Asda makes ‘ridiculous’ change to its reward scheme as shoppers slam it’s now ‘not worth’ their time
SHOPPERS have been left disappointed after learning that Asda is making a change to its rewards scheme.
The supermarket has confirmed that Blue Light card holders who shop in Asda will receive less in their Asda rewards cash pot.
The Blue Light Card helps thousands of emergency workers get exclusive access to discounts in retailers like Asda.
Asda has confirmed Blue Light Card holders will now receive 5% instead of 10% off fresh food, including meat, fish fruit and veg, fresh fruit juice and smoothies, dairy and bakery from April 25, 2024, at 8am.
The cardholders will see this 5% in their Asda rewards cash pot as usual.
Shopper took to Facebook to share their frustration after hearing the news.
One user said: “I’ll be returning to Aldi because of this.”
“It’s not worth my time in Asda,” said another.
A third user said the news was: “Such a shame!”
“It’s ridiculous,” said someone else.
However, not all responses to the changes were negative several shoppers said they appreciated the scheme nevertheless.
One user said: “Grateful for any cash pot I receive it is a great gesture Asda do, not an entitlement.”
“It was never gonna last forever,” said another.
“People complaining about something they get for free will always baffle me…”
Asda is the only major UK supermarket to offer Blue Light Card holders these benefits.
Blue Light Card holders still will be able to access exclusive Asda Rewards propositions, starting with a competition where they can win up to £100 in their Cashpots every day they shop and spend £5 until May 27, 2024.
An Asda spokesperson told The Sun: “Asda has worked with Blue Light Card since 2022 and we have saved Blue Light workers millions on their shopping in that time.”
“We’re now introducing new and exclusive ways for cardholders to boost their Asda Rewards Cashpots, as well as offering 5% back in Cashpots on fresh food purchases.”
Who is eligible to get the Blue Light Discount?
Only those in certain emergency service or key worker roles can apply for a Blue Light Discount.
Here is the full list of jobs which are eligible:
- Ambulance service
- Blood bikes
- Fire service
- Highways traffic officers
- HM armed forces
- HM armed forces veteran
- HM coastguard
- HM prison and probation service
- Home Office (Borders and Immigration)
- Independent lifeboats
- MoD civil servant
- MoD fire service
- MoD police
- NHS
- NHS Dental Practice
- Pharmacy
- Police
- Red cross
- Reserved army forces
- RNLI
- Search and rescue
- Social care
- St Andrews ambulance
- St John ambulance
To be eligible for a card you have to prove your profession by uploading a form of valid ID or recent payslip.
To sign up, just head to the Blue Light Card website where you’ll have to fill out a form.
Bear in mind, that you’ll be asked a couple of questions, for example, about your job title and where you work.
For more information on the scheme, see our handy explainer.
The following products are not be included in the Blue Light Card Asda Rewards scheme:
- All Just Essentials products
- Alcohol
- Asda Online Groceries
- Food to Go
- Ready Meals including fresh pizzas
- Fresh dips
- Fresh pies
- Rotisserie Counters
- Frozen
- Non-Fresh Food items
- Health and Beauty
- Baby
- Toys
- Household including pet and laundry
- Entertainment
- George/George.com including all clothing, shoes and accessories and homeware and outdoor products
- Plants & Flowers
- Asda Tyres
- Fuel
- Tobacco
- Lottery products including instant tickets
- Gift Vouchers & Cards
- Infant/Formula Milk
- Cash-back
- Fireworks
- Photo Printing
- Saver Stamps
- Postage Stamps
- ‘Top-Up’ Mobile Phone Cards
- All Financial Services products and Insurances
- Pharmacy & separate concessions
How does Asda’s loyalty scheme work?
To join Asda’s loyalty scheme, you’ll need to download the Asda Rewards app which you can find on the Apple App Store and Google Play store.
You’ll need to have an account – if you don’t, it’s pretty easy to sign up.
You’ll need to provide your name as well as some other details.
Then, you can earn cash rewards known as Asda Pounds when shopping in store and online.
You’ll just need to scan the barcode on the app at the checkout.
If you’re shopping online, just make sure you’re logged into your account, and then browse as normal.
Usually, you can buy certain “star products” which are a mix of branded and Asda own-brand items.
You can see a full list in the dedicated section of the Asda Rewards app, but they’re also marked when you’re shopping online at Asda.com.
Be mindful of how much you’re spending – not every deal will be worth the money you spend to get it and remember to look around other shops to see what deals they have to compare.
Rewards you earn can be accessed in your “cash pot” within the app.
How to save money in Asda
HERE'S how to save money in Asda.
All Asda staff carry a book of Asda smiley vouchers, which can be given out to customers at their discretion.
Each voucher has a face value of 50p and can be used to get money off your shop.
Grab items from Asda’s Just Essentials range, these can be identified through bright yellow packaging and offer great value on household essentials.
Don’t forget the famous Asda “reduced” stickers.
Chilled things start getting reduced in the morning with final reductions on items such as bread and cakes starting around 6:30 pm.
Asda Rewards is free to join.
As an Asda Rewards member, you’ll get exclusive discounts and offers, and you’ll also be able to earn 10% cashback on Star Products.
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