Martin Lewis issues warning to millions who have a Tesco Clubcard
Martin Lewis has issued a countdown warning to everyone with a Tesco Clubcard where if you don't act quick, you'll lose out.
The Money Saving Expert (MSE) founder sent out the alert in his latest MSE newsletter, which hits the inboxes of thousands of people signed up to the latest hacks and warnings offered by the Mancunian finance journalist.
In the latest newsletter, sent out on Tuesday night (26 November), Lewis gave the latest on the best broadband deals as well as Black Friday in order to grab yourself a bargain or two.
But hidden close to the bottom was a warning that could see punters lose out on £18 million - and it is all to do with your Tesco Clubcard.
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Martin Lewis Tesco Clubcard warning
It's a pretty simple warning from Lewis: act fast or lose out, with his email describing customers as being in 'last chance' territory.
Linking to an MSE explainer on the issue, it concerns Clubcard points that are set to expire. Points valued at around £18m are set to be turned in to dust by Tesco unless you use them.
The deadline is fast approaching, too. You only have until Saturday (30 November) at 11.59pm to cash in - otherwise, tough luck.
Tesco Clubcard vouchers are only valid for two years from the date they were issued (unless you're able to extend them)," MSE writes.
"If you're unsure when yours expire and you've still got them in paper format, check the date on the voucher itself." the newsletter reads. "If you've lost your paper vouchers, or are unsure if you had any in the first place, you can check on the Tesco Clubcard site or app."
You will need to have a minimum of 150 points to turn them in to a voucher, with that equating to a voucher worth £1.50. 300 points would give you a £3 voucher, and so on.
Converting your Tesco Clubcard points in to 'reward' vouchers
If you don't want to shop at Tesco between now and the end of Saturday, you have the option of turning them in to vouchers to spend at 'Reward Partners'.
If you do this, it will double their value, with 500 points turning from a £5 voucher at Tesco in to a £10 voucher elsewhere.
Reward partners include Disney+, Alton Towers, Legoland, Prezzo, Hotels.com and Pizza Express.
Extend your Tesco Clubcard points
If you want to just sit on the points a bit longer to use at a later time, you could be in luck.
"Technically, under the Clubcard T&Cs, Tesco can refuse a Reward Partner order if it decides you're trying to game the system by redeeming vouchers just to extend their validity," MSE explains.
"But we tested the trick at MoneySavingExpert.com Towers at the end of October and it worked just fine."
To do this, buy something through the Tesco Clubcard Rewards page or by donating to one of its charity partners.
MSE says: "The remaining balance is credited back to your Clubcard account as points. So if you spend 50p using a £5 Clubcard voucher, you'll get 450 points back (worth £4.50).
"You can then swap your points for vouchers manually or wait for them to be converted with your next statement. The expiry date for these new vouchers will be two years in the future."
Topics: Tesco, Martin Lewis, Black Friday, Money, Shopping, Food And Drink, Hacks
Tom Earnshaw