Big Changes to Starbucks’ Loyalty Program Start Next Week

Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on Living on the Cheap.

Get ready, Starbucks Rewards members! Starbucks is stirring the pot on its popular loyalty program. (Did you know Starbucks Rewards has more than 16 million members?)

The program’s much-coveted points (aka Stars) are about to get less valuable — starting Feb. 13, 2023.

Most notably, there is a 100% increase (100 stars from 50) in the required Stars for hot brewed coffee, tea or a bakery item and a 33% increase (200 stars from 150) for handcrafted beverages and hot breakfast items.

One positive change is the Stars required for packaged coffee (such as whole bean coffee) have dropped from 400 to 300 Stars.

First, there are no changes to the 25 Stars or 400 Stars redemption level.

25 Stars may be redeemed for one of the following beverage modifiers:

• An added espresso shot, added syrup or sauce (such as caramel syrup)
• A dairy alternative option (such as soy milk, almond milk or coconut milk)

400 Stars may be redeemed for one of the following:

• A select merchandise item with a value up to $20

Here are the important changes to the Starbucks Rewards program

Beginning February 13, 2023, major changes will take effect on how members can redeem Stars.

100 Stars may be redeemed for one of the following items:

• Hot brewed coffee, hot steeped tea, iced brewed coffee or iced brewed tea
• Bakery item (such as a cake pop or cookie)
• Packaged snack (such as popcorn or potato chips)
• One Cold Siren Logo Plastic To-Go Cup (24-oz.) or one Siren Logo Plastic Hot Cup (16-oz.)

200 Stars may be redeemed for one of the following items:

• Any handcrafted beverage (such as a latte or Frappuccino blended beverage)
• Any hot breakfast item (such as a breakfast sandwich or oatmeal)

300 Stars may be redeemed for one of the following items:

• Packaged salad or lunch sandwich
• Packaged protein box
• Packaged coffee item (such as whole bean coffee)

To review the updated Starbucks Rewards Term of Use, click here.

Are there any changes in how members earn Stars?

No, the ways in which members earn Stars remain the same — two (2) Stars for every dollar purchased with a Starbucks Card or one (1) Star for every dollar purchased via a Linked Payment Method.

For maximum earning potential, always pay with a registered Starbucks gift card. You can also earn 25 Bonus Stars by bringing a reusable cup every time you visit Starbucks.

Are you looking for a less expensive option than Starbucks? Find out how you can enjoy a cup of coffee for just 20¢ a day.