Does loyalty really pay when it comes to a weekly shop?

Millions of shoppers now use a loyalty card to save money. But what do they really offer?

- Zoe Wood, Rupert Jones and Hilary Osborne

Got washing to do? Would you rather pay £16 for Ariel washing pods or £8? Thirsty? How about £5 or nearly £8 for a dozen Diet Cokes. Hungry? £2.50 a pop for Pringles or £1.75? The lower prices are among the current "top picks" for Tesco Clubcard holders - and it's a similar story in other big supermarkets.

With the cost of groceries rising, it no longer makes sense to shop without joining a loyalty scheme.

That explains why 24 million UK households have a Clubcard. Tesco says the deals mean shoppers save up to £375 off their annual grocery bill compared with its regular prices. Sainsbury's claims its Nectar scheme can save more than £450.

The widespread use of loyalty discounts has gradually seduced even the sceptical, with 76% of consumers now in a scheme, according to Mintel. The market researcher says close to 60% of us subscribe to four or more, helping to stretch the definition of loyalty.

During the cost of living crisis the sudden fashion for loyalty card price cuts attracted the scrutiny of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

The CMA went on to review 50,000 products with loyalty price options and found 92% offered a saving against the supermarkets' usual price. It concluded that shoppers in loyalty schemes can make "genuine savings". However, it also offered advice: "Our review has shown that loyalty prices aren't always the cheapest option, so shopping around is still key." We've rated the current crop of loyalty schemes, and given them an overall score based on upfront discounts, rewards and other perks.

Tesco

You earn one point for every £1 spent on shopping at Tesco.