Tesco has announced that it will give 16- and 17-year-olds access to Tesco Clubcard for the first time.

The new Clubcard for 16-17s will allow them access to the same benefits as regular users, including reduced prices and the ability to accumulate points.

To join the scheme, Tesco said, teenagers must be invited to join from the Clubcard account of a parent or guardian, adding that the new card is digital and only available through the Tesco website or app.

Tesco claims it operates the most popular supermarket loyalty scheme in the UK, with over 24 million UK households holding a Clubcard. They are used in more than 80 per cent of sales at Tesco each week, the supermarket added.

“We are delighted to be giving younger customers access to Tesco Clubcard for the first time, and we have no doubt that it will prove popular with 16 and 17-year-olds, whether they are shopping in one of our ‘big Tesco’ or ‘little Tesco’ stores,” said Sharma Wilson, Tesco group membership and loyalty director.

“From today our new Clubcard for 16-17s members will not only be able to get Clubcard Prices in-store, including our iconic Tesco lunchtime meal deal for just £3.85, but also collect points that they can turn into vouchers for money off their in-store shopping.”

In September last year, Co-op and children's charity Banardos called on food retailers with loyalty schemes to review their policies and allow young people to make savings.

At the time, Co-op claimed it was the only national UK food retailer to offer 16 and 17-year-olds independent access to saving benefits as part of its membership scheme, adding that under 16s are also eligible to become junior members with parent or guardian permission.

The retailer said other British food retailers with loyalty schemes only offer saving benefits to shoppers who are over 18, which denies “millions” of young people access to loyalty value in their stores.

Additional research by the Co-op has found that some 73 per cent of 16 and 17-year-olds have chosen not to buy food or drink products from a retailer due to higher prices when not using a loyalty card.

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