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Starbucks is synonymous with coffee. The Seattle-based coffee machine has over 38,000 stores in 86 countries worldwide, so coffee fans can get their fix whether they are in NYC, downtown Seoul, Cairo, or nearly anywhere else.
Like many big retailers, Starbucks has a rewards program called Starbucks Rewards. With the program, you collect and redeem Starbucks Rewards Stars. Here is all you need to know about whether Starbucks Stars expire.
Do Starbucks Stars Expire?
Your Starbucks Stars expire six months after the end of the month in which you earned them. According to the Starbucks Rewards terms and conditions:
“Unless otherwise noted, Stars are automatically added to your account within twenty-four (24) hours of your eligible purchase and expire six (6) months after the calendar month in which such Stars were earned. For example, if you earn Stars on December 15, 2020, they will expire on July 1, 2021.”
Once your Starbucks Stars expire, there is no way to reinstate them.
Track your points and miles expiration for 630+ loyalty programs and get email alerts before your miles expire by signing up for a free AwardWallet account.
Starbucks Rewards™ Visa® Card Stars exemption
Previously, stars earned from the Starbucks Rewards™ Visa® Card didn't expire. However, Chase discontinued this card in July 2023, and any stars earned from your card up to that date will expire per the usual six-month expiration policy.
Maximize Your Starbucks Purchases
Now that the Starbucks Visa Card isn't available, you need to be selective about which card you use to pay for your coffee to maximize your returns.
Using AwardWallet's Merchant Category Lookup Tool, you will see that Starbucks purchases typically code as a restaurant purchase on your credit card. So, unless you have expiring Starbucks Stars to use, consider using one of the best cards for restaurants on your next Starbucks visit.
You'll earn 1 Starbucks Star per $1 spent when you pay with a credit card at the register or in your Starbucks app. However, you may want to use your credit card to load your digital Starbucks Card. By doing so, you'll earn credit card rewards as well as 2 stars per $1 spent for paying with your Starbucks Card.
It's also worth noting that you can double-dip on your Starbucks purchases. In recent history, Starbucks has rolled out partnerships with Delta and Marriott. After linking your Starbucks Rewards account to either program, you can earn bonus rewards on qualifying purchases and activity.
Use AwardWallet to Track Your Starbucks Rewards Expiration
Six months is on the short end of things when it comes to point expirations. That is why it pays to keep an eye on your Starbucks Rewards balance. The best way to do this is by using AwardWallet. That way, you will receive a timely reminder to take action when you have points in danger of expiration.
To add your Starbucks account to your AwardWallet account, you just need to link your accounts, and you'll be set and ready.
Related: How to Track Your Rewards Using AwardWallet
Our Take
The Starbucks Rewards program has one of the least generous rewards expiration policies we have seen. Starbucks Stars expire after about six months, which is a little stingy and leaves a lot to be desired.
However, having Starbucks code as a restaurant in terms of credit card bonus categories provides an excellent opportunity for earnings. There are many great options for leveraging your Starbucks purchases for more valuable credit card rewards points while still earning Starbucks Stars along the way.
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