Attention, Starbucks customers! The coffee chain has announced changes to its rewards program. If you’re a member, it’s a good idea to pay close attention—there’s a new way to earn Stars. Here’s what you need to know and when the changes will take effect. Take note!
What’s Changing in Starbucks Rewards?
According to the announcement, the company is updating its rewards program to further encourage customers to bring their own reusable cups to stores. Currently, users receive 25 Bonus Stars per visit, regardless of how many drinks they order or how many reusable cups they bring. With the new system, rewards will be based on the total amount spent—meaning the more you purchase in reusable cups, the more Stars you’ll earn.
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Instead of receiving a flat 25 Bonus Stars per order, customers will now earn double Stars on their entire purchase. As a result, you’ll need to spend at least $12.50 to earn the same 25 Stars you used to get with a single order. This change especially benefits those who place larger orders or bring multiple reusable cups for refills.
In addition to the updated Star-earning structure, Starbucks will continue to offer a $0.10 discount for every drink served in a reusable cup. This initiative supports the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability by reducing single-use plastics and promoting more eco-friendly habits among its customers.
When Will the Rewards Changes Take Effect?
The new rewards policy will go into effect starting June 24, 2025.
What is Starbucks Rewards?
Is the company’s loyalty program, designed to reward frequent customers. By making purchases with the Starbucks Card or the mobile app, members collect “Stars” that can be redeemed for various perks—like free drinks, merchandise, coffee refills, and more.
How to earn rewards at Starbucks?
Earning stars and rewards with Starbucks Rewards is easy. Just follow these simple steps:
- Sign up: Create your account in the app to access all the benefits of Starbucks Rewards.
- Place your order and pay your way: Choose your payment method, whether it’s cash, credit or debit card, or quick payment through the app. It doesn’t matter how you pay, you’ll earn stars either way!
- Collect stars and enjoy rewards: Each star you earn brings you closer to rewards like free drinks and food. You can start redeeming rewards with just 25 stars.
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Starbucks History
Starbucks began its journey in 1971 at Pike Place Market in Seattle, where it opened its first store with the aim of selling freshly roasted coffee beans, tea, and spices from around the world, allowing customers to enjoy these products at home. The company’s name was inspired by a character in the classic novel Moby Dick, evoking the rich maritime tradition of the early coffee traders.
A decade later, a young New Yorker named Howard Schultz visited Starbucks and fell in love with the coffee from the very first sip. In 1983, during a trip to Milan, he became captivated by the culture of Italian coffee shops, impressed by the warmth and artistry surrounding the experience. Motivated by his discovery, he returned to Seattle with the ambition to transform Starbucks into more than just a coffee bean store. In 1987, the company adopted its iconic green aprons, marking a new chapter in its evolution toward becoming a true coffeehouse.
The company expanded rapidly and dynamically, opening new stores in Chicago and Vancouver before reaching California, Washington DC, and New York. In 1996, the company took its first international step by opening a store in Japan, followed by its arrival in Europe in 1998 and China in 1999. Over the next two decades, Starbucks grew exponentially, becoming a gathering place for millions of customers every week and becoming an integral part of daily life in communities around the world.
