Lidl shopper? You now need to earn points to get 'freebies' and money-off coupons under its revamped Plus loyalty scheme
Under Lidl's revamped loyalty scheme, which launched today (Tuesday 5 May), you now earn points for each pound spent, which you can either convert into money-off coupons or use to claim 'freebies'. But Lidl shoppers say they may now need to spend £10s or even £100s more to earn similar discounts to those they'd earn under the old scheme. Here's what's changed.
You now earn one point for each £1 spent
Under the rebranded 'Lidl Plus Points' scheme, each £1 you spend will be converted into one point. You'll be awarded points based on your total spend, rounded up to the nearest pound – so if you spend £2.85, for example, you'll earn three points.
Lidl will also run 'Extra Points' promotions on certain items, which will let you earn more than one point per pound.
Points can be swapped for money-off vouchers or 'freebies'
If you opt for money-off vouchers, each point is worth 1p off your spend.
Alternatively, you can spend your points to redeem certain 'free' items. However, the number of points needed varies by item. Below are some examples of the 'freebies' we saw on the day of the scheme's launch (Tuesday 5 May).
Whether you'll earn more from 'freebies' or a money-off voucher will vary depending on the exact item(s) you're planning to buy.
Item | Points needed | How much you'd need to spend (i) |
|---|---|---|
Baked beans | 40 points | £40 |
In-store bakery pain au chocolat | 70 points | £70 |
Five-pack of bananas | 80 points | £80 |
Stir-in pasta sauces | 85 points | £85 |
Easy-peel oranges | 110 points | £110 |
Straight-cut oven chips | 165 points | £165 |
Pressed apple juice | 175 points | £175 |
£3-off voucher | 300 points | £300 |
£5-off voucher | 500 points | £500 |
Half side of salmon | 780 points | £780 |
(i) If you DON'T use any additional point multipliers, coupons or offers.
Lidl shopper: 'New points system is abysmal'
Under Lidl's former loyalty scheme, you earned 'freebies' and coupons after hitting pre-set spending thresholds. This included rewards such as 10% off the next shop after spending £250, or a 'free' bakery item after spending £10.
However, some 'freebies' will now cost a lot more. For example, you could previously get a 'free' pain au chocolat from the bakery after spending just £10 – but the same treat will now cost 70 points, so you'd now need to spend £70 to get it (assuming the standard rate of one point per £1 spent).
Lidl says it's made the changes after customer feedback. But some Lidl shoppers have been left less than impressed. Here are a few social media posts we spotted on launch day (Tuesday 5 May):
@MartinSLewis Have you seen Lidl's rewards update (or downgrade)? We've lost a good thing - their new points system is abysmal compared to the previous offering! Gone from 10% off when reaching £250 in a month to spend £100 for a free cucumber 🤯
- MoneySaver Nick, via X
We asked? You listened? For a £50 spend, I used to get a free brownie & a vegetable item. Now I'll have to spend £240 for that? OR I can choose to save up for 1% off? Not both. I don't remember asking for that @LidlGB You can do what you like but don't pretend it's better for us!
- Jason, via X
@LidlGB Very disappointed with the new Lidl points, I used to get 10% off every month after spending £250.00 in store, now will have to spend £500.00 to get £5.00 off. Terrible decision
- Lee, via X
@LidlGB so I have to spend £300 to get £3 off? I appreciate the 100 bonus points to get me started but I'm not sure I like the new scheme? Will you still offer free items like you previously did on the old scheme?
- @miss_sahota, via X
How to use Lidl's new loyalty scheme
To earn points:
-
Download or open the Lidl Plus loyalty app and take advantage of Lidl's introductory joining offers:
- Between Tuesday 5 May and 31 July 2026, when you open the Lidl Plus app for the first time under the new scheme, or download it (for free) for the first time, you'll receive 100 bonus points (worth £1 in vouchers), with no spend required.
- Between Tuesday 5 May and Friday 22 May 2026, you'll earn double points when you buy ANY fresh fruit. This applies across multiple purchases, but don't use it as an excuse to overspend. -
Scan your loyalty card or enter your phone number at the checkout. Points earned will appear in the app within two days.
You get two years to use or lose your points. You can check your points balance in the app by clicking the yellow 'points' icon near the top of the screen.
To redeem points, you need to decide whether you'd like to:
-
Convert them into money-off vouchers, which you'll need to activate in the app before using against any purchase within 30 days, OR;
-
Redeem them against 'freebies'. Hundreds of these deals will be listed in the app at any given time, and you can choose which to claim.
Used the old loyalty scheme? You'll still have access to exclusive coupons and offers
Some of the key features of Lidl's previous loyalty scheme will still be available though – for example, its personalised coupons and offers.
In addition, if you had met spending targets and earned coupons BEFORE the new scheme launched, you'll still have the standard seven days to redeem them in the app, Lidl has confirmed.
If you're looking to save on your grocery shop, check out our Supermarket shopping tips guide and Supermarket coupons deals page. You can also read our Food and Drink Deals round-up for the latest discounts and savings.
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