Tesco reveals exact date for Christmas delivery slots - and how you can bag one early

The supermarket chain has announced that customers can pre-book their Christmas food delivery at the beginning of next month. However, some customers will be given access ahead of others

Tesco has revealed the exact date for when you can book your Christmas delivery slot.

The supermarket chain has confirmed customers can pre-book their Christmas food delivery at the beginning of next month. However, some shoppers will be given access ahead of others. Those who pay for an annual delivery pass - so either the chain's Anytime Delivery Saver plan or Click+Collect plan - will be given first dibs with slots opening from 6am on Tuesday, November 5.

Slots for all other customers will open a week later at 6am on Tuesday, November 12. This is one week earlier than last year. But if you also want to get ahead of the game, you can still sign up to the relevant delivery plan by Monday, November 4.

Tesco says customers who sign up to one of its delivery plans can either sign up for a six month plan or a 12 months plan. Six month plans cost £4.99 a month - or £29.94 overall - for off peak times or £7.99 a month - £47.94 in total - for anytime plans. Click and collect costs £2.49 a month - or £14.94.

For year-long plans, prices start at £3.99 for the off-peak, which equates to £47.88 for the year and £6.99 for the anytime plan. This totals £83.88 over the course of the year. In the off-peak plan, you can get home delivery for any available slot after 3pm, while in the anytime plan, you can get any available slot throughout the day plus same-day delivery.

Tesco says shoppers could save around £176 a year compared to its normal delivery fees. Customers also earn Clubcard points on their Delivery Saver subscription - and can use Clubcard vouchers to cover the cost of the Delivery Saver plan too.

Tesco says it has introduced "thousands" of extra delivery slots in the two weeks leading up to Christmas this year as it has added 60 more vans to its delivery fleet. Tom Denyard, Managing Director of Tesco Online said: “We’re looking forward to helping customers across the UK pick up their family favourites or treat themselves to something special this festive season. As we help customers plan ahead for their Christmas shop this year, we are excited to be providing increased capacity with thousands of extra slots available in the fortnight leading up to Christmas Day.

“And there is no better time to sign up to a convenient Delivery Saver plan and benefit from festive priority slot bookings. Delivery Saver plans not only give you early access to slots this Christmas, but they can also save you an amazing £176 a year on delivery or collection fees."

This Christmas, Tesco has also increased the capacity of its rapid delivery service, Whoosh, with thousands of extra slots available on Christmas Eve this year – meaning customers can shop for last-minute essentials or forgotten items for the all-important Christmas Day feast.