Confirmed in-store. Bought a $250 Amazon card and received 1,000 fuel points.

Hi All,

I tried to purchase a variable load $20 - $500 VCG at Albertson's (Kroger's) today but I was told by the cashier or her supervisor that I'm "not allowed to purchase a debit/credit VGC" with another credit card such as Amex. They told me that I could only purchase it by paying cash, check, or a bank/debit ATM card.

I did not argue with them since I did not want to draw anymore attention - cashier was a bit loopy. I've purchased VGCs at other non-Kroger/Albertson's stores before using another credit card with no issues.

Has anyone here ever experienced this issue with Kroger's before and if so, is there a workaround at this particular grocery store chain?

Appreciate all of your comments and thank you in advance! Iloilo

I've had no problems buying $100 VGCs at Kroger's in MI with CCs. Be aware that the $20-500 ones don't get fuel points.

Thanks Shadow520 - I just went to another Albertson's and purchased 2 VGCs worth $475 each - no issues at this different store location using a credit card. I used my Amex Gold Premier Rewards - it gives me 2x rewards which then convert or can be transferred to Delta Miles.

Just go the next Albertsons if there's plenty of them around. Never had this issue and I'm going there a lot since the local Ralph's are usually sold out of the $500 VGC - there's plenty of MGC but I understand why nobody like those.

And btw: since when is Albertsons a Kroger store? They're #2 after Kroger since they purchased Safeway/Vons earlier this year.

Thanks for the info JB - I stand corrected; I should have said Safeway Stores instead of Kroger's.

As I said in my follow-up response, I went to another Alberstson's store 20 miles away from the previous Alberston's store and I was able to pay using my cc (Amex) to purchase two $475 variable load VGCs - so, I'm not sure why the first store assistant manager told me that I could NOT use my cc to purchase VGCs.

I will continue to use the 2nd store for future VGC purchases using CC. Thanks!

Today, the cashier and the manager @ a Smiths in LAS did not let me buy the VVGC with CC. They told me that it was cash or debit. Yesterday I was able to buy them at snother Smiths in Vegas. Good thing I am just in town for the weekend, but the manager seemed determined not to let CC be used to buy VGC at that specific Smiths. Is this an specific store policy or is Smiths going the CVS way? Hopefully Kroger wont follow

In my Kroger online account I found an ecoupon for $15 off 2x $25 Groupon gift cards. It should combine with the 4x fuel points. I buy a lot of airport parking Groupons so it's like cash for me.

There were also several coupons for $ off other gift cards as well in mine: Dominos, Gap/Old Navy, Spa Finder, Applebees, etc.

Got a printout at the register today saying 2x points are back on weekends 5/1-8/2. No other details but I imagine it will be the same as in previous years where 2x points are also valid on gc's.

ETA - looks like the digital coupon is now available to load onto your vip card.

http://kroger.softcoin.com/programs/...&banner=Kroger

excludes GCs..

Noooooooooooo!!

Well, I guess as PSA - remember today is the last day for the 4x promo. Maybe we'll get another one in June around father's day.

2x points on giftcards is an everyday thing at Kroger.

Yes, but be careful as 4x promos at the end of the month aren't too helpful when you've already loaded up on fuel points and you only have until end of following month to use them. I.E. Don't get too many points and have them expire.

Most likely. They normally do a "Dad's and Grad's 4x promo for gift cards".