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Starbucks is a hugely popular chain and their stars reward program lets you get a little back every time you spend.
However, once you've racked up a load of reward points, you might be asking, 'do Starbucks stars expire?'
To find the answer, just keep reading because I will tell you everything you need to know about Starbucks stars.
Do Starbucks Stars Have An Expiration Date?
In short, yes, Starbucks stars have an expiration date.
The Starbucks rewards come in the form of Starbucks stars which you can earn by signing up for the Starbucks rewards program.
A loyalty program, the Starbucks rewards program, was launched in 2001 with a Starbucks card, and in 2011 they released a mobile app to make it easier to keep track of your stars.
You earn Starbucks points every time you buy coffee or food. You earn 1 Starbucks star for every $1 you've spent, and while this may not seem like a lot, the Starbucks rewards really do add up.
The Starbucks rewards program is even more generous for their partners (employees) because they earn 3 Starbucks stars for every dollar spent in the store.
Once you have at least 25 points in your star balance, you can redeem them for a drink or save up for multiple drinks. You can also use your star balance for food items if you have enough Starbucks stars.
Full details of how you earn stars through Starbucks loyalty program, and associated expiration dates, can be found in the Starbucks rewards terms and conditions [1].
When Do Starbucks Stars Expire?
The stars earned in your Starbucks account will last for 6 months. If you don't redeem rewards within that timeframe, they'll disappear and you won't be able to get them back.
The expiration date is counted in a calendar month, not weeks, so if you got your stars in January, they would only be redeemable until June of that year.
The stars will expire at midnight on the first day of the month, and you won't be able to get them back afterward.
Currently, the only exception to this 6 month expiry is if you're using a Starbucks Visa card. If you use your registered Starbucks card (which acts just like a debit card) to pay and earn rewards, they won't expire.
Star Rewards Explained
What Are Star Rewards At Starbucks
Starbucks star rewards are a way of rewarding you every time you visit a Starbucks store.
You earn stars every time you buy food or drink, and you can then redeem these stars in Starbucks stores using your Starbucks card or the app to get free food or drink.
How To Join
You’ll need to download the Starbucks app, set up an account, and then you’ll be able to earn Starbucks stars when you visit Starbucks.
It’s pretty easy to join and should only take a few minutes for eligible customers. The process can be slightly different in each country, but the app should take you through it.
Earning Star Rewards
All of your Starbucks purchases will earn you reward points.
Registered members will earn 1 point for every dollar spent (including special offers on new Starbucks products), so the more you buy, the greater the reward.
As an added bonus for regular customers, you can earn 2 points for every $1 spent if you use a Starbucks rewards card as your form of payment.
Many customers will benefit from having a Starbucks card, so it's worth asking your barista about it.
Bonus Stars
Bonus stars are, as the name implies, extra stars you can earn on top of the standard one or two star per dollar spending rewards.
Bonus stars are given to members through special limited-time challenges or events like Double Star Days in Starbucks.
Once you've started to earn bonus stars, you can check the rewards section of the Starbucks app to see how many you have.
Redeeming Your Star Rewards
The Starbucks rewards program allows you to redeem your stars whenever you like (as long as you have at least 25), providing they haven't expired.
50 Starbucks stars will get you a basic hot coffee or tea, and 150 stars will get you a handcrafted drink, breakfast sandwich, or your favorite takeaway option.
You can redeem stars to purchase multiple goods at once, just make sure you do so before the stars expire.
Simply go in the Starbucks store, talk to the barista, and scan the Starbucks app on your phone to get your freebies.
Are There Any Starbucks Star Rewards Hacks?
Yes, there are a few tricks to maximize your Starbucks rewards and give you more stars to spend in store:
Use A Starbucks Reward Card
Unlike the Starbucks rewards Visa card, a Starbucks reward card is a prepaid account with a fixed amount of money on it.
These are sometimes purchased as gifts for friends and family, and when you use these to buy a drink, you'll get double stars.
Remember that unlike when you buy with the Starbucks credit card, these stars do expire, but you will be able to earn stars more quickly this way.
Starbucks Birthday Gift
This isn't exactly a hack, but when you register for Starbucks rewards, Starbucks will grant you with a birthday treat every year.
This entitles you to 1 free handcrafted beverage or food item completely free of charge for your birthday. This isn't linked to your current star balance, and you'll have 30 days to redeem it.
Use A Starbucks Visa Card
The registered Starbucks Visa card operates like a credit card, and when you use the credit card to make payments in Starbucks stores, you'll get double stars.
That means with a Starbucks Visa card for every dollar spent, you'll get 2 stars instead of 1, and means you'll get more freebies from the rewards program.
However, since the Starbucks Visa card has been discontinued, these starts will expire on August 2024 [2].
3 Tips For Managing Your Star Rewards
1. Star Codes
Star codes at Starbucks are unique codes that give you free stars towards food and drinks. You'll be sent one when you first register, and then periodically through the app and via email.
Sometimes you'll have a video to watch, and sometimes it will just be a free reward, so make sure you look out for them.
2. Use The Starbucks App
The Starbucks app is where you can keep track of the stars you’re earning, see when your stars expire, and check out other benefits (like the Starbucks reward for your birthday).
You’ll also be able to see which stores are nearby and place orders through the app so you can jump the queues.
3. Check Your Location
Not every Starbucks location will allow you to redeem rewards. Most main stores will, but some kiosk locations don't allow it.
You can check the locations where they can be redeemed through the app, and there's usually a notice or sign in store which makes it clear.
Common Starbucks Star Rewards Questions
Do Starbucks stars expire at midnight?
Yes, Starbucks stars expire at midnight, so you'll be able to redeem them during the day.
Can I get expired Starbucks stars back?
No, once your Starbucks stars expire, you'll be unable to reclaim them, and they're gone for good.
Is Starbucks planning on getting rid of stars?
No, Starbucks stars expire, but the Starbucks rewards program isn't going anywhere, and there are no plans to get rid of the stars any time soon.
Can you go over 400 stars at Starbucks?
There's no limit to the number of stars you can accumulate at Starbucks, but because Starbucks stars expire after 6 months, it's a good idea to spend them before they run out.
What do you get for free from Starbucks on your birthday?
As a birthday reward, you get one free beverage or one free food item.
Can I use my Star Rewards at Target Starbucks?
Yes, most Target Starbucks will allow you to earn and spend Starbucks stars, but you can always check locations through the app.
Can you get a Venti with 150 stars?
Yes, you can get a venti with 150 stars as long as you haven’t let the Starbucks stars expire.
Conclusion
The Starbucks rewards program lets you earn Starbucks rewards easily, but the stars expire after six months.
It's important to keep track of your Starbucks stars using the app and use them before the star expiration date.
Hopefully, this guide has helped explain how to keep track of your stars, and you'll be able to make the most of your rewards.
References:
1.https://www.starbucks.com/rewards/terms/
2.https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/credit-cards/articles/5-things-you-should-know-about-the-end-of-the-starbucks-rewards-visa/
