New Starbucks Rewards Program Coming April 16th

Starting on April 16, Starbucks Rewards loyalty program is getting another makeover. The new system is supposed to allow members to earn Stars sooner, and also use those points to buy more items than before starting at lower redemptions.

Currently the Starbucks rewards program works like this: Customers get two points, or stars, for every dollar they spend. Customers need to hit 300 stars within one year in order to start qualifying for rewards. Once they qualify, they can get a free drink or free food for every 125 stars.

Now Starbucks is getting rid of the elite “Gold” status that you get once you’ve spent $150 or earned 300 points. Under the changes, there’s just one level and customers can begin redeeming Stars immediately after they are earned. You get different rewards for different amounts of stars. Members can cash in 25 stars for an extra espresso shot, dairy substitute or another flavor pump. For 50, they get coffee or tea or a bakery item, and so on. At the other end of the spectrum the expensive items will need more Stars. Handcrafted drinka, hot breakfast or yogurt parfaits will require 150 Stars, for lunch sandwiches or salads you need 200 Stars. Another change is that for customers who use a Starbucks rewards credit or debit card, points won’t expire. (They still expire after about six months for other members.)

New Redemption Options

• 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 or packaged coffee

So yes, there’s some cheaper options now, but I doubt many people were using their 125 Stars for a hot coffee. Definitely a devaluation of rewards.

You can read more about the new program here.