Starbucks Rewards is a well-loved customer loyalty program that many of the largest US retail and restaurant chains have used as a model when creating their own customer loyalty programs. As with any customer loyalty program, to achieve the highest level of customer engagement, Starbucks Rewards members must understand exactly how to earn gifts, discounts, coupons, offers, and promotions.
How the Starbucks Rewards Program Works
Loyalty programs are a great way to save money at Starbucks. Customers can sign up for the Starbucks Rewards program in two different ways. New members can go to Starbucks.com/Rewards or download the Starbucks Rewards app on their smartphone to get started. The program offers a variety of features and benefits:
- Earn free add-ons, drinks, and food
- Order ahead and pay with the smartphone app
- free coffee and tea refills
- A free birthday present every year
- Reward Bonus Days
How to Earn Starbucks Rewards Stars
There are a few different ways to earn “stars” that can be redeemed for free items:
- Earn 2 stars for every dollar spent when you shop at a participating Starbucks location with a registered Starbucks gift card or the Starbucks mobile app
- Earn stars on Starbucks-branded purchases from retailers, including packaged coffee, K-cups, packaged brews, and more. These items are labeled with a “star code” and the receipt can be scanned into the mobile app to redeem
- Buy Starbucks brand coffee online at the Starbucks store and connect the purchase to your Starbucks Rewards account
- Participate in games and special offers in the app and your email inbox to earn bonus stars
- Regular “Double Star Days” allow members to earn double stars on qualifying purchases
Starbucks Rewards earnings for different star levels
As you earn stars and reach certain levels, they can be turned into rewards. You can choose to use a lower-level reward or save your stars for a higher reward:
- 25 stars: Free drink customization, including a flavored syrup, extra shot of espresso, or milk substitution, such as almond or coconut milk
- 50 Stars: Free hot coffee, tea, or baked goods, like a croissant or bagel
- 150 stars: Free craft beverage like a latte, hot breakfast like a breakfast sandwich or oatmeal or parfait
- 200 Stars: Free packed lunch, like a protein box, salad, or sandwich
- 400 stars: Free selection of merchandise or packaged coffee beans
How to redeem Starbucks rewards
When you’ve reached your desired star level, you can choose to redeem it by ordering ahead using the mobile app or showing it to the cashier at your local Starbucks. Stars will be removed from your account after redemption. You can choose to use your stars however you like, for example: if you have 50 stars, you can redeem them for one 50-value reward, two 25-value rewards, or keep earning more stars for a higher-value reward.
Starbucks Rewards Program Review
By offering stars with every Starbucks purchase, members feel like they’re getting something extra with every purchase. By personalizing the bonus star offers, customers feel that Starbucks is enhancing their personal customer experience without intrusively monitoring their every move. Free coffee and tea refills for members give Starbucks’ most active customers a reason to bypass local and national restaurant chain competitors that don’t offer free refills.
As with all customer loyalty programs offered in the US restaurant industry, the Starbucks Rewards program is focused on keeping customers actively engaged with one of the most valuable brands among all restaurant chains. US restaurants Given the observable number of Starbucks Rewards members who are regularly visiting stores and making purchases, it is easy to see that the Starbucks Rewards program is effective in achieving its goal of customer engagement and repeat visits.