Starbucks Rewards Loyalty Program Analysis and Detailed Guide

We have to admit, when it comes to coffee, the first brand that comes to our mind is STARBUCKS. There’s something about their cup of coffee; the aroma, the taste, the whole experience. But beyond the coffee, what really keeps us coming back is the Starbucks Rewards program. But what’s all this hype around the rewards? What exactly is this program? How does it work? How can one make the most of it? So many questions, right? So, to answer all these questions, we decided to dig a little deeper and see if it’s actually worth all the hype. Here’s what we found.

By 2028, Starbucks will double its 75 million global Starbucks Rewards members and become more global by accelerating store expansion to 55,000 globally by 20230

And this is not just success, it is industry dominance. Starbucks has built a loyalty ecosystem that not only retains customers but actively drives spending, engagement, and digital adoption.

Let’s first understand,

• Brief History of The Starbucks Rewards Program
• Membership Levels and Their Costs
• How to Join the Starbucks Rewards Loyalty Program
• How to Redeem Starbucks Rewards
• Starbucks Rewards Gift Cards
• Why is Starbucks’ Customer Loyalty Program Effective?
• FAQs

Brief History of the Starbucks Rewards Program

The reward program was launched in 2009, and it was far from what it is now. Earlier, it was a simple punch-card-style program, not an app-based one. However, as technologies grew and our smartness to its usage increases, Starbucks decided to evolve the program by integrating it into its mobile app, which allowed customers to ORDER IN ADVANCE, TRACK STARS AND REWARDS, and PAY VIA THEIR MOBILE WALLET.

By 2011, the company launched mobile payments with the Starbucks Card Mobile App to allow customers to pay through their mobile phones. By 2015, they moved on to the next level and introduced Mobile Order & Pay, which allows U.S. customers to use the app to customize their orders and pay for them without visiting the store, and collect them without even standing in line.

Since its inception, Starbucks has set the bar high, with millions of members actively participating in the program. With its valuable offers, the brand has built and sustained customer loyalty for a long time.

Membership Levels and Their Costs

The real fun begins when customers start accumulating these rewards and advance to the next membership level in the Starbucks Loyalty Program. Here’s a breakdown of how each membership level works.

Welcome Level

You’ll get welcome points automatically when you join Starbucks Rewards, and they remain until the member collects 5 stars. Once you are a member, you’ll get access to the Starbucks mobile app for ordering and payment.

Green Level

You start from here when you join the Starbucks rewards program. At this level, members can earn stars on every purchase made at Starbucks, plus you enjoy free refills on brewed coffee/tea. Birthday rewards include a complimentary drink on your birthday, as well as exclusive offers and rewards.

Gold Level

You’ll be qualified for this level when you earn 300 stars within 12 months. At this level, Members get all Green Level benefits + offers customized to their preferences, and the ability to redeem stars to earn free food/drink.

The good thing is that the Starbucks Rewards Program is absolutely free! To make it simpler to understand, customers earn stars every time they purchase a coffee/snack, making them eligible to advance to the next level.

How to Join the Starbucks Rewards Loyalty Program

Customers must create an account on the Starbucks app to be eligible for the loyalty rewards program and earn Stars.

The company is now among the leading mobile payment providers in the USA and has 34.3 million active members. Starbucks Rewards members accounted for nearly 60% of sales at company-operated US stores in 2024.

Follow these ways to get the most out of your Starbucks visits and earn :

• Members will immediately earn 1 star for every dollar spent as they scan the app and pay with cash or card.
• For members aiming to earn two stars per dollar, they need to preload or add funds to their digital Starbucks card, allowing them to easily scan, order, and pay through the app.
• You’ll also get 2 stars if you use a Starbucks eGift card that can be used for payment.

In short, members will receive 1 Star when they order and pay, save their card details for future payments, and scan the app. To earn 2 stars, members need to preload their Starbucks digital card or use a gift card to pay.

How to Redeem Starbucks Rewards

The next step is to redeem the stars once you have accumulated them. A lot of Stars in your account means you can spend them as you’d like.

• In 25 Stars, you can get a shot of espresso, a dairy substitute, or flavor to the drink
• In 50 Stars, members can enjoy a complimentary brewed coffee, bakery item, or hot tea.
• In 150 Stars, customers can earn the opportunity to have their own customized beverage (latte or Frappuccino), as well as a hot breakfast item, and these stars are valued at around $6 to $7.
• In 200 Stars, health-conscious individuals can redeem these points to receive a plate of salad, a healthy box, or a protein-packed sandwich.
• If members accumulate more stars, such as 400+, they can select Starbucks merchandise or at-home coffee products. Also, to earn 400 points, you need to spend around $20, which can be redeemed for merchandise or higher-value items.

Starbucks Rewards Gift Cards

Redeeming a Starbucks Rewards Gift Card is simple and quick. Here’s how you can do it:

1) Add the Card to Your Account:

• Download the Starbucks app or visit the Starbucks website.
• Sign in or create an account, then go to the “Add Card” section.
• Enter the 16-digit card number and security code (PIN) found on the back of the card.

2) Use It to Pay:o

• Once added, the balance appears in your Starbucks app or account.
• Scan your Starbucks app in-store or select your registered card as a payment method when ordering online.

3) Earn and Redeem Rewards:

• Every purchase earns you Stars, which can be redeemed for free drinks, food, or merchandise.
• You can track and redeem Stars directly in the app, just select a reward and apply it to your next order.

Pro Tip: Keep reloading your card through the app to continue earning Stars and enjoying personalized offers.

Why is Starbucks’ Customer Loyalty Program Effective?

Regular updates, exciting new rewards, and personalized offers keep customers hooked; that’s what makes Starbucks Rewards one of the most successful loyalty programs around.

The brand delivers a tailored experience that feels personal and thoughtful, which keeps customers coming back for more.

To put it simply, the Starbucks Rewards Loyalty Program proves that loyalty isn’t built through personalization, consistency, and emotional connection. By understanding customer behavior and tailoring experiences around it, the brand has set a new benchmark for engagement. With OptCulture, brands can follow the same path to create customer loyalty programs that don’t just reward, they retain.