A major supermarket is reportedly considering making major changes to its loyalty scheme. Tesco has confirmed it’s examining whether to amend its Clubcard programme rules to allow those under 18 to participate.

At present, students and young employees are barred from accessing the £3.85 meal deal. Instead, younger shoppers are required to pay the standard £4.25 rate, which has sparked considerable annoyance among parents on social media. One mum expressed her displeasure on Facebook, declaring: “I think it’s absolutely disgusting. She went in to buy her sandwich… and they wouldn’t allow her to use it. It’s a Clubcard, not alcohol. The world’s gone crazy.” A Tesco spokesman said: “We are actively reviewing Tesco Clubcard with the intention of making Clubcard available to under-18s this year.” They continued: “Those customers who do not have a Clubcard can still get great value from Tesco due to our combination of Aldi Price Match and Everyday Low Prices.”

The chain has encountered growing demands to broaden its reduced-price promotions to younger shoppers, with some advocates contending its current approach is discriminatory.

Based on the most recent Which? supermarket comparisons, Tesco patrons who failed to use the Clubcard reduction spent roughly £52 extra on a substantial trolley load, compared with those who did.

Reena Sewraz, Which? retail editor, SAID: “Which? research shows the savings from Tesco Clubcard can be really significant, which is why access matters so much for shoppers trying to make ends meet.

“We’ve been putting pressure on Tesco for years over its unfair policy of excluding young people, many of whom are struggling with the cost of living. We’re glad Tesco has listened – this is a big step in the right direction, provided it moves quickly to fully implement these changes.”

That said, Tesco isn’t alone in imposing an 18-plus restriction on its rewards programme. Back in July 2025, Morrisons faced criticism after raising the minimum age to join its More loyalty scheme from 16 to 18.

Similar policies are currently enforced at Morrisons, Lidl, Asda and Sainsbury’s.