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Delta and Starbucks have a loyalty partnership that lets you earn SkyMiles on purchases at Starbucks. You will also earn double Starbucks stars on days you make a purchase and have a scheduled Delta flight. The partnership offers more than earnings, with a few new benefits and an exciting welcome bonus.
Plus, changes taking effect on June 12, 2024 incentivize reloading your Starbucks card with higher amounts by providing extra Delta SkyMiles as the balance increases.
How To Earn With Delta and Starbucks
- You must already be a member of both Starbucks and Delta SkyMiles to participate.
- You need to link your accounts on the partnership page.
- Once linked, earn 1 SkyMile per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Starbucks.
- When you have a scheduled Delta flight, earn double stars on eligible purchases.

An additional element to the depth of the new partnership is that from 2024 Delta is adding a Starbucks option to its Choice Benefits. Flyers achieving elite status with Delta will be able to select a Choice Benefit of 4,000 Starbucks Stars. While this is a nice perk, you have a better option to choose from Delta’s Choice Benefits.
Earning on Reloads
You'll also earn SkyMiles when reloading your Starbucks card's balance. As a quick reminder, you earn 2 stars per dollar when paying with a preloaded Starbucks card in the app or a Starbucks gift card added to your account in the mobile app. If you pay with other methods, including a credit card you've saved in the Starbucks mobile app, you'll earn 1 star per dollar spent.
Obviously, that means reloading your Starbucks card in advance helps you accrue stars faster toward your next free drink. And now Starbucks and Delta are rewarding you for reloading your balance with a higher amount in a single transaction. You'll earn as follows, starting June 12, 2024:
- Reloads of $25 to $49.99: 25 SkyMiles
- $50 to $74.99: 75 SkyMiles
- $75 to $99.99: 125 SkyMiles
- $100: 200 SkyMiles

The $100 reload is the only point at which you'll earn 2 SkyMiles per dollar. Other denominations offer as little as 1 mile per dollar reloaded. You'll also earn rewards from the card you use to reload your balance. This should code as a restaurant purchase, meaning you should use one of the best cards for dining and restaurants to increase your earnings.
Our Take
While 1 SkyMile per dollar spent on coffee isn't a quick path to award travel, it's still a nice bonus. A good travel rewards strategy involves maximizing your returns from every mile you travel and dollar you spend. If you collect Delta SkyMiles and use Starbucks frequently, signing up for this partnership is a no-brainer. And now you can earn miles at a higher rate when reloading your Starbucks card with bigger balances in a single transaction.
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