If you‘re a regular Starbucks customer, you‘re probably familiar with their popular loyalty program, Starbucks Rewards. By signing up for free, you can earn Stars with every purchase that can be redeemed for complimentary drinks, food, and more. It‘s a great way for the company to incentivize repeat visits and higher spending.
But if you‘re new to Starbucks Rewards or just want to make sure you‘re getting the most out of your membership, this comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know. I‘ll explain exactly how the program works, the best ways to rack up Stars quickly, the benefits you can unlock at each Reward level, and some savvy tips I‘ve learned to really maximize the perks.
Getting Started with Starbucks Rewards
The first step is signing up, which you can do either by creating an account at Starbucks.com or by downloading the Starbucks mobile app for iOS or Android. You‘ll be asked to provide some basic info like your name and email address.
Once you‘re registered, you‘ll want to be sure to have the barista scan your member barcode in the app with each purchase so you earn Stars. You can also add a Starbucks Card to the app and use it to conveniently pay while automatically collecting your Stars in one step.
Earning Stars: The Key to Free Starbucks
Under the current Starbucks Rewards scheme, you earn Stars with each dollar you spend. But the number of Stars you get per dollar depends on your payment method:
- Paying with a credit/debit card, cash, or PayPal: 1 Star per $1
- Paying with a Starbucks Card through the app: 2 Stars per $1
- Paying with a Starbucks Visa Credit Card: 3 Stars per $1
As you can see, using the Starbucks Card in the app will allow you to earn rewards twice as fast compared to a standard payment method. And if you sign up for the Starbucks Visa Card, you can accelerate your earning even more. Plus, you‘ll get additional Stars when reloading your digital Starbucks Card through the credit card.
There are a few other ways to boost your Star balance too. Starbucks regularly holds special promotions like Double Star Days, where you‘ll get twice the usual number of Stars on all purchases for a limited period. Keep an eye out for these in your email and on signs in stores.
Starbucks Rewards also has a program where you can submit receipts from purchases of qualifying Starbucks products at grocery stores and other retailers to earn more Stars. Just buy participating items like packaged coffee and bottled Frappuccinos, then upload a photo of your receipt to Starbucks-Stars.com. Your account will typically be credited in 2-3 days.
Redeeming Starbucks Rewards
Once you‘ve accumulated at least 25 Stars, you can start redeeming them for complimentary items at most Starbucks locations. However, some licensed stores inside places like airports and supermarkets may not accept Rewards.
Here‘s the breakdown of what you can get at each Star level:
- 25 Stars: Customize your drink with an extra espresso shot, syrup, or non-dairy milk
- 50 Stars: Get a free brewed hot coffee, hot tea, or bakery item
- 150 Stars: Choose a handcrafted drink (like a latte or Frappuccino), oatmeal, or breakfast sandwich
- 200 Stars: Enjoy a lunch sandwich, protein box, or salad
- 400 Stars: Take home a bag of coffee beans or select merchandise like a coffee mug
You have to use your Stars within 6 months or they‘ll expire. The Rewards section of your account online or in the app will show you which Stars are close to expiring so you can prioritize using them.
When you‘re ready to redeem a Reward, just let the barista know before you pay. You can use your Rewards at the register, drive-thru, and even when mobile ordering ahead.
Other Starbucks Rewards Benefits
Complimentary food and drink Rewards are the biggest draw, but Starbucks Rewards membership comes with a few other appealing benefits:
- Free drink on your birthday
- Free refills of brewed coffee and tea during same in-store visit
- Bonus Star challenges and games to earn more Stars
- Personalized offers and coupons
- Mobile ordering through the app to skip the line
- Early access to new products and limited-time specials
Over 18 million people have signed up for Starbucks Rewards, with membership growing about 15% per year according to the company. Starbucks says Rewards customers typically visit more frequently, spend more per visit, and are more likely to try new menu items compared to non-members.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Starbucks Rewards
As an avid Starbucks customer and Rewards member for many years, here are a few of my top tips for stretching your Stars further and taking full advantage of the program:
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Whenever possible, pay using a registered Starbucks Card in the app to get 2 Stars per $1 instead of 1 Star when paying directly with cash or a credit card. Better yet, get the Starbucks Visa Card for a 3 Star/$1 earning rate if you shop there very often.
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Don‘t miss out on bonus Star promotions! Check your email, the app, and in-store signage regularly so you know when things like Double Star Days are happening.
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Remember to submit your grocery store receipts when you buy qualifying Starbucks products to rack up more Stars. Keep in mind it can take a few days for them to post to your account.
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Aim for the 150 Star tier when picking your Reward. Handcrafted drinks like lattes and Frappuccinos are usually the priciest menu items, so you‘ll get the most value. Choosing a more expensive drink can make your effective earning rate over 10%.
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If you‘re close to earning a Reward you want and your Stars are due to expire soon, make a small purchase to top up your Star balance. You can always redeem 50 Stars for a bakery item if you‘re not ready for a full drink Reward yet.
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Take advantage of the free birthday drink! It stacks with other offers, so you can customize it with bonus shots or syrups at no extra charge. (One year I got a venti Java Chip Frappuccino with a shot of espresso, which would‘ve cost over $7 normally.)
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Don‘t forget you can get free refills of brewed coffee or tea during your visit. I sometimes linger for a few hours working or studying and get 2-3 cups for the price of one.
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Mobile ordering is a great time-saver, especially if your store gets super busy. You can have your usual order saved for quick reordering too.
The Verdict on Starbucks Rewards
All in all, Starbucks Rewards is one of the more generous and easy to use loyalty programs out there in my experience. The Stars accumulate quickly, especially when you take advantage of promotions and bonus opportunities. Most of the Reward redemption tiers provide solid value too.
If you visit Starbucks at least a few times a month, joining Starbucks Rewards is a no-brainer way to save money and enjoy some fun freebies. Following the tips I shared will help you maximize your Stars to get the biggest bang for your buck. With a little strategizing, you can easily earn a free drink or meal every couple weeks. Cheers!
