A change in Dillons rewards points that you may have missed can save you money

Customers of Dillons grocery stores know they can earn points with their purchases and then save money at the fuel pumps.

But you may have missed a change made in June 2024 that now allows shoppers to save money on their groceries.

With this change, shoppers are able to use their points to earn rewards cash redeemable when checking out. And now two years after the program rebrand, Kroger stores have followed suit.

The intent is to give shoppers “the freedom to choose how they save,” Dillons parent company, Kroger, said in a June 25 news release. “This is one more way Kroger is making shopping simpler and more flexible, helping customers save in ways that fit their needs.”

Here’s what to know about the program and how to save money on your groceries.

How do I earn Dillons points?

Dillons customers can earn points by shopping in store and online with grocery pickup or delivery.

You earn one point for every $1 spent on most groceries and two points for every $1 spent on most gift cards.

Pharmacy customers can earn 25 points on non-federally funded prescriptions and one point for every dollar spent out-of-pocket on federally funded prescriptions. You can earn 75 points for 90-day prescriptions.

Dillons also offers special point promotions on some items and purchases. Point earnings may vary by location and they can change at any time.

There is no limit to how many points you can earn each month.

How do I redeem Dillons points on gas?

If redeeming your points on fuel, you may use any participating Kroger Family Fuel Centers or partner gas stations. Every 100 points earns 10 cents off per gallon. You can save up to $35 per fill up.

To find a participating gas station, visit the Dillons store locator.

How do I use Dillons points to save on groceries?

Dillons shoppers can earn up to $10 off a day on groceries purchased in store or online. Every 100 points earns $1 off of groceries.

To use your points on groceries, Dillons says you need to redeem your points in your digital account online or via the app before checking out. Once you redeem your points, your discount will automatically be applied to your next eligible purchase.

Dillons points do expire, so be sure to track your points in the app or via your receipt after each purchase.

“Points and dollars off groceries expire on the last day of the month after the points were earned,” the Dillons website says. “For example, Points earned any time in March will expire on April 30th.”

What’s a better deal, fuel or groceries?

Whether fuel or groceries is a better deal depends on how much gas you need.

The break-even point is 10 gallons of gas. Using 100 points at 10 cents per gallon saves you $1 total on 10 gallons of gas, while 100 points saves you $1 on groceries.

If you are filling up and getting more than 10 gallons of gas, this is a better deal than the grocery savings. If you are getting less than 10 gallons of gas, you are better off using your points on groceries.

How do I join Dillons rewards program?

If you are not yet a Dillons rewards member, you can join for free at dillons.com/pr/free-membership.

Once you sign up, you can start earning and redeeming reward points.

“We’re excited to help customers stretch their budgets and give more choices in how they use the rewards they earn shopping with us,” Megan Shaffer, Kroger’s group vice president of customer growth and strategy, said in the release. “Whether they’re saving up to $35 on their next fill-up or taking dollars off their grocery bill, customers can now choose the savings that matter most to them.”