Points
I forgot to use Nectar, can I claim my points?
It depends where and when you forgot to use Nectar, and how much time has passed since then.
Sainsbury's will add points from up to two receipts if you return within 14 days. Just take your till receipt and Nectar card to the store where you forgot to swipe.
If you’ve shopped with one of our online partners, they don't offer points if you didn't shop through the Nectar website at the time.
How can I collect points in a petrol filling station?
You can collect Nectar points by scanning the barcode on your Nectar card or in the Nectar app when using Pay at Pump at Sainsbury’s petrol stations.
You can collect Nectar points at Esso petrol stations by scanning the barcode in the Nectar app or by scanning the barcode on your plastic Nectar card.
Why does my digital QR code not work at Pay at Pump?
You can only scan barcodes at Pay at Pump currently. To collect points at Pay at Pump, use the barcode in your app or on your plastic card.
You cannot spend points at Pay At Pump. You should go inside the petrol station kiosk in order to spend your Nectar points.
How many points will I collect?
The number of Nectar points you can collect depends on the specific retailer and offer. Each retailer page on the Nectar website or app will clearly display how many points are available. Generally, you will earn Nectar points in one of two ways: Per £1 spent on your purchase, or as a fixed amount for a specific purchase or registration.
To ensure a fair and consistent rewards experience, please keep the following in mind when collecting your points:
● Points are calculated on your final spend: You will now earn Nectar points based on the final amount paid, rather than the original basket total. If you apply any discounts, promotional codes, or vouchers to your order, your points will be calculated on the newly reduced price.
● Link your card before checkout: To successfully collect points, you must link your Nectar card to your account before completing your purchase. Adding a Nectar card to your account after a transaction has been finalised will no longer automatically award points.
How do I collect my Nectar points?
You can collect Nectar points by scanning the unique QR Code on your Nectar app or by using your physical Nectar card.
Use it at Sainsbury’s stores, Argos, Esso, Dulux Decorator Centres, and all other Sainsbury’s partner outlets.
The points you collect will be based on your final payment amount after all applicable offers and discounts. Always link your Nectar card before checkout to earn rewards. Points are no longer added automatically if you link your Nectar card after completing a purchase.
This ensures your rewards reflect your actual spend and provides a seamless experience for all our loyal customers.
How are my Nectar points calculated?
Your Nectar points are based on the final amount paid after all discounts, rather than the original basket total. This means that if you apply any vouchers or offers, your points will be calculated based on that reduced price.
Do vouchers and promotional codes affect the points I earn?
Yes, vouchers and promotional codes affect the points you earn. This is because Nectar points are calculated based on your final payment total and not the basket amount. Always check your final total at checkout, as this is the figure used to determine your Nectar rewards for that specific transaction.
Do I need to link my Nectar card before I can collect points?
Yes, linking your Nectar card is a required step before you can earn your Nectar points. To successfully collect points, your Nectar card must be active on your account during the transaction. This triggers the rewards system automatically at checkout. If your card isn’t linked when you pay, points cannot be awarded for that order later.
Can I earn points if I add my Nectar card after my purchase is complete?
Unfortunately, no. Points are no longer awarded automatically if you link your Nectar card after a transaction is finished. To receive your rewards, the card must be linked to your Nectar account before you pay. If you have missed out, you will need to contact the Nectar support team directly.
How do I link my Nectar card to my Argos account?
It only takes a few moments to ensure you're ready for checkout:
1. Log in to your Argos account with your registered email address
2. Navigate to the 'Account' section and select 'Ways to Pay'.
3. Choose 'Link Nectar Card' and follow the on-screen instructions.
You will now earn points automatically on all future eligible purchases at Argos.
Who do I contact for missing Nectar points on a recent order?
If you’ve completed a purchase without a linked card or have a query about missing points, please contact the Nectar Team directly.
Phone: 0344 811 0811
Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 8 am - 7 pm
Sunday: 8 am - 4:30 pm
How many points can I earn as a new Nectar card member, and what are the eligibility rules?
New card members can collect 20,000 Nectar points. To qualify, you must spend £2,000 within the first three months of your card membership. This introductory offer is strictly available only if you do not currently hold a personal American Express Card and have not held one in the previous 24 months.
What are the Nectar points earning rates for different types of spending?
When you shop at a Nectar partner and use both your Nectar card and your Nectar Amex credit card, you collect a minimum of 3 points for every £1 spent. For all other spending everywhere else the card is accepted, you earn 2 points for every £1 spent. On average, these rates allow new card members to collect 19x more points than regular collectors, totaling approximately £154 more in Nectar points annually.
What are the costs associated with the annual Nectar AMEX card membership fee?
The Nectar AMEX card membership fee for the first year is £30, but this is waived for all new members, making the first year fully free. From the second year of membership onward, a £30 annual fee will be automatically charged to your account. This charge occurs on or after the anniversary date of your account opening.
Are there additional ways to earn bonus points beyond standard spending?
Yes, you can receive 5,000 bonus points for every friend you recommend, provided their application for the Nectar AMEX credit card is approved. This referral bonus is capped at a maximum of 90,000 points per year. Additionally, you can earn 3,000 bonus points for each approved supplementary card application. You are eligible to earn these bonuses for up to five supplementary cards.
Who should I contact regarding card issues or missing points?
You must contact American Express directly for all queries related to the credit card, including issues with missing points. Nectar does not handle any contacts or support issues for the American Express Nectar Credit Card. You can reach American Express by calling 0800 917 8015 or by visiting their official contact page for alternative methods.
Missing Points
I'm missing Nectar points for my online shopping — what do I do?
Follow these checks:
1. Time delay: Points from online purchases can take up to 35 days to appear. For financial products or services, allow an additional 14 days due to cooling•off periods.
2. Purchase exclusions: Some items may not qualify for points. Visit the Nectar website, search for the brand, and check the terms and conditions.
3. Tracking issues: If cookies were deleted or your browser was in private/incognito mode, your purchase may not have been tracked.
4. Referral sites: Switching to another referral site mid•purchase can break tracking, meaning points won’t be added.
If you’ve completed these checks and points are still missing, chat to a Nectar help colleague.
Why aren’t my bonus points showing on my Sainsbury’s receipt?
Receipts display standard 1 point per £1 and any paper coupon bonus points.
Points earned through app or web offers are shown in the Nectar app or website, usually with a 1-day delay.
My points balance is lower than expected — what should I check?
Review these:
• Returns and cancellations: If you cancel or return an order after receiving points, those points may be deducted.
• Additional cardholders: Check if someone else on your account has redeemed points recently.
Still need help? Chat to a Nectar help colleague.
I’ve loaded an offer from the Nectar app but haven’t received the points — what now?
Check the following:
- Timing: Points may take up to 28 days after the offer has ended to appear. The expiry date is listed on the offer page.
- Exclusions: Some products may be excluded. Review the offer terms and conditions.
If points have not appeared after 28 days, chat to a Nectar help colleague.
I’m missing Nectar points on my Sainsbury's receipt — what do I do?
Try the following:
1. Check your online points history: The Nectar homepage displays your last 5 transactions. To view 30 days of activity, click ‘Full Statement’.
2. Allow 48 hours: It can take up to 2 days for your points to update. Receipts may reflect an outdated balance if you shop frequently.
3. Bonus points visibility: Bonus points from offers are not shown separately but are included in your total.
If you are still having problems, chat to a Nectar help colleague.
How do I add Nectar points from a receipt?
Nectar points can be added to your account if you have your original receipt, simply contact us with a copy of your receipt via phone or using the Live Chat button on the bottom right of your screen.
What should I do if someone used my Nectar points?
If you are concerned that your Nectar points have been used without your permission, contact us on via phone or click on the Live Chat button on the bottom right corner of your screen for quick assistance.
Why are my Nectar points missing?
If your Nectar points are missing, it could be due to a number of reasons, including a delay in points being added to your account. Nectar points are generally added within 48 hours after your transaction, and should automatically reflect in your account.
If 48 hours have passed since your purchase, contact us via phone or click on the Live Chat button on the bottom right corner of your screen for quick assistance.
Collecting points
Can I collect points if I live outside the UK?
As Nectar is a UK loyalty programme, you'll need to register your card at a UK address in order to take part.
This includes:
• England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland,
• the Channel Islands and
• the Isle of Man.
Sorry, but we can't register:
• BFPO addresses,
• PO boxes or
• addresses in overseas territories such as Gibraltar.
If you live outside the UK but you come here often, perhaps you've got family or friends who'd be happy for you to use their address?
Do I get points online if I don't accept cookies?
No, we need to be able to place cookies on your device so we can see that you're shopping and give you the points. Not to worry though, the cookies are safe and we respect your privacy. Read more about Nectar cookies.
Where can I collect points online?
You can collect points online with:
• Sainsbury's
• Argos
• Tu
• Habitat
as well as our Nectar partners. You can view a full list of Nectar partners on nectar.com.
Spending Points
What is a voucher code, and how do I use one?
Voucher codes offer discounts for online purchases with select Nectar partners.
To use a voucher code:
1. Select the offer you wish to redeem.
2. Go to ‘Shop now’.
3. Enter your Nectar card number.
4. Complete your purchase.
The discount will be applied as instructed.
I did not receive the voucher code text message. What should I do?
Voucher codes are typically sent within seconds. If you have not received the code:
• Allow up to 24 hours in case of a delay.
• Ensure your mobile number is up to date in your Nectar account.
If the issue persists, please call the Nectar helpline on 0344 811 0811 for help.
What is the maximum value of Nectar vouchers I can use on a Sainsbury's order?
You may spend up to £247.50 of Nectar vouchers on a single order.
Please note:
You may use multiple vouchers, but each must be of a different value (e.g., £7.50 + £12.50 is allowed, but two £10 vouchers are not).
Only one promotional voucher may be used per order.
Where can I spend my Nectar points?
You can spend your points with partners including:
- Sainsbury's
- Argos
- Esso
- British Airways and more
View our full list of partners and how to spend with them.
How do I spend my Nectar points?
You can spend Nectar points by scanning the QR code in the Nectar app or your device wallet in Sainsbury’s stores.
You can spend Nectar points using the plastic card at Sainsbury’s stores by swiping the black magnetic strip down the side of the chip and PIN machine. You can no longer spend points using the barcode on your card at Sainsbury’s. You can only swipe a maximum of two cards within a single transaction and you will need to select which card you want to redeem points from in order to spend them.
You can scan the barcode on your Nectar app or your plastic card to spend Nectar points at Esso Petrol stations.