated, catering to content creators who require professional-grade tools. The iPhone 17 Air, while positioned as a more affordable option, may include a single 48 MP camera, offering a balance between quality and cost. These updates underscore Apple's ongoing commitment to delivering top-tier mobile photography, making sure users can capture stunning images and videos in various settings. Performance and Efficiency: Next-Gen Power The iPhone 17 series is expected to deliver next-generation performance, powered by Apple's latest chipsets. The Pro models are rumored to feature the A19 chipset, while the standard and Air models may run on the A18 chipset. These processors promise faster speeds, improved energy efficiency, and seamless multitasking capabilities. Apple is also rumored to introduce custom Bluetooth and Wi-Fi components, which could enhance wireless connectivity while reducing power consumption. With up to 12 GB of RAM in the Pro models and 8 GB in the standard and Air models, the iPhone 17 lineup is poised to handle demanding tasks, from gaming to video editing, with ease. Battery and Charging: Improved Longevity Battery life remains a critical consideration for users, and the iPhone 17 series is rumored to address this with varying battery capacities tailored to each model: The iPhone 17 Air may feature a 2,800 mAh battery. The standard model could offer a 3,600 mAh battery. The Pro Max, designed for power users, might include a 4,700 mAh battery. Charging speeds are expected to improve, with wired charging reaching up to 35W, allowing for faster recharging times. Wireless charging capabilities are likely to remain consistent with previous models, though the inclusion of reverse wireless charging—a feature allowing users to charge other devices—remains uncertain. Pricing and Variants: Options for Every Budget Apple's pricing strategy for the iPhone 17 lineup is expected to cater to a wide range of users. The iPhone 17 Air, which is rumored to replace the iPhone 17 Plus, may start at $899, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The Pro and Pro Max models, featuring premium materials and advanced features, could see slight price increases due to rising component costs. This tiered pricing approach reflects Apple's effort to provide options for both casual users and tech enthusiasts, making sure there's a model to suit every preference and budget. Color Options: Fresh Choices The iPhone 17 lineup is rumored to introduce new color options, including light blue and orange, alongside traditional tones like black, silver, and gold. Pro models with titanium frames may feature muted, sophisticated finishes, appealing to users who prefer understated designs. These fresh color choices are likely to add a touch of personalization to the lineup, allowing users to select a device that matches their style. Release Timeline: Mark Your Calendar Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 series in early September, with availability following later that month. This timeline aligns with Apple's traditional release schedule, making sure the devices are available ahead of the holiday shopping season. The September launch window has become a hallmark of Apple's product strategy, generating excitement and anticipation among consumers worldwide. Additional Features: What Else to Expect Several additional features are rumored to enhance the iPhone 17 lineup, further solidifying its appeal: MagSafe technology is expected to remain a key feature, supporting magnetic charging and a range of compatible accessories. is expected to remain a key feature, supporting magnetic charging and a range of compatible accessories. The SIM card tray is likely to be retained in regions outside the U.S., offering flexibility for international users. is likely to be retained in regions outside the U.S., offering flexibility for international users. All models will run on iOS 26, delivering the latest software enhancements, security updates, and user-friendly features. These updates suggest Apple's continued focus on delivering a seamless and versatile user experience, making sure the iPhone 17 series meets the needs of a diverse audience. Advance your skills in iPhone 17 lineup by reading more of our detailed content. Source & Image Credit: zollotech Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Mobile Phone News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
