Skip to main content
Bill Gates arriving at the 12th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony.
Stylish pillbox organizer for vitamins and supplements.
Doctor discussing GLP-1 treatments in a clinical setting.

Food

Starbucks Just Made This Insane Change To Its Rewards Program--Customers Are Freaking Out!

July 29, 2020 by Justine Schwartz
shefinds | Food
Featured image

Starbucks just opened its rewards program to cash and credit card purchases! This is huge.

Loyalty members at the coffee chain already know that you can earn “Stars” to use towards coffee drinks, sandwiches, merchandise and more–but now you don’t need a preloaded Starbucks Card to get them!

house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
Starbucks coffee cup with latte art on a wooden table.

Here's everything you need to know about the company's new policy for earning free food and drink:

READ MORE: McDonald’s Just Made The Most Heartbreaking Announcement Ever--We Can’t Believe It!

Aerial view of Starbucks store with customers outside.

The loyalty program on the Starbucks app has always worked like this: Starbucks Rewards users pre-load their Starbucks cards with funds and then use that money to make purchases and earn Stars (aka, loyalty points) to be used towards future rewards.

 

This kept a lot of money--$1.2 billion to be exact--tied up in Starbucks cards and the mobile app each year. But the company just announced a MAJOR change to this policy: now, purchases made with cash and or credit cards can also count towards your Stars.

Close-up of Starbucks pastries on display.

READ MORE: Dunkin' Donuts Just Made The Most Heartbreaking Announcement Ever--WHAT Is Happening

 

The company announced via release, “Beginning this fall in company-operated stores in the U.S. and Canada, Starbucks Rewards members will also be able to scan their app and then pay with cash, credit/debit cards, or select mobile wallets and earn Stars toward free items." Wow!

Barista preparing a fresh cup of Starbucks coffee.

But not so fast--you may still want to consider loading up that Card first. Customers will *still* earn more Stars for using a pre-loaded Starbucks Card versus other methods of payment.

 

READ MORE: Chili's Just Made The Most Insane Change To It's Dining Room Policy--WHAT Is Happening!

Author:

Editorial Director

Justine Schwartz is a veteran women's lifestyle editor; she's written extensively about style & beauty tips, health advice and wedding planning. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Huffington Post and New York Weddings. Justine has been with SheFinds since 2010; you can reach her via email at Justine@shefinds.com.

Grocery store aisle featuring sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Person enjoying a healthy lunch at a dining table.
Sipping spearmint tea for relaxation and digestion.
Various types of bread displayed on a wooden surface.
Fresh bakery items from Costco, including cakes and pastries.
Woman holding her head, feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Woman experiencing joint pain, indicating health issues.
Vibrant assortment of groceries from Shutterstock image.
Popular fast food options from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks.
Woman adding sugar to her aromatic cup of coffee.
Assorted bagels with blueberries and butter on a wooden board.
Comparing cooking spray and olive oil for healthy cooking.
Top view of Brazilian food dish with rice, beans, and chicken.
Checking time on a watch during breakfast.
Display of deli meats and sandwiches in a grocery store.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Inside view of a Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of S'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast served with fries and mixed salad.
Grocery store aisle featuring sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Person enjoying a healthy lunch at a dining table.
Sipping spearmint tea for relaxation and digestion.
Various types of bread displayed on a wooden surface.
Fresh bakery items from Costco, including cakes and pastries.
Woman holding her head, feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Woman experiencing joint pain, indicating health issues.
Vibrant assortment of groceries from Shutterstock image.
Popular fast food options from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks.
Woman adding sugar to her aromatic cup of coffee.
Assorted bagels with blueberries and butter on a wooden board.
Comparing cooking spray and olive oil for healthy cooking.
Top view of Brazilian food dish with rice, beans, and chicken.
Checking time on a watch during breakfast.
Display of deli meats and sandwiches in a grocery store.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Inside view of a Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of S'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast served with fries and mixed salad.