Dutch supermarkets use several things that are all casually called zegeltjes sparen, but they are not the same. A newcomer should distinguish paid koopzegels, free promotional spaarzegels, loyalty-card discounts and temporary spaaracties.
Koopzegels vs spaarzegels
| Type | What happens | Think of it as |
|---|---|---|
| Koopzegels | You buy stamps alongside groceries and later redeem a completed amount under the retailer’s rules | A retailer loyalty/savings product, not a bank savings account |
| Spaarzegels / spaaractie | You collect free stamps/points from qualifying purchases and redeem them for an item, discount or outing | A temporary promotion |
| Loyalty-card price | Scanning the retailer’s card/app unlocks selected prices | A member/loyalty discount |
| Points | Purchases generate points or personalised rewards | A loyalty programme |
Albert Heijn example: Koopzegels
Albert Heijn’s terms changed on 7 September 2026. Under the current terms you can buy one €0.10 Koopzegel for every €2 spent on groceries; AH Premium can allow two stamps at that spending level. AH explicitly treats Koopzegels separately from ordinary promotional Spaarzegels in its app. Because retailer schemes change, always check the current terms before quoting the return or deciding whether a programme is worthwhile.
Why this belongs under Shopping, not Banking
Koopzegels may feel like saving, but they are tied to a retailer and its programme conditions. They should not be presented alongside regulated bank savings accounts as though they were equivalent products. On BorderlessAdvice, the financial guide explains the concept, while the detailed mechanics live under Living → Shopping → Loyalty & promotions.
Practical checks before joining a scheme
- Is participation free, or are you actually buying stamps?
- What do you receive when you redeem?
- Can points/stamps expire?
- Does your account need to remain active?
- Can you transfer/share stamps?
- Would a cheaper supermarket/product save more than the loyalty reward?
- What happens if the retailer changes or ends the programme?