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By Kate Nalepinski
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Coffee giant Starbucks is modifying the Starbucks Rewards loyalty program on March 10 with a new tiered structure—Green, Gold and Reserve—that introduces faster Star earning, additional perks, and expanded redemption options for its 35.5 million active U.S. members.
Here’s the rundown of how in-app rewards will change.
Why Is Starbucks Changing the Rewards Program?
In a press release, Starbucks said it redesigned the program to offer “more meaningful value” and “personalization” while incentivizing frequency, with Stars that never expire for Gold and Reserve members and new monthly perks for all members.
Read More on Starbucks on Food & Drink
The revamp was unveiled at the company's 2026 Investor Day, where the company unveiled long-term growth strategies.
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How Will Rewards Change?
Under the reimagined program, members will progress through three tiers: Green, Gold, and Reserve. Higher tiers earn Stars, or reward points, faster: 1 Star per $1 at Green, 1.2 Stars per $1 at Gold, and 1.7 Stars per $1 at Reserve.
Users are automatically Green members upon creating a new account, whether online or via the app. Members can earn Gold status with 500 Stars in 12 months and Reserve status with 2,500 Stars in 12 months.
Changes were made to Green membership, the company said, after receiving feedback: Stars are now valid for 6 months, but users can extend them by 1 month through monthly activity. Gold and Reserve members’ Stars never expire, so long as status is maintained.
Is Starbucks Getting Rid of Free Food, Drinks?
No, the company isn't removing any free food and drink options, but there are some changes to how reward points will work.
The breakdown of what users can get from rewards points is as follows: 25 Stars for a drink customization; 100 Stars for a brewed coffee, tea, or certain bakery items of up to $6; 200 Stars for handcrafted drinks or hot breakfast items up to $10; 300 Stars for sandwiches, protein boxes and packaged coffee up to $16, and 400 Stars for select merchandise, up to $20.
The latest addition? Members can use 60 Stars to get $2 off any item.
Further, all members receive a new monthly perk called Free Mod Mondays, or one free customization up to $2. Folks who use their personal cup in-store will get double rewards points, and members who reload their app balances in $30 or $50 payments get 10 stars and 25 stars, respectively.
Eligible members can link their Starbucks Rewards accounts to Delta SkyMiles and Marriott Bonvoy for additional benefits.
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What People Are Saying
Starbucks Global Chief Brand Officer Tressie Lieberman said in a press release: “We’re redefining the industry with customer-focused benefits that set a new standard and ignite fandom. Starbucks Rewards has always been about creating connection, and we’re evolving the program based on what our members told us matters most, offering faster, more meaningful benefits that make them feel appreciated.”
Starbucks Chair and CEO Brian Niccol said at the company's 2026 Investor Day: “Starbucks is back...We’re putting the customer at the center of everything we do and setting our partners up for success. We know there’s more work ahead, but we’re confident in our plan and see significant opportunity in the U.S. and around the world.”
What Happens Next
The tiered Starbucks Rewards program goes live March 10, with requalification over rolling 12‑month periods.
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