Starbucks gift cards are the backbone of many people's morning coffee runs. Of course, we all love coffee, especially when a delightful soul offers to pay for it.
Still, knowing how to activate your Starbucks gift card can be hard when you can't find your security code.
With my tips below, you can sweep through Starbucks stores with confidence, flashing your gift card and reaping the benefits of delicious free drinks.
Where Can I Find My Starbucks Gift Card Security Code?
Having trouble locating your security code? Try flipping your physical card over.
When you get your shiny physical Starbucks card, the card details you need are on the back of your card.
There you can find a 16-digit number and a silver strip.
On removing the silver tape scratch-off coating, you will reveal an eight-digit number - this is the security code on a Starbucks card.
The 16-digit one is the Starbucks card number, not the security gift card number.
The security code is the shorter number and is sometimes referred to as:
Knowing these terms, as well as the 8-digit security code and the 16-digit card number on your Starbucks gift card, is crucial to card management.
Make sure to note them somewhere safe in case you lose any details.
There is also a personalized barcode on physical Starbucks gift cards, but I’ll get to that in a second.
Want to get started with the Starbucks app? First, you need to register and upload the Starbucks gift card to the app to start paying with the app.
How To Register Your Card
It is possible to load your regular credit or debit card and choose that as your default way to pay for your coffee run.
How To Upload Your Card
Once you have gotten your Starbucks account information and app ready, you can upload your digital or physical Starbucks gift card.
Once uploaded, you can check your Starbucks card balance and reload money to your account without the primary card.
How To Find Starbucks Security Code On the App
Not all of us live in the 2000s - how do you find the security code on an e-gift card or the Starbucks mobile app?
Finding The Security Code In The Starbucks App
You can find the security code by following these steps:
- 1Open the Starbucks app on your mobile device
- 2Go to the ‘Cards’ section
- 3Find the right card and select it
- 4Go to ‘Card details’
- 5You should see the last four digits of the security code there
You can also find any other relevant card details, like the card number, back there.
Can I Use a Starbucks Gift Card Without a Security Code? (How?)
When you receive your Starbucks card, it is typically already activated and loaded with cash.
You can keep the physical card in your wallet or upload it to your Starbucks app, but you may lose your security code.
Whether you lose the physical card or the Starbucks card security code rubbed off, there may come a time when you don’t have it.
In that case, you can still use your Starbucks gift card in participating stores.
Purchasing Drinks
When you go into a participating Starbucks store, you can still choose what you want and approach the checkout.
You will just need to let the barista know that you do not have the code. They will scan your Starbucks gift card barcode or scan the QR code in-app.
If you are purchasing online, you may still need your security code. This is why we suggested keeping the card details handy for later.
Checking Your Card Balance
It is possible to check your Starbucks gift card balance on the Starbucks website or app without using your security code.
You should also be able to see your transaction history and your card’s balance.
If you do not have a Starbucks account or did not upload your gift card, you may be asked to input your card number and CSC on the Starbucks website to check your balance.
You can also ask the cashier, and they will scan your card's barcode to find out the remaining balance.
What Is A Starbucks Gift Card? (Find Out How It Works!)
So what are Starbucks gift cards and how do Starbucks gift cards work?
A Starbucks gift card is a branded plastic reusable card that is a similar size to a debit or credit card. You can choose to put money onto this gift card to send to a loved one to pay for their favorite drinks.
The Starbucks gift card can be used in participating Starbucks stores and online.
Starbucks cards can be bought and sent to loved ones physically and as e-gift cards as an alternative payment method to purchase Starbucks treats.
You can also use a Starbucks gift card to sign up to get Rewards to earn Starbucks Stars from buying Starbucks products.
Then, you can redeem these Stars on the app or in store for free drinks or to earn special offers.
It is typically not possible to redeem Starbucks gift cards for the equivalent value in cash, and purchases made with the cards are non-refundable.
However, some states like California and Oregon can let you cash out your card for any value under $10.[3]
If you are not sure if your local Starbucks is a participating Starbucks location, simply pop into the store and ask your barista.
Show someone you care by getting them a Starbucks gift card for their next big day - you may just save their coffee run.
Related Starbucks Gift Card Security Code Questions
Where can I get a Starbucks card?
You can buy a Starbucks gift card online or in-store.[4] It is also possible to buy Starbucks gift cards in stores like Walmart, Target, and Kroger.
What happens if you don't activate your Starbucks gift card?
If you do not activate your Starbucks gift card within 30 days of purchase, the card amount will be sent back to the purchaser, making it unavailable. You cannot access the funds to pay for anything without activating the card.
Does the Starbucks gift card expire?
Once activated, the Starbucks gift card does not expire. There is no expiration date on activated cards.
Can I send someone a Starbucks gift card online?
You can send a Starbucks gift card via iMessage and email. It is possible to schedule a future delivery date on Starbucks gift cards, making you seem ultra-prepared for birthdays and events.
What do I do if my gift card code doesn't work?
If your gift card is not working, we recommend getting in contact with the Starbucks customer service team for help. You can do this online or by phone.
Final Words
The key takeaways here are that your 8-digit security code can be found on the back of your Starbucks gift card along with the 16-digit card number.
You can use any Starbucks cards issued and activated to purchase Starbucks food and drinks and sign up for a Starbucks Rewards account.
Upload the gift card to your app to no longer worry about your gift card burning a hole in your wallet or losing it.
Now that you have my handy tips, you can present your card at Starbucks locations with the confidence of a pro - get out there and make the most of those rewards!
References:
1. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.starbucks.mobilecard&hl=en_GB&gl=US
2. https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/starbucks-uk/id1499149941
3.https://customerservice.starbucks.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/6206/kw/cash%20out%20gift%20card/session/L3RpbWUvMTY3NjY0MDQyNi9nZW4vMTY3NjY0MDQyNi9zaWQvZlVHN1Rib2tjaW02MnJwaEJvVVlLUGVVTUFJNzcxaVRnJTdFNHglN0VBU0x0ZGx1WEdwRG1pNFQ5V1VITUI5YURUYlJBaDU1WDBlb25rOXpENWRBWmJvJTdFeDlWdVFqWEcxcVA5TkhfTXUwb3Z1ZmgyMHpsSnAzTHFtcDhRJTIxJTIx
4. https://www.starbucks.com/gift
