[the_pwner224]

Every time I check out at a Kroger store I tell the cashier that I would like to get a membership card. They don't require you to give a phone number until you register the card after the checkout - which I don't do because I already got the benefit of the card at checkout. This won't work at stores that require phone number first, and still leaves open credit card-based tracking - for that you actually lose the few % cash back if you want to use cash instead.

[floren]

I've been using the same un-registered Smith's (Kroger by another name) card for 5 years now. I get gas points and everything. Now, do they know a lot about me based on my credit card? Yes, but it's a start...

[stevenicr]

I have one of those too.. but only used cash with it. I have heard that if you use that and a CC or debit card they link the data - even if just once - and can link the past data as well. I also have my wifi turned on my phone so they can't correlate the 'burner card' with that.. if I don't have cash I use a different discount card.

Of course if they scan the face and correlate that way - meh. For that reason I only use cash at Target - but not sure how long that will be enough to keep from data points being put together there or anywhere at this rate.

[gruez]

>Every time I check out at a Kroger store I tell the cashier that I would like to get a membership card.

Seems like a win for them. Now they can tell their investors that their loyalty program is super popular and constantly growing!

[LeifCarrotson]

Every time I check out at Kroger (or similar membership-based store) I tell the cashier that I don't want a membership but I do want the listed sale price. They always just scan their own card.

[rietta]

Most of the time Jenny's phone number works xxx-867-5309. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/867-5309/Jenny. Someone already registered it.

[ohazi]

Digits of pi usually work too

[jasonjayr]

CVS started to refuse to scan the 'house' card as of about a year ago. and they try to collect your phone number when they hand you a card for the first time.

[sysadmindotfail]

Every time the item has a digital coupon advertised price I simply inform the cashier I don't a phone with me. They discount it immediately.

[mandelbrotwurst]

I've had this work occasionally but often the opposite experience unfortunately.

[wasdfff]

I don’t think any of those store cards actually require you to register them.