The Starbucks Rewards program has gone from a modest paper punch card to a complex and convenient app. As a former Starbucks barista, I’ve seen the evolution of this loyalty program and have used it almost since its inception in 2008 (though at that time, I was still a Partner and got free Starbucks drinks every shift).
With the program's biggest change ever coming on March 10, 2026. Here’s everything I know about the updated Starbucks Rewards program — including one thing I'm really bummed about.
Even with the changes, you're missing out if you drink Starbucks and don't join the Rewards program. Since Starbucks offers are few and far between anymore, this loyalty program (and its remaining perks) is one of the only ways to save money at Starbucks.
What KCL Experts Think You Should Know
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Starbucks will switch over to a tiered rewards program (the more you spend, the better the perks) on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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The tiers are based on Starbucks Stars earned in a calendar year and you'll be placed in your initial tier based on your 2025 Stars.
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The Green tier is for customers with under 500 Stars, Gold is for more than 500 Stars, and Reserve is for 2,500 Stars.
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There's a new redemption option — at 60 Stars you can get $2 off any menu item.
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Here's what I don't love — You'll no longer earn 2X Stars with Starbucks card purchases, but you'll earn 10 Stars with a $30 Starbucks card reload and 25 Stars for $50.
Not a Starbucks Rewards member yet? It’s pretty dang simple to join. Download the free Starbucks app — available for iOS or Android — or visit starbucks.com/rewards to sign up for Starbucks Rewards.
A Breakdown of the New Tiers
When the tiers roll out on March 10, here's what to expect. Your tier status is based on how many Starbucks Stars you earn in a calendar year. Once you reach a tier, it's valid for the next 12 months. Your initial tier (on March 10) is based on the number of Stars you earned in 2025.
All Starbucks Rewards members will have these perks:
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Earn Stars when you spend
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Get double Stars with a personal cup
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(NEW) 10 bonus Stars with $30 card reload, 25 Stars with $50 (no more 2X Stars when you pay with a Starbucks Card, though.)
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(NEW) Redeem 60 Stars for a $2 coupon
Green — Under 500 Stars
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Earn 1 Star per $1 with any payment method
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(NEW) Free modification on one Monday per month
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(NEW) Stars expire after 6 months without a qualifying activity (purchase)
Gold — 500+ Stars
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(NEW) Earn 1.2 Stars per $1 with any payment method
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(NEW) Birthday treat valid for 7 days
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(NEW) 4 extra Double Star days
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Stars never expire
Reserve — 2,500+ Stars
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(NEW) Earn 1.7 Stars per $1 with any payment method
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(NEW) Birthday treat valid for 30 days
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(NEW) 6 extra Double Star days
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(NEW) Access to Global Coffee Experiences + exclusive merch
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Stars never expire
How to Earn Starbucks Stars
Starbucks makes it pretty easy to earn rewards — aka Stars. Once you have a Starbucks Rewards account, you scan your unique bar code every visit to earn Stars.
Here's a breakdown:
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1 Star — per $1 in the Green tier
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1.2 Stars — per $1 in the Gold tier
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1.7 Stars — per $1 in the Reserve tier
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10 Stars — when you reload a Starbucks card with $30 - $49.99
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25 Stars — when you reload a Starbucks card with $50+
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Double Stars — when you bring a personal cup and on Double Star Days
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Bonus Stars — when you complete personalized offers and games in the app (amount varies by account)
TIP: You can earn even more Bonus Stars when you link your Starbucks Rewards x Marriott Bonvoy accounts or an eligible Bank of America card with your Starbucks Rewards account.
How to Redeem Starbucks Stars
Here’s what you can get with your Starbucks Stars:
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25 Stars — Customize your drink with syrup or an extra espresso shot
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60 Stars (NEW) — A in-app offer for $2 off any menu item
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100 Stars — A free iced/hot coffee or tea, bakery item, or packaged snack
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200 Stars — A free handcrafted drink or a hot breakfast item
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300 Stars — Free sandwich, protein box, or at-home coffee
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400 Stars — Free Starbucks merchandise up to $20 (or $20 off your Starbucks merch purchase)
Is the New Starbucks Rewards Program Better?
No, it really isn't. They're making it harder to hit the Star thresholds — like many other rewards programs (lookin' at you Dunkin').
The thing I love most is the new 60 tier redemption for a $2 off in-app offer. The thing I love least is not earning my double Stars with my Starbucks card anymore.
But, I'm a huge fan of being rewarded for your purchases. So if you're a Starbucks regular, you're missing out if you don't have the Rewards program.
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