Sainsbury's Nectar 'double-up' promo now on – here's what you need to know

Nectar has been running 'double-up' promos for several years now. The event lets you double your points' value to spend as vouchers on selected items including toys, Christmas decorations, electricals and cosmetics. You can spend up to £100 of double-up vouchers in any of 11 selected categories.

Customers were able to swap points for vouchers online between Wednesday 30 October and Tuesday 5 November. You can continue to exchange points for vouchers via the Nectar app from Wednesday 13 until Tuesday 19 November. Unlike previous years, customers can't exchange points in store (though Sainsbury's says they can ask staff for help if they're having trouble).

The vouchers can be spent in store between 13 and 19 November.

See our Loyalty Points Boosting guide for more on how the Nectar scheme works, plus info on the Tesco Clubcard and Boots Advantage schemes.

What are Nectar points?

Nectar is the loyalty scheme used by Sainsbury's to reward its customers for shopping at the supermarket. You can also collect Nectar points when spending at other retailers including Argos, Asos and eBay, and when shopping at certain retailers via the Nectar website (see the full list of participating brands).

Shoppers currently earn one Nectar point per £1 spent at Sainsbury's, and when redeemed in store, each Nectar point is usually worth 0.5p – so 1,000 points equates to £5. But you can sometimes get more for your points by exchanging them via the Nectar app and website to spend on days out, entertainment and restaurants.

How does the Nectar double-up event work?

You can exchange up to 10,000 points in denominations of 1,000 points, so 2,000 points would equal £20, rather than the usual £10. You'll need a minimum of 1,000 points to take part.

You'll need to get your double-up vouchers before you start shopping. You can no longer get vouchers online, but you can grab digital vouchers via the new Nectar app between 13 and 19 November. Available on Android and iPhone, the Nectar app allows you to exchange your points for digital double-up vouchers, which will appear in your saved offers. 

You can't exchange points in store, but Sainsbury's has said staff can help those who are having trouble. You can also call the Nectar helpline on 0344 811 0811.

You can spend your double-up vouchers in store between 13 and 19 November. You can't spend the vouchers online. 

What can I exchange points on?

You can exchange points in 11 categories:

• Cosmetics

• Electricals

• Entertainment

• Fragrance

• Gifts

• Homeware

• Seasonal goods

• Skincare

• Taste the Difference wine, champagne, sparkling wine, sherry and port

• Toys

• Tu clothing (including footwear and accessories)

Where can I spend vouchers?

Double-up vouchers can only be spent in stores, by scanning them at the till when you shop. 

They can't be spent online, in Sainsbury's Locals, at petrol stations or in any 'Argos at Sainsbury's' locations.

Vouchers are non-refundable and non-transferable, so make sure you will definitely spend in the 11 categories before exchanging. You can't earn Nectar points on double-up purchases.

Sainsbury's has said that each voucher you receive has to be spent in one transaction. So, for example, you wouldn't be able to spend a £70 voucher over two shopping trips. But if you have more than one voucher, you can choose to spend them over more than one shop.

How many vouchers can I get?

You can get up to £100 in vouchers, per Nectar card.

What happens if I lose my voucher?

Vouchers are non-refundable, so if you lose a paper voucher there's no way to recover your points. Keep 'em safe!

If you've digital vouchers on your Nectar app, these will remain in the app ready to use throughout the double-up promo period. If you don't spend the digital vouchers by the end of 19 November, they'll disappear.

Can I buy something worth more than I have in vouchers?

Yes. If your item is worth more than the value of your voucher, you can pay the rest in cash or by card.

Alternatively, you can use any Nectar points you have remaining on your card at the rate of £5 equals 1,000 points to pay the difference. You must have a minimum of £2.50's worth of points before you can spend them.

Can I get change from double-up vouchers?

Here it gets a little fiddly:

• If the difference in price between your voucher and what you want to buy is more than 5p... you'll have to buy other items from your selected category for the full value of the Nectar voucher to be spent in one transaction.

• If the difference is 5p or less... Sainsbury's will knock it off your total shopping bill, or give it to you as change if you aren't buying anything else.

What if I buy something and want to return it?

If you change your mind about a double-up item, as long as you have proof of purchase and it's in its original condition, it can be returned or exchanged within 30 days in line with Sainsbury's usual returns policy.