Once again, Starbucks has officially changed its popular Starbucks Rewards program, as of today, Tuesday, April 16.
Many of the popular reward items now require more Stars for redemption, while others will be fewer. If you enjoyed using your Stars for sandwiches, salads or protein boxes, there’s now a significant increase (of 60%) to earn those freebies. (Under the new system, you will need to spend $100 to earn one of those items.)
One of the potentially more popular changes is that you can now redeem Stars for at-home coffee. Brew your own coffee at home or work for 400 Stars. You can also redeem 400 Stars for select merchandise. For bargain hunters, this might be your best bet because some of the cups, mugs and tumblers they sell can be a bit pricey.
In addition, select bakery items (like the chain’s popular loaf cake slices or butter croissants) will cost fewer Stars at just 50.
All Starbucks Rewards members earn Stars toward FREE rewards from the day they join. The change means members can earn enough Stars to redeem a reward in as few as two to three visits.
Here’s the new, tiered Rewards structure:
25 Stars — Extra espresso shot, dairy substitute or additional flavor
50 Stars — Brewed hot coffee, hot tea or select bakery items
150 Stars — Handcrafted drink, hot breakfast or yogurt parfaits
200 Stars — Lunch sandwich, protein box or Salad
400 Stars — Select merchandise (any mug or tumbler priced under $20) or packaged coffee (any 16-oz. package)
The changes build on existing program benefits, which will remain available to all members.
In addition to earning 2 Stars for every $1 spent, members enjoy FREE brewed hot coffee & tea refills, a FREE birthday treat and exclusive personalized offers, along with dozens of additional opportunities to earn Bonus Stars through monthly Double Star Days and more.
For complete details about the changes, click here.
If you’re a Starbucks Rewards Visa Credit or Prepaid cardholder, your stars no longer expire.
