Albertsons Eliminates Loyalty Card

BOISE, Idaho — Albertsons here said Wednesday it is eliminating the loyalty-card program at all stores under the Albertsons banner.

In a letter to customers posted on its blog, the company said its Preferred Card "is no longer required to receive sale prices on items. Once upon a time, a shopper card ... meant you were taking extra steps to save money, and we offered special items that were only available at special prices when you had the special card. The card isn't so special anymore. Everyone has one. So we want to take the special step of not requiring one anymore.

"We feel it's our job to give everyone a great shopping experience, and that includes offering great prices to everyone."

Read more: Albertsons to Merge Websites

The move does not affect the Jewel-Osco, Shaws/Star Market and Acme banners Albertsons recently acquired from Supervalu.

Albertsons said customers can still have their Preferred Cards scanned if they are part of the U-Promise program, which allows those who buy selected products to receive manufacturer rebates that are invested in a college savings account.

The company also said it will keep active its Fuel Rewards program, in which shoppers with Preferred Cards can earn gasoline discounts. "Fuel Rewards will continue," the company said. "As always, if any changes are made to that program, you'll be the first to know."