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Kaufland Rolls Out App-Only Card XTRA Nationwide, Overhauls Points and Perks

Consumer groups warn the smartphone requirement could exclude shoppers without smartphones.

Overview

  • Kaufland’s new Card XTRA launches today across Germany, with new registrations tied to the app as existing users are migrated and physical cards continue to scan at checkout.
  • The program shifts to one point per euro spent, excludes categories like deposits and tobacco, keeps points valid for 12 months, and delays redemption of online points by 30 days.
  • Free product rewards now activate in the app once a set basket value is reached, and weekly coupons are personalized based on past purchases.
  • Consumer advocates caution that tying discounts to a digital account risks a two-tier system and raises data-privacy concerns, even as most shoppers report using at least one supermarket app.
  • Kaufland has yet to clearly explain how legacy points will be handled, and a Geldern store’s new license-plate parking system is experiencing failures that have prompted temporary free parking and fresh complaints about added self-checkout options.