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It's 2023 - you don't need to struggle for Stars.
Starbucks' Rewards system makes it as easy as possible for members to get enough points to treat themselves.
Let’s break down the best ways to earn Starbucks Stars fast and make your membership work for you - you will be over the moon once you learn these hacks.
Key Takeaways
7 Ways To Earn Starbucks Rewards
1. Sign Up For Starbucks Rewards Program
Before you can earn Stars, you need to sign up for the Starbucks rewards program.[2]
- To do this, simply download the Starbucks app[3] or head to their website and create an account. Follow the on-screen instructions to sign up, provide relevant personal info, and create a username and password.
Once you are in, you are automatically at the green level status and earning 1-2 Stars per dollar - you can easily hit that first 25-star milestone with only a few orders.
2. Use Starbucks Star Codes
Certain Starbucks items have a unique code, known as a star code, that gives you Stars when redeemed.
These 10-digit free Starbucks Star codes can be found on:
- The back or bottom of various Starbucks items like their Starbucks cups or whole bean coffee
- As a QR code in a special offers email or the messages section of the app
Once you have a star code, you can head enter it into the box in the website or app's Rewards section.
They may take the form of a QR code in an email or on certain products rather than an obvious 10-digit code. In this case, simple scan with the Starbucks app and follow the onscreen instructions to redeem the code.
Once your star code is redeemed, you can use your new Stars just like any other Stars - to get sweet Starbucks freebies!
I recently broke down what a Star code is and how they work in another article, so you can get earning like a pro.
3. Try The App Challenges
One of the best Starbucks app hacks for members is to take part in in-app games.
Games like Star Bingo are seasonal perks designed to help you earn Stars without even spending money or going to participating stores.
Some popular games in the past that have helped customers rack up Stars include:
- Bonus Star Bingo
- The Starbucks Summer Game
- Starland
- Starbucks For Life Sweepstakes
And more!
All you need to do to get playing (and earning) is:
- Keep an eye out for in-app or email game announcements
- Head to the game's website when it goes live
- Log in to your Rewards account
- Play the game
These games are not always available, so you need to mark in your calendar when they are live so you don't miss out.
The bonus star challenges are a fun way to earn extra Stars from home - talk about convenience!
4. Take Advantage Of Double Star Days
At least once a month, Starbucks hosts what is known as Double Star Days.
They do exactly what they say on the tin - you get double the Stars for every dollar spent. This allows you to earn Stars fast without changing your routine.
As an extra treat, Starbucks often host an annual one-day promo called a Triple Star Day, which gives you triple the Stars for every dollar spent. This legendary event tends to happen on a Thursday in October based on past years - talk about an unmissable event!
Make sure to sign up for the emails and app notifications so you know when a Double Star Day is coming up!
5. Stay Updated With Starbucks Emails
You will want to sign up for Starbucks' promotional emails. They will tell you when Double Star Days are and give you personalized offers as well as Star codes.
Earn Bonus Stars with ease and be rewarded for staying in the know with their emails.
6. Don’t Let Your Stars Expire
Once you have racked up the Stars, you need to use them.
Stars expire six months after they have been redeemed, and older Stars are used first in Starbucks purchases.
You can keep track of how many Stars you have and when they expire in the Rewards section of your online or in-app account.
7. Only Go To Stand-Alone Starbucks Stores
Something to bear in mind is that not every store location rewards customers with Stars.
When you visit Starbucks that are within grocery stores, or such as one in Barnes & Noble or Target, they typically do not give you Stars with your purchase.
However, stand-alone stores do.
If you are unsure if your current Starbucks is a participating store, check with your barista before ordering your Starbucks iced coffee beverage and lunch sandwich.
What Exactly Are Starbucks Stars Anyway?
The Starbucks rewards program is a loyalty program originally launched in 2008.[1]
You earn Stars, or points, by buying Starbucks drinks and merch or doing other challenges.
Once you have a certain number of Stars, any Starbucks rewards member can look forward to freebies like free coffee or a birthday reward.
Not only are the member-only offers amazing, but Starbucks members also earn at least one Star per dollar they spend in Starbucks locations, in the Starbucks app, or online.
You can also earn Stars when you add money to a Starbucks gift card.
You can redeem Stars for these goodies and earn free Stars as you go - the more Stars you have, the more options you have.
Racking up Stars could not be easier for Starbucks rewards members.
What Can You Purchase With Starbucks Stars?
We have discussed just how easy it is to earn Stars, but what can you get once you have them?
There are plenty of goodies you can earn as part of Starbucks’ rewards program.[6]
25 Stars
25 Stars allow you to customize your drink with an extra espresso shot, non-dairy milk, or some additional Starbucks syrups (I love using caramel syrup.)
100 Stars
Having 100 Stars gets you a brewed hot or iced coffee or tea, bakery item, packaged snack, or another small treat. I recommend getting a cake pop.
200 Stars
200 Stars is where it starts getting interesting.
At this tier, you get a Starbucks handcrafted beverage, which means a cold brew, frappuccino, or latte, completely free.
Alternatively, you can choose to have a hot breakfast like a breakfast sandwich or oatmeal.
300 Stars
300 Stars is a big deal for those on the go.
You can choose a sandwich, packaged salad, packaged protein box, or whole-bean coffee.
The packaged coffee item is actually 100 Stars cheaper than it was last year - great news for home-brewed coffee fans.
400 Stars
400 Stars is perfect for fans of Starbucks’ merchandise - this mountain of Stars nets you a Starbucks merch item worth up to $20.
This means you could redeem Stars and treat yourself to a pretty to-go cup for your hot tea or other drinks.
Common Earning Starbucks Rewards Questions
How many points for a free drink at Starbucks?
100 Stars get you a hot or iced coffee or tea, while 200 Stars get you a free handcrafted drink of your choice.
Can you earn more than 400 stars at Starbucks?
It is possible to earn more than 400 Stars, particularly when you earn or redeem with the hacks we suggested above. However, you do need to spend your Stars in less than six months to make the most of them - track their expiration dates in the app.
Final Words - Earn More Starbucks Stars!
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to rack up Stars through the Starbucks loyalty program.
So sign up for yourself and reap those delicious rewards - I promise that a free hot breakfast item and iced brewed tea will taste just that little bit better.
References:
1.https://www.starbucks.com/rewards
2.https://www.starbucks.com/account/create
3.https://starbucks.app.link/VLa2I3inh9
4.https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/starbucks-rewards
5.https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2018/starbucks-and-chase-introduce-starbucks-rewards-visa-prepaid-card/
6.https://www.starbucks.com/rewards/terms/
7.https://www.deltastarbucks.com/content/starbucks/en/overview.html?mkcpgn=dipd-sbux7042
