Everything you need to know about the Starbucks Rewards Program

From seasoned parents who need a shot of espresso to start the morning to pups craving a sweet little “puppy cup” treat, everyone can find a reason to buy something at Starbucks. However, if you frequent coffee shops, be sure to join the Starbucks Rewards program to get the best bang for your buck.

The Starbucks loyalty program first launched in 2008 with a classic, humble punch card that gave you your 10th drink for free. Many of us can remember the days when we would order a Frappuccino, hand over an old card from our wallet, and count down the number of visits to get a free drink. It's always been a reason to come back. But now it's all done from the convenience of our mobile phones. Starbucks programs have also evolved accordingly. It's also a bit more complicated, but it gives you more reasons to go back to Starbucks.

Today's Starbucks Rewards program is based on “stars” and offers varying levels of discounts and benefits. Think free custom drinks, coffee and tea refills, and annual birthday rewards. Additionally, Starbucks has now partnered with Delta to allow rewards members to earn Delta SkyMiles through Starbucks purchases. In 2024, the value of the Starbucks Rewards program increased as Starbucks introduced special 50% discounts and BOGO benefits available only to members.

If you want to optimize and maximize your Starbucks visit, read more about our rewards program.

How to register for Starbucks Rewards

The Starbucks Rewards Program is completely free and easy to join.

Create a Starbucks.com account: All you need is your name and email address to earn stars for your purchases. Then download the Starbucks app. In addition to mobile ordering, the Starbucks app, available for iOS and Android, is your best hub for current rewards and offers.

When you set up your account, add your birthday to your account to receive a free birthday reward.

How to Earn Starbucks Rewards

The number of stars you can earn depends on your payment method.

• 1 star per dollar: At Starbucks, you can pay with a debit or credit card.
• 2 Number of stars per dollar: Starbucks purchases are made by paying with the amount preloaded on the Starbucks card (or with a Starbucks gift card loaded on the Starbucks card).
• 3 stars per dollar: Make purchases at Starbucks with your Starbucks Rewards Visa card.

Every time you scan your Starbucks card and make a purchase, you'll earn 2 stars per dollar. When you pay with a gift card, you'll also get 2 stars per dollar spent. To keep things neat and maintain a compound balance, we recommend transferring your gift card balance to your primary Starbucks card.

If you choose to scan and pay with a separate credit card, debit card, cash, or mobile wallet, you'll earn one star for every dollar you spend.

If you want to earn the most 3 stars per dollar, open a Starbucks Rewards Visa card. New card members earn 4,500 bonus stars after spending $500 in the first three months after account opening. The initial annual fee is $0 and $49 after the first year. You can also earn an additional 300 bonus stars the first time you use your Starbucks Rewards Visa card to top up your Starbucks account.

The easiest way to manage your Starbucks Card funds is through the app. When you turn on the auto-recharge option, the app will automatically add money to your Starbucks card when your balance falls below a certain level. You also have the option to manually top up your card with money, choosing the exact time and amount you want to add.

tip: If you pay directly by card (insert chip card or tap to pay), scan your Starbucks card before paying. Otherwise, you will miss out on the opportunity to earn stars.

Starbucks Rewards Program Benefits

The original Starbucks Rewards program allowed customers to receive a free drink only after earning 125 stars at Gold status. But in 2019, Starbucks revamped the program to allow all members to use their rewards however they want.

The benefits are:

• Free birthday drink.
• Enjoy free refills of hot or iced coffee or tea purchased with your registered Starbucks card or app when visiting the same store.
• Special offers are sent to members by email. Opt-in to receive promotional emails.
• If your Starbucks Card is lost or stolen, your balance will be protected.
• Double Star Days: Starbucks selects days when you can earn Double Stars with your purchases.
• Star Days (via app only): Starbucks selects a week of exclusive offers and games to earn extra stars.
• Rewards start at 25 stars.
• Earn Delta SkyMiles.

Starbucks Birthday Reward

On your birthday, receive one free drink, one free food item, or one free ready-to-drink bottled beverage only at participating Starbucks locations. Birthday rewards are automatically added to your account and are valid on your birthday. Only On that date.

To receive your birthday reward:

• Sign up for Starbucks Rewards at least 7 days before your birthday.
• Add your date of birth to your Rewards account.
• Make at least one Star-earning transaction every year before your birthday.

exclusive deal

Over the past year or so, we've seen Starbucks offer freebies exclusively to members, such as BOGO deals and 50% off select beverages. We've seen a lot of deals centered around the holiday season, and even more in the summer.

How to Redeem Stars for Starbucks Rewards

Note: Program changed on February 13, 2023.

So I collected stars. Here's how to apply stars to drinks and food:

• 25 stars: Espresso shot, added syrup or sauce (e.g. caramel syrup), or dairy alternative option (soy milk, almond or coconut milk) (up to $1 value).
• 100 stars: warm brewed coffee or hot brewed tea, iced brewed coffee or iced brewed tea, OR bakery items or packaged snacks.
• 200 stars: Craft beverages (such as a latte or Frappuccino blend) or hot breakfast items (such as a breakfast sandwich or oatmeal).
• 300 stars: Packaged salad or lunch sandwich, packaged protein box, or packaged coffee item (e.g., ground coffee).
• 400 stars: Selected products worth up to $20 (before tax). Availability may vary depending on store location.

How to Earn Delta SkyMiles at Starbucks

In October 2022, Starbucks announced a partnership with Delta to allow Starbucks Rewards members to earn Delta SkyMiles through Starbucks purchases.

Here's how it works:

• Starbucks members can create a Delta SkyMiles account (if they don't already have one) and link their accounts.
• Members can then earn 1 Delta SkyMiles for every $1 spent on eligible Starbucks purchases.
• If you visit Starbucks on the day your Delta flight is scheduled, you'll get two stars.

How to Earn Starbucks Rewards Abroad

Yes, you can use your Starbucks card overseas. You can currently continue to collect Starbucks stars at participating stores in Canada, England, Scotland, Wales, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Mexico and Australia.

Your Starbucks Card balance will display the currency in which you originally purchased your Starbucks Card, but transactions will automatically be converted to the default currency in the country you are visiting. There are no additional fees or charges for the Starbucks Card. However, if you reload your Starbucks card overseas with a U.S. card, your bank or card provider may charge you a separate fee.

Limitations of the Starbucks Rewards Program

Does Starbucks Star have an expiration date? yes. Stars expire 6 months from the month in which they were earned. You can find a detailed breakdown of which stars are expiring via the app and online. So while it may be tempting to keep collecting stars to use on bigger purchases, it's better to spend them as you reach each reward tier.

You won't be able to earn stars at in-store Starbucks cafes like Barnes & Noble and Target because they don't accept the Starbucks app as a payment method. Earn stars and redeem rewards by visiting a physical Starbucks store (participating stores can be found online or in the app).

Changes to Starbucks Rewards Program

Starbucks has changed its rewards program, adjusting the number of stars required to redeem free items. The new repayment amounts as of February 2023 are as follows:

For historical reference, this was a repayment requirement. before February 13, 2023:

• 25 stars: Customize your drink with an extra espresso shot, add a dairy alternative or a special syrup pump.
• 50 stars: Brewed hot coffee, warm tea, or bakery items.
• 150 stars: Homemade drinks like caramel macchiato, hot breakfast sandwich, oatmeal or parfait.
• 200 stars: Lunch salad, sandwich or protein box.
• 400 stars: A selection of products including a signature cup, bag of coffee or coffee accessory of your choice, or enjoy your coffee at home.

Can I get stars for purchasing Starbucks products at the grocery store?

Not anymore. Starbucks allows Rewards members to earn stars when they purchase Starbucks coffee at the grocery store by verifying their receipt via email, text or online. However, the program ended in September 2022.

The post Everything You Need to Know About the Starbucks Rewards Program first appeared on The Real Deal on RetailMeNot.