What Are Starbucks Stars? (What Are They, Types + Other FAQs)

If you’ve overheard someone talking about Starbucks Stars, you may have been wondering- what are Starbucks Stars and how do you get them?

If so, read further, as I’ll get into what they are and the types available, and will tell you all of the relevant information I’ve discovered while researching this topic!

What Are Starbucks Stars In 2024?

Starbucks Stars are the currency that you can earn if you sign up for Starbucks Rewards, which is free to join in 2024. For each purchase you make at Starbucks or when you use your Starbucks card, you’ll earn a certain number of Stars. These Stars can be redeemed for items in the store, such as coffee or sandwiches.

Do you want to know more about Starbucks Stars, like if they expire? Well, keep reading below to learn all of the important details about this reward currency!

What Can You Get with Stars at Starbucks?

If you have collected several Stars at Starbucks, you can redeem them for a certain number of items and merchandise, including the following:

  • 25 Stars- Reedeamable for a customized drink option such as syrup, dairy substitute, or espresso shot
  • 50 Stars- You can redeem 50 Stars for a hot tea, hot coffee, or bakery item
  • 150 Stars– Redeem 150 Stars for a hot breakfast sandwich, handcrafted beverage, your favorite Starbucks drink, or oatmeal
  • 200 Stars– Redeem 200 Stars for a protein box, sandwich, or salad
  • 400 Stars– Redeem 400 Stars for an at-home coffee product or select store merchandise

How Can You Earn Starbucks Stars?

Starbucks Stars can be earned easily just by joining the Starbucks Reward Program and using your membership card when you order items.

However, the amount of Starbucks Stars that you’ll earn for each purchase depends on how you pay for your order such as:

Paying In-Store

If you pay in-store for your purchase, you’ll earn 1 Star for every $1 that you spend when you scan your Starbucks Reward membership card during checkout.

Additionally, if you choose this method, you can pay with cash, a credit card, or a debit card.

Pay with a Preloaded Starbucks Gift Card

You can earn 2 Stars for each $1 that you spend at Starbucks if you use your membership card and pay with a preloaded Starbucks Gift Card.

Further, you can pay with your preloaded Starbucks Gift Card either in-store, online, or through the Starbucks app.

Pay with Starbucks Rewards Visa

You’ll earn 3 Stars for every $1 that you spend if you swipe your membership card and then pay for your purchase using the Starbucks Rewards Visa in-store, online, or through the app.

Additionally, you can use your Starbucks Rewards Visa anywhere credit cards are accepted, and you’ll be earning Stars even outside of Starbucks!

Link a Payment Method In-App & Pay

You can earn 1 Star for every $1 that you spend if you link a payment method in the Starbucks app and pay directly.

What Items Are Ineligible to Earn Starbucks Stars?

What Items Are Ineligible to Earn Starbucks Stars?

You won’t earn any Starbucks Stars if you’re purchasing Starbucks Gift Cards or reloading a card.

In addition, you cannot earn any Starbucks Stars if you purchase alcohol.

Do Starbucks Stars Expire?

Starbucks Stars will expire unless you have the Starbucks Rewards Visa, and Stars are set to expire 6 months after you’ve earned them.

For example, if you’ve earned 400 Stars in March and don’t have the Starbucks Rewards Visa, then it will expire in September.

Can You Earn More Than 400 Stars at Starbucks?

You can earn more than 400 Stars at Starbucks, and you also can keep more than 400 Stars in your account.

Do Starbucks Stars Cap Out?

Starbucks Stars don’t cap out, and the Stars will remain in your account until you spend them or until the 6-month expiration date if you don’t have the Starbucks Rewards Visa.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get Starbucks Stars?

There are several ways to earn Starbucks Stars quickly, including the following:

  • Go to Starbucks on Double Star Day, which happens once a month
  • Use your Starbucks Rewards Visa in any stores that take credit cards
  • Download the Starbucks mobile app and take advantage of in-app offers
  • Order the cheapest thing at Starbucks to increase your Stars quickly
  • Buy bags of Starbucks coffee in Starbucks stores

Can You Pay with Cash at Starbucks and Still Get Stars?

You can pay with cash at Starbucks and still get Stars, although you’ll earn fewer Stars paying with cash than you would be using your Starbucks Rewards Visa or through the app.

Can You Use Starbucks Stars for More Than One Item?

Unfortunately, you cannot redeem Starbucks Stars for more than one item at a time and they cannot be stacked, according to Starbucks customer service.

For example, if you have 800 points, you cannot redeem your points for a coffee and sandwich at the same time and would have to just pick one and pay like normal for the other.

What Size Coffee Can You Get with 50 Stars?

You can redeem 50 points for a cup of coffee at any size, so there are no size limitations for your cup of coffee, and you’ll have customization options included in the 50 points, too.

To illustrate, you can redeem the 50 points for a Grande hot coffee, and then add your favorite syrup, sauce, or milk into the coffee for free!

To know more, you can also read our posts on what is Starbucks Reserve, how do Starbucks Rewards work, and Starbucks 400 stars merchandise.

Conclusion

Starbucks Stars are the in-program currency for the Starbucks Reward Program, and you can earn Stars just by purchasing Starbucks items at a 1 Star for every $1 spent ratio.

However, you can earn more Stars by preloading a Starbucks Gift Card and using that in-store, online, or through the mobile app or using the Rewards Visa. Furthermore, you can redeem your Starbucks Stars for various items such as a free hot coffee, sandwich, latte, or other items.

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Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

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