Is Co-op membership worth it? And how to save more

A loyalty card that costs? Surely not? Okay, so a Co-op membership is hardly going to break the bank, but what do you get back for your shiny £1? Let’s take a look at what’s on offer and how else you can save money when you’re shopping at the Co-op.

Changes made in 2024

Before we look at what the Co-op membership offers, it’s important to note that it’s not as good as it once was. Pre-2024, members would earn 2 pence back for every £1 spent. This could then be used towards the cost of your shopping. Unfortunately, the new scheme isn’t quite so generous. Still, let’s see what the new scheme offers.

What is Co-op membership?

In return for a one-off £1 fee, membership gives you personalised discounts on items based on what you usually buy. On top of this, you’ll also be given access to money-off deals for selected items in-store. You’ll also receive discounts on Co-op services like Insurance, Funeralcare and Legal Services.

Why does Co-op charge a fee?

To receive membership benefits, you need to become a member. And to become a member, you need to pay £1 to Co-op and in return, you are issued a share.

How does membership work?

Simply sign up online by following this link, downloading the Co-op app, or grab a temporary card when you’re in-store. When you shop, scan your physical card or the app to earn rewards.

Personalised offers

Each week, you’ll be sent a list of offers tailored to you. You then need to choose the most useful and save them in your online membership account or the Co-op app. These are often discounts on certain items or money off your whole shop. When you pay for your shopping, scan your card and the discount will automatically be added.

Member prices

These work in a similar fashion to Tesco Clubcard and Nectar Prices. Around the store, you will see certain items which are available for a discount, only if you swipe your loyalty card when you come to pay.

How to make the most of your Co-op membership

Apart from exclusive deals, how else can you make the most of a Co-op membership?

£6 Meal deal

If you’re a regular shopper at Co-op, then I’m sure you’ve seen their £6 frozen meal deal. If not, you buy a selection of food (usually 5 or 6 items) in a multi-deal. If the items were bought separately, they would cost over £10, which is a major saving. And as a member, you’ll get this deal for just £5.

Take a look at the latest Co-op meal deal.

Cashback schemes

If you use online banking, there’s a good chance your bank offers cashback rewards. Just log into your account and check your offers page. You’ll usually have to activate the offer first and then use your registered bank card when you spend. Cashback will then be automatically added to your bank. My Santander account has given me 10% back on several shops at Co-op. Other banks that have similar offers include Lloyds and Halifax.

It’s also worth checking out Airtime Rewards, which can be linked to your debit and credit cards and will give you money back when you shop at certain retailers. You’ll often find Co-op listed.

Read more about the best cashback apps.

Receipt scanning

A final way to make the most back from your shopping is by scanning your receipts. There are plenty of companies out there that want to know about your shopping habits and what kind of things you buy. All you need to do is take a photo of your receipt using their app, and you’ll earn either Amazon vouchers or cash.

Take a look at the best receipt scanning apps.

So, is Co-op membership worth it?

Most definitely. Even if you’re an occasional Co-op shopper, 2 pence back for every £1 is still pretty generous. You don’t need to use personalised offers to make this scheme worthwhile. And combine it with some of the money-saving methods above, and you’ll be quids in!

Co-op Membership

Further reading

Why not take a look at these great ways to save money on food?

FAQs