ELDERLY and vulnerable shoppers are paying more on the high street because they don’t have access to apps or the internet, The Sun has found.
More and more firms are offering specialised prices and offers for loyalty scheme members.
But many of these super savings are only available through apps you must download to your smartphone or by signing up online.
Experts say this is locking older people and those who can’t access the latest tech out, meaning they are paying higher costs.
And it’s not just elderly or vulnerable customers affected – plenty of tech-savvy customers are sick of having to download a new app or hand over their details to access these deals.
One supermarket customer posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Why do I need to download an app or sign up to a loyalty scheme to get the original prices of things at a supermarket?”
Vix Leyton, consumer expert at hotukdeals and host of False Economy podcast, said: “Supermarkets and retailers have been keen to move people over to cheaper, more convenient app-based loyalty schemes as it allows them to be in conversation with consumers in a way that traditional card based loyalty doesn’t.
“That’s great for people savvy with technology, but unfortunately it leaves behind people unable to access them.
“Large sections of society have been increasingly digitally excluded and even face penalties for being offline.
“The fact retailers are now offering app exclusive discounts and deals will be yet another slap in the face, and undoubtedly bars a lot of people who need these most, whilst facing the pressure of the cost of living crisis.”
Asda customers can sign up for its Rewards app and earn ‘Asda Pounds’ by completing shopping tasks, as well as getting 10% back when buying certain products among other benefits.
You are then able to turn the Asda pounds into vouchers off your shopping.
But if you don’t have a smartphone or device compatible with downloading the app, you can’t take advantage of the offers.
If you are a Lidl shopper, you’ll also only be rewarded if you are able to download its Lidl Plus app, which includes discounts and prizes.
And it’s not just supermarkets who are excluding those who are not digitally savvy.
Fashion chain H&M rewards members with points each time they shop. After a certain number of points, you will earn vouchers. Members can also benefits from exclusive discounts across all goods, as well as early access to sale.
However, you can only sign up as a member online or by downloading the store’s app.
Fast food fans will also find they are unable to tap into major savings at McDonalds without its app.
More recently the chain offered happy meals at a special price of £1.99, saving customers with the app 40% off the usual price of £3.49.
Users can also earn rewards through MyMcDonald’s when using the app.
You’ll also need to download the Greggs app to take advantage of its free rewards.
Even in cases where customers can use a physical card to get rewards, the process often demands an online signup or is just far more cumbersome without an app.
This the case for Starbucks where you will need to register the loyalty card online before you can start collecting stars to get free drinks.
You can also use a physical Costa Coffee card but only through its customer services team.
There is also a physical Nando’s Rewards card, which you can use at the till in our restaurants to earn chillies, as with the app.
However, again you need to register the physical Nando’s Rewards card online in order to redeem your rewards.
Critics say people who have trouble accessing the internet or don’t have pricey gadgets are, in effect, being penalised by high street shops.
There are a wide range of people who struggle to use an app every day to access these loyalty schemes.
MyVoucherCodes shopping expert Ellie Murray-Playfair is a wheelchair user, for example, and finds it hard to get her phone out regularly.
She told The Sun: “As a disabled person, having my phone on me when out and about is a necessary step to keep myself safe.
“However, rifling through my bag at every shop to pull out my phone for a loyalty app can be inconvenient and make shopping less accessible.
“My wheelchair is arguably quite compact, yet I still find myself frequently blocking the access to tills or walkways for other shoppers.
“Those extra minutes to dig around for my phone, open the app (often on a slow internet connection) and finally scan to claim my discounts and vouchers rarely seem worth it, leading me to miss out on saving opportunities.
“This is one of the many things that make high street shopping a daunting and stressful experience for disabled individuals. It’s one of the reasons I tend to turn to online shopping where discounts are far easier to claim.”
If someone you know such as an elderly relative doesn’t have access to a smartphone or internet, you can offer to get them a physical card and register online for them.
In other cases, such as H&M or Asda, you may be able to shop online for them. The savings will add up over time.
Or you can try spending some time helping your loved one to make the switch to a smart phone.
Age UK has some great tips on how to navigate the gadgets when they can seem overwhelming, including changing the font size and app size so they are easier to see on screen.
You can also show the how to adjust the sound, as well as using voice activation if they are struggling with using the screen.
Ability Net offers free IT support for elderly and disabled people. You can on 0300 180 0028 during UK office hours.
MOST UK supermarkets have loyalty schemes so customers can build up points and save money while they shop.
Here we round up what saving programmes you’ll find at the big brands.
