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This Starbucks Rewards devaluation went into effect on February 13, 2023.
Many rewards programs have been changing recently to reflect our current economic times. Now, Starbucks Rewards have announced a devaluation coming in February 2023. At least we're getting a fair warning, unlike some other programs… looking at you, Radisson.
Starbucks Rewards Devaluation
Starbucks Rewards has been around since 2009. The significant change happened in 2016 when the program switched from visit-based to purchase-based and members started earning 2 Stars per dollar spent. In 2019, a small devaluation occurred on a few items in the program, but nothing significant.
This is the current list for redeeming your Starbucks Stars in the USA. Note that reward redemptions are slightly different in other countries, such as Canada.
- 25 Stars — Customize your drink. Make your drink just right with an extra espresso shot, dairy substitute, or a dash of your favorite syrup.
- 50 Stars — Brewed hot coffee, bakery item, or hot tea. Pair coffee cake or an almond croissant with your fresh cup of hot brew.
- 150 Stars — Handcrafted drink, hot breakfast, or parfait. Redeem your stars for a breakfast sandwich, oatmeal, or your favorite drink.
- 200 Stars — Salad, sandwich, or protein box. Nourish your day with a hearty chipotle chicken wrap or eggs & cheese protein box.
- 400 Stars — Select merchandise or at-home coffee. Take home a signature cup, a bag of coffee, or your choice of select coffee accessories.
As of February 13, 2023, Starbucks will implement a devaluation for several reward items. Members will continue to earn 2 Stars per dollar spent at Starbucks. The difference will be the redemption values. The two smallest and largest redemptions (customizing your drinks, and select merchandise) stay the same. Most things in the middle are changing. Here's the new breakdown:
- 100 Stars (Up from 50) — Hot brewed coffee, ice coffee, or iced brewed tea, a bakery item (such as cake pop or cookie), a packaged snack (such as popcorn or potato chips), a Cold Siren Logo Plastic To-Go Cup, or a Siren Logo Plast Hot Cup.
- 200 Stars (Up from 150) — Any handcrafted beverage (such as a latte or Frappuccino blended beverage) or any hot breakfast item (such as a breakfast sandwich or oatmeal).
- 300 Stars (Up from 200) — Packaged salad or lunch sandwich, or a packaged coffee item (such as whole bean coffee).
A couple of items are actually shifting tiers, which is a bit of a silver lining. Iced coffee drops from the third to the second tier (150 Stars in the current list to 100 Stars in the new list). At-home coffee also drops from 400 stars to 300 stars.
Earn Points with Starbucks Rewards Through Partnerships
There are other ways to collect Starbucks Rewards Stars if you really value them. Canadian members can transfer Aeroplan Points to Starbucks Stars at the rate of 1,000 Aeroplan Points for 200 Starbucks Stars. You can also earn bonus Aeroplan points when linking your Aeroplan and Starbucks accounts, and then further points every time you add $50 CAD or more to your Starbucks card.
In the USA, you can link your Delta SkyMiles account to your Starbucks Rewards to earn 1 SkyMiles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases at Starbucks, in addition to your Starbucks Stars.
Our Take
This devaluation certainly isn't great news for those who want to get the most out of their Starbucks Rewards stars, unless you prefer to use your Stars to buy coffee for home. On the other hand, I suppose it's to be expected. At least Starbucks is giving members a few weeks to use their Stars at current redemption values before changing over.
Don't forget that most Starbucks Rewards Stars expire after six months.
Are you concerned about Starbucks' devaluation of the rewards program, or are you meh?
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