Tesco customers warned of 'unusual' clubcard rule that makes rewards points redundant

Tesco’s refusal to allow the teenager meant her sandwich cost an additional 50p.

The clubcard scheme, which was introduced in 1995, enables shoppers at the UK’s largest supermarket to get instant discounts on a number of items.

However, clubcard rules state you cannot take advantage of these benefits if you are aged under 18.

Rule 3 states: “All members of the scheme must be resident in the UK and aged 18 years or over.”

Rule 6 adds: “[Clubcards] can only be used by the member who is named and registered for the card.”

The mother of the teenage girl voiced disappointment about Tesco’s decision to refuse to give her daughter a discount.

She told Hull Daily Mail: "I think it's absolutely disgusting a 16-year-old can not use a clubcard at Tesco.

“She went in to buy her sandwich for dinner and you need a clubcard for the meal deal and they wouldn't allow her to use it, so she had to pay full price.

"It's a clubcard, not alcohol. The world's gone crazy."

Nick Drewe, a retail expert at online discount store Wethrift, suggested shoppers might be shocked by the rules despite it appearing in the clubcard's terms and conditions.

He said: “It will no doubt be shocking to learn a 16-year-old simply trying to save some money on her lunch can be refused the use of a Tesco clubcard, particularly during the cost-of-living crisis, where shoppers are doing everything they can to cut down on their spending and outgoings.

“However, a quick look at the terms and conditions on the clubcard section of the Tesco website does indeed confirm that in order to become a member of the scheme, one must be a resident of the UK, and aged 18 or over.

“Taking into account that someone may be living by themselves, or even have their own children at this age, this rule does seem fairly unusual.

“Additionally, it states nowhere on this page that those under the age of 18 aren’t allowed to use their parents' or guardians’ clubcards for their own personal use.

“So, while technically the Tesco employee who refused service to the youngster was acting accordingly, it will understandably seem somewhat ridiculous not to allow a child - who can legally be employed by Tesco as a member of staff from the age of 16 - to benefit from the thousands of clubcard deals and discounts that UK adults can.

“Realistically, the vast majority of Tesco customers - no matter their age - will be able to pass through the check-outs and self-scanners and make use of clubcard deals on a daily basis without any issues or age questioning.

“However, the fact those who are statistically among the most likely to be struggling in the financial climate, risk being refused the chance to save money on essential grocery items by Tesco, is something that we believe should be looked into.”