What to know about new Starbucks reward program, changes and benefits taking effect in March
Starbucks is updating its rewards program for customers with three levels of membership that will offer personalized benefits to redeem stars, freebies and more.
The Seattle-based coffee chain announced the reimagined Starbucks Rewards program on Thursday, which it said was based on customer feedback.
Starting March 10, there will be three membership levels -- Green, Gold and Reserve -- which will offer distinct benefits based on the number of stars customers earn.
What to know about new Starbucks Rewards benefits
Currently, star-earning is "tied solely to payment type," but this evolution of the program will "enable members to accelerate their star-earning as their activity grows," Starbucks said.
The company said its members will be able to earn stars faster in the new format, in which both purchases and engagement on the platform add up to enable redemption of discounts, free drinks, food and merchandise.
A few highlights for the new program include "Free Mod Mondays," which gives members a complimentary beverage modification one Monday each month; $2 off any purchase at the 60-star mark; and no expiration of stars for Gold and Reserve members.
Click here for a full breakdown of each member level and the benefits.
Green Member
"At this level, members can enjoy their Birthday Reward -- a free beverage or food item -- on their birthday, and will get personalized offers, opportunities to play games like Starbucks for Life, and early access to select beverages and food," Starbucks stated. "At the Green level, Stars are valid for six months, and members can extend the life of their Stars for a month by completing a monthly qualifying activity, such as redeeming a reward, making a purchase or digitally reloading a Starbucks Card."
Members can earn 1 Star per dollar spent at this level. Members of this level will also earn stars for "digitally reloading a Starbucks Card," earning 10 stars for a $30 or more digital reload, or 25 for a digital reload of $50 or more, for example.
Gold Member
"Once a member earns 500 Stars in a 12-month period, they will move to Gold status," Starbucks explained. "In addition to enjoying Green tier member benefits, Gold members get enhanced perks -- including Stars that never expire and a seven-day window to redeem their free birthday treat."
Members of Starbucks Gold Rewards level earn 1.2 stars for every dollar they spend, "or 12 Stars for every $10 spent."
These members also receive "at least four additional Double Star Days annually," during which they can earn double the number of stars on an entire purchase.
Reserve Member
"Once a member earns 2,500 Stars in a 12-month period, they will achieve Reserve status -- an enhanced membership level with exclusive, premium benefits designed to reward the most loyal customers," Starbucks said. "In addition to Green and Gold benefits, members at this level will receive a variety of Rewards, like a 30-day window to redeem their free birthday treat and at least six additional Double Star Days annually."
Reserve members are also offered access to "exclusive merchandise and curated events, including all-expenses paid trips to exciting destinations like Tokyo, Milan or Costa Rica to explore and celebrate coffee culture globally," according to Starbucks.
Reserve members earn 1.7 stars per dollar spent, or 17 Stars for every $10 spent, the company said.
