[atty]

As someone who worked at Kroger ~10 years ago, even then credit cards were probably only 60-70% of payments. A lot of cash and checks. The loyalty programs had their start when it wasn’t quite so easy to track purely via payment. Also helps to connect a person with a definite address to mail brochures/coupons to, and to link accounts when someone changes credit card numbers, etc.

[silisili]

> credit cards were probably only 60-70% of payments

Do you think it's still that way today? I really have no idea. I worked grocery 20 years ago and remember being amazed how many people pay cash. I can't remember the last time I've seen someone pay with a check at the grocery. I see cash here and there, but mostly credit or tap. But I have no idea what the breakdown would be.

[bombcar]

I saw a check written recently but it has to be the first I’ve seen in years.

I think the loyalty programs are mainly about price segmentation and co-marketing now.