New Starbucks Rewards Launches Today = Score Gold Status After First Purchase

By Bryn | Operations Manager
Apr 12, 2016 @ 7:28 AM MDT

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91 onlinements

New Starbucks Rewards Program

UPDATE – If you are not seeing the newly updated rewards program on your phone, try installing the new update and then relaunching the app.

Today, April 12th, Starbucks is launching the all new Starbucks Rewards program! And through May 2nd, head over here, sign up for Starbucks Rewards if you are not yet a member and you’ll score automatic Gold Status after your first purchase when you pay with the Starbucks App or a registered Starbucks card. If you are an existing member, Starbucks has multiplied your Star balance by 11 to reflect the change and you will keep your existing membership level.

With this new program, you’ll earn 2 Stars for every $1 you spend on coffee, food, drinks, and mugs AND Gold members will snag a FREE Reward for anything on the menu once you earn 125 Stars. Plus, Starbucks will be introducing monthly Double-Star Days where Gold members will earn 4 Stars for every $1 spent on all eligible purchases.

Starbucks Bonus Stars

If you are planning to head to your local Starbucks today, you may receive a card with Bonus Stars. Hip2Save readers, Joe and Sammie, went to their local Starbucks today and each received card with a Star Code worth 35 bonus stars!

(Thanks, Joe and Sammie!)

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Join The Discussion

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  1. K

    Dang I’m a Starbucks now and they didn’t give me anything.

    Reply2
    • Susie

      I think it’s for new or existing rewards members as Starbucks web site says “get gold status with any in store or online purchase using a registered Starbucks card through 5/2”.

      Reply
    • Carla

      Check your email. I went in to Starbucks yesterday and received an email today to fill out a very quick survey on my experience and received 10 bonus stars for onlinepleting the survey!

      Reply
    • Judy

      thanks! I wrote myself a note last night, but then I lost it 5 minutes later

      Reply
  3. Jill

    I’m already a Gold member so it doesn’t effect me, but I don’t think it’s fair that people already registered trying to reach Gold get nothing and people who haven’t even tried get it automatically with one purchase?

    Reply9
    • nancy

      Exactly what I was thinking!

      Reply1
      • Chilenitatx

        I agree!

        Reply
    • Jennifer

      I’m pretty sure anyone who make a purchase using their registered card gets Gold status. Current Gold members get an additional year of Gold status added on.

      Reply1
      • Sarah

        Correct Jennifer!

        Reply
    • Melloddie

      I’m good as well. Doesn’t really bother me because i think they’re doing it knowing it will be hard to maintain, so the more people the better. The only benefit they’ll get is really one freebie at around their bday

      Reply
    • Julie

      You have to look at it from a business standpoint. They have to do something to get people in the door and awareness about the new program.

      Reply
    • CO Mama

      Pretty much devalues gold status for those of us who make purchases to earn & maintain it 😕 Trying to avoid Stbx whenever I have another option, really think their bean flavor has gone down hill & funny after taste, is it just me?

      Reply1
      • Jo Dra

        I agree. The pride of having the gold wen’t down considerably. And yah the quality seems to have changed. I have been really enjoying Dutch Bros lately.

        Reply
    • dariela

      On the app it says new members will beonlinee green but I do like that they changed it 2 stars per dollar than by purchase

      Reply
    • Bethany

      Exactly. So tired of existing loyal customers getting screwed. Sephora is the same (when I hit VIB level they stopped sending me emails with freebie coupons).

      Reply1
      • thecents2save

        Login and check your account settings at sephora.online->Account->Email & Postal Mail->Promotional Emails. Perhaps your settings are not turned on?

        Reply
    • MD

      Actually, as a Gold member for every current star you have on your account it is multiplied by 11. And, if you make a purchase this week you are automatically Gold status for another year.

      Reply1
      • Melissa

        Cool! I had 25 stars so that’s huge.

        Reply
    • Liz T

      I heard from Starbucks corporate that you will automatically be Gold for another year, til 2017 if you are already Gold for this year, so it really is fair to everyone. Just buy something on your registered Starbucks card before May 2, I think. Hope that helps 🙂

      Reply
  4. Smith0126

    Yesterday I had 8 stars. They were supposed to transfer over but now it just says zero. 😥

    Reply5
    • Jennifer

      The email they sent said it would take a little while to make the conversion and that it might say zero stars for a little while. I wouldn’t fret.

      Reply
    • Kristin

      Try updating your app on your phone. My stars didn’t show up until I updated.

      Reply
    • Katie

      There was an email they sent out saying that it’ll likely look like you have nothing but after a day or two, it would be fixed again.

      Reply
    • Jacquelin Lopez

      Mine said the same thing this morning. Try updating your app, that took care of it for me.

      Reply
    • L.

      I had 1 star because I just cashed out a reward and today it say zero. Hope tbey fix it soon.

      Reply
  5. Susie

    OK, I just called Starbucks corperate and EVERYONE who makes a purchase, both new and existing rewards members, using your rewards card (or app) will receive GOLD STATUS! She said your account should update within 48 hours of purchase. This includes both instore and online purchases. YAY!

    Reply1
    • Susie

      Purchases must be made by 5/2

      Reply
  6. Eve

    Check your account history, and it should says 88 stars earned — they just multiply your old stars by 11.

    Reply
  7. Anna

    Does anyone know how it would work with the stars on packaged coffees? I buy those often, but I’m not sure how many I would have to buy now in order to get the freebie drinks

    Reply5
    • Jennifer

      You’ll get 2 stars per dollar spent.

      Reply1
      • Anna

        I don’t think you would get 2 stars per $1 spent if you purchase them at a typical grocers? There is no way to track the cost if you’re not purchasing the bagged coffee at statbucks?This whole change really does confuse me

        Reply1
        • Jennifer

          Sorry! I thought you meant in a Starbucks store.

          Reply
    • Danielle

      I was wondering the same thing about packaged coffee. I asked the barista at Starbucks the other day and she couldn’t really give me an answer.

      Reply
    • Dave

      I found out the star values for bagged coffee:
      10-12 oz = 10 stars
      18-20 oz = 15 stars
      32-40 oz = 20 stars

      Reply1
      • Anna

        Thank you Dave! How did you find that out?

        Reply1
        • Dave

          I got an email titled “It’s here: the new Starbucks Rewards”. Scroll down to “Everything you need to know is on Starbucks.online/MoreStars”. That takes you to a web page with info about the new program. Scroll down to “More ways to earn stars” and click on the Grocery Stores box.

          Reply
    • Busy Mama

      I called them and asked when they first announced the change in the rewards program. They starts will be valued according to the size bag you purchased – the larger the bag of coffee, the more points you will be earning. I didn’t write down the values, but was satisfied that essentially it would work out the same as it does now to earn my free rewards. (I almost always purchase the smaller bags – 12 oz, I think.)

      I know this isn’t too specific, but the way the stars are prorated, you should be able to earn your free rewards at a similar pace as before when buying packaged coffee.

      Reply
    • Liz T

      Star codes on bagged coffee in the supermarket, etc. will have varying star reward points depending on the size/weight of the product you buy. The minimum stars you will receive for a bagged coffee purchase in the supermarket, etc. is 10 stars.

      Reply
  8. tnmom

    My gold status is currently good until 11/2017. I will be surprised if they extend it a year to 11/2018.

    Reply1
    • Heather

      Lol mine is until 12/17 and I was thinking the same thing

      Reply
  9. Moni B.

    I’m kind of p-o’d at Starbucks right now cuz I’ve had Gold Status since 2011 & recenty I wasn’t renewed at Gold cuz I was short by one star! Looks like this is because one time they didn’t count my coffee purchase at a Target Starbucks. I haven’t contacted SB yet to onlineplain and was going to but looks like maybe I can be renewed at Gold now anyway with this new program??

    Reply2
    • Carla

      Yes. I always keep my receipts from every purchase until my app shows that I’ve earned the correct credit, just in case I’m not rewarded properly. Once I wasn’t given my star and simply called customer service and they adjusted it right away. No hassle. Quick and easy fix.

      Reply1
      • Moni B.

        Thank u for the reply! Have u ever had trouble earning a Star at a Target Starbucks? I know in the past that Target SB stores wouldn’t accept paying w/a SB gift card. Since they accept them now you’d think they’d issue earning Stars too! Maybe my problem has nothing to do w/it being a Target SB & this was just a system oversight. I’ll get it straightened out one or another! 🙂

        Reply2
        • Carla

          I rarely get Starbucks at aTarget location since Target is far from me and a free-standing Starbucks with drive-thru is down the street from where I live. (And when I have gone to a target Starbucks, I’m sure I’ve paid with cash)

          Reply
        • Kathy

          I have had several issues with my Target Starbucks – no stars, not charged or charged incorrectly. But I have to say that Starbucks customer service is excellent. Just email them with the issue & they resolve it very quickly. And as to all the onlineplaints – hello, it’s Starbucks. Anyone say first-world problem.

          Reply
    • Deb

      I usually get the 1 purchase star at Target but never the bonus stars. I have emailed Starbucks and they grant me the stars I didn’t get.

      Reply
  10. Moni B.

    And, yes, for the past 6 months I’d been noting down in my phone calendar when I make purchases at SB. I don’t necessarily trust their tracking system! Good thing I did cuz that’s how I caught the “omission”.

    Reply
  11. Alicia

    Yesterday my gold status was good through June 2017. Today my app says it’s only good until June 2016. Seems pretty sketchy!

    Reply6
    • Pon

      Me too!

      Reply
    • Kristin

      So I’m not the only one!! I really hope that is something they’ll be fixing in the next day or two.

      Reply
    • T

      I know really annoyed! I was Gold thru August 2017 now with this new program it says Gold thru August 2016

      Reply
    • mel

      They sent an email that some things would be wonky while they converted everything over. Make sure the app is up-to-date. If not, update, AND restart your phone (no need to uninstall/re-install). If your status hasn’t changed, I’d give them by the end of the wk, then call CS!

      Reply1
      • Alicia

        Yes I received that email as well, however it said to expect issues on Monday and that all would be fixed by Tuesday with the app update. When I updated my app, it took away my extra year of gold that I had earned. I sent them an email but wanted to let others know to check as well.

        Reply
    • Cathy

      Same issue here! I took a screen shot of my status before the conversion, so I can be able to get my gold status thru 2017 🙂

      Reply
    • Liz T

      My app told me that, as well. Starbucks corporate said it was a glitch while they were working on the changeover to the new points system. Make a purchase at Starbucks before May 2 and you will be gold thru 2017.

      Reply
  12. Amber

    The email I just received states anyone who makes a purchase, new member or existing will get GOLD! Woohoo!

    Reply
  13. Moni B.

    Ohh check your emails! I just received one from Starbucks about the new Rewards program. Sounds pretty good! Looks like they’ve got a workaround for when in the past peeps would split their purchases in the same visit to get more stars. No need to do that now because Stars are based on actual dollars spent!

    Reply2
    • Melloddie

      Minus taxes, they’re not counted towards the stars rewards. It’s bit of a hassle to keep track of what you paid less the tax. I never ask for receipt but think now I will have to 🙁

      Reply1
      • Carla

        I always keep my receipts. It never fails, every time I go to Starbucks they automatically toss my receipt without asking. And I have to ask for it and they dig it out the trash.

        Reply
    • Liz T

      Yes, that’s true….and you can earn half stars, as well. Make a purchase for $2.50 in Starbucks and you will earn 2 1/2 stars. They seem to have it all worked out.

      Reply1
      • Liz T

        Sorry, my bad $2.50 =5 Stars

        Reply
  14. Jackie

    Remember that with gold status you do get free refills on any of their basic coffees and basic teas in store!

    Reply
  15. Sunt97

    I really don’t like this new program.

    Reply1
    • riss

      I don’t like it either, but it’s just fair to everyone from now on…..you get stars for the amount of $$ you spend, not how many individual orders you make. No more separate transactions for me! 😨 😢

      Reply
  16. Sue P.

    Has anyone been able to log into their account? I’m getting an error message. I made a purchase yesterday which would have been my 12th star for a free coffee, so I’m a little anxious to see what’s going on!

    Reply1
    • riss

      It says the system is down for maintenance. I was gonna get some coffee but I how do I pay with my app if the system is down? Guess I’ll have to wait til later in the afternoon.

      Reply
  17. thecents2save

    Their system is down right now and they are having all sorts of issues. Yesterday before the update I had two free item rewards sitting on my account, and now I have zero. When I called, I was told their system is down and to not worry, they will sort it all out, etc.

    Reply2
    • Sue P.

      Thanks for the info. I don’t really have time to contact them, but it is good to know it is still in the sort it out step.

      Reply
    • Jil

      I, too, had 2 free drinks as of yesterday. ..fingers crossed it gets worked out! As a mom of 3 under 6 yrs old, any coffee but especially FREE coffee is def a must!! =)

      Reply
  18. amy

    what does hold status mean?I buy starbucks like 3 times a month but don’t use a starbucks card because I find it inconvenient to keep loading up the card. I don’t make very much do I can’t just load 50$ on it at once so I would basically have to go inside and load 5$ on the card to use it every time. can someone explain what gold status means.

    Reply2
    • Amber

      I only load $10 at a time. You get free refills in store for brewed and iced coffee and tee plus a free reward after so many stars.

      Reply
    • Carla

      I just discovered yesterday that you can load $ to your Starbucks account/app with cash instead of transferring $ from your bank account with those pre-set amounts. You can do this by buying a gift card from anywhere and put any amount on it (those gift cards are reloadable) Then you go into your Starbucks app and “add card” by entering the card #’s from the gift card.

      Reply2
      • Monica

        I buy the 4 $10 giftcard packs from Kroger for fuel points and load one $10 giftcard whenever my Starbucks balance gets low. Double dipping on points.

        Reply
      • Lauren

        I am pretty sure you can do this I store too. They will load it on your card for you, you could avoid buying another.

        Reply
  19. Jen

    From the web site:

    For new and current Green members:

    You’ll receive Gold Status for one year.
    Your status will be updated within 48 hours of purchase.
    Any Stars you accumulated at Green level will reset to zero when you receive Gold Status.
    You’ll need to collect 125 Stars to earn your first Star Reward.

    For existing Gold members:

    You’ll receive an additional year of Gold Status.
    Your status will be updated after the promotion ends. Check your account history in the Starbucks® App to see your new extended date.
    Offer applies to members with Gold Status as of 4/11/16.

    Reply
  20. Sarah

    I am a current rewards member in the Green status and I got an email saying that if I make a purchase by May 2nd they will bump me up to Gold Status!

    Reply1
    • Susie

      Yep, I was green, bought a coffee this morning and the app already shows gold now.

      Reply
  21. Kathy

    They just broke down new program on HLN. Simplest way to say it spend $62.50 get a free item. Was buy 12 get 13th free. So for a $2 black coffee girl was buy 12 get 1 now would have to buy 32 to get 1.

    It was about getting use to the store and now it is about $ spent. I will no longer be bothering to do this with any status offer. Even for those that do points not worth it, even though that didn’t change or change much. They lost me at the $62.50 point, lacks you think about what I spend on coffee to much. Good luck all !!!

    Reply3
    • Carla

      Well, not actually….you may still be able to reach that free drink as quickly as you did with the old program with this new program feature of monthly Double-Star Days where Gold members will earn 4 Stars for every $1 spent

      Reply
    • mel

      Yes, that is the jist of it. I think it should have been purchased based, not a star per visit (transaction), as that’s how other reward perks work. Someone buying a $2 coffee spends $24 to get a free item vs someone paying $6 for a higher priced beverage spending about $72 to get the freebie, so I understand why they changed the program. I vary, anywhere from a $3 iced coffee to a $6 frappe. So it doesn’t bother me one bit with this change.

      Reply
    • April

      I agree there is no reason you should have to buy a beverage you don’t want or enjoy to get a reward. I spend at least $5 per drink and I had no issues with people who only bought plain coffee getting a reward. People always think about themselves and what is fair to them however with this new rewards program plain coffee drinkers are left out as unimportant customers.

      Reply
  22. Tracy

    I’m trying to sign in online and can’t locate my account at all. Is anyone else having this happen?

    Reply
  23. thebohlins2015

    The app is down and the website is mostly down right now, per customer service. They are hoping to have the problem resolved in 24 hours.

    Reply
  24. Susanne

    I updated the app, turned my phone off & then back on and was not able to sign in. I closed out of the app & then when I reopened, I was able to login. Also, my new star balance is correctly reflected.

    Reply
  25. Tiger mom

    I’m not pleased with the change either. I’ve work real hard on getting to Gold and have been gold since 2012. With this new change, I see where they are trying to please everyone and make those who never get to gold status happy as well. BUT.. They forgot the oral customers like me. Boo and very disappointed. Coffee isn’t top quality anymore. I just had a French press with my husband and it tasted horrible. Coffee was packed down and tasted real bitter. Sorry sb. Maybe I’m looking at Peets now.

    Reply
  26. K

    question.. Can anyone see where on the new app how many rewards you have? Before it was right there “4 rewards.” Now it just says redeem reward and if you click on it, it says in store or order ahead but there isn’t a number. I don’t trust them a bit since some people have had a year of gold status taken away I didn’t think to check that before update 🙄

    Reply
  27. Tara

    Darn I was only 3 stars away from Gold before today. I have gold now for making a purchase but I won’t get the extended year 🙁

    Reply
  28. Lori

    A little confused. I was at green yesterday and I think I had 28 stars. So today they multiplied by 11, that alone put me into gold status until April 2017. So if I make a purchase soon, will I get an extra year of gold?

    Reply
  29. Joni

    I’m glad they finally changed how you earn rewards. I like the expensive foo foo drinks and so do family members and what a royal pain it was to do separate transactions. And then when I found out people were getting rewards for buying the cheapest item on the menu, it really pizzed me off. So now it’s more fair and I’m happy. I made gold status not that long ago, so the turn over isn’t going to affect me.

    Reply
  30. Rachael

    Heads up, the fine print is what bothers me with this new program. I don’t think I’ll ever earn a reward again, because the stars (all 125) AND your reward must be earned AND spent in 6 months! If I’m wrong on this please correct – i hope I am – from everything I’ve read, stars expire on a rolling basis every 6 months, so not only do you have to earn 125 stars, you have to earn them in 6 months. And it sounds like rewards expire with your stars, so you actually have to earn and redeem your reward in under 6 months. With all the other changes, I just don’t think i’ll ever reach that – sadness. 🙁

    Reply

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