You can now earn Delta SkyMiles when you buy Starbucks coffee
Your next cup of joe can now get you closer to a vacation.
On Wednesday, Delta Air Lines announced a new partnership with Starbucks in which members of both companies' loyalty programs can now double dip on earning points and enjoy other perks.
Starting on Oct. 12, members based in the U.S. can link their Delta SkyMiles and Starbucks Rewards accounts. Once your accounts are linked, you'll earn 1 SkyMile per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Starbucks. And on days when you have a scheduled flight with Delta, you will earn double Stars on purchases at Starbucks stores.
Looking for a convenient way to see all of your points and miles in one place? Download the free TPG App!
Note that eligible purchases are defined as purchases of food, beverages or merchandise at participating Starbucks stores, which can be found using the chain's store locator. Alcoholic beverages and the purchase of Starbucks gift cards do not earn bonus miles or Stars as part of the partnership.
In addition to the reciprocal earning perks, Delta is adding a new Choice Benefit for Diamond and Platinum Medallions: 4,000 Starbucks Stars. This joins the recently revamped award picks that were unveiled last week, including a Medallion Qualification Dollars boost and cobranded American Express statement credit. No Choice Benefits are being removed or changed as part of this move.
While TPG publishes monthly points valuations for most of the top airline, hotel and credit card loyalty currencies, we do not have an official valuation for Starbucks Stars.
That said, the redemption rates for Stars vary based on the item you are looking to purchase. It takes 50 stars to get a free brewed hot coffee, bakery item or hot tea, while customized drinks, hot breakfast items and parfaits cost 150 Stars apiece.
Depending on your daily coffee consumption and redemption patterns, you'll likely value Stars differently. So, be sure to crunch the numbers before you redeem a Choice Benefit for Starbucks Stars.
To begin the account linking process, visit either deltastarbucks.com or starbucksdelta.com. To generate buzz and drive engagement, the companies are also offering some limited-time promotions.
If you link your accounts from Oct. 12 to Dec. 31, you’ll earn 500 SkyMiles, and once you make a qualifying purchase at Starbucks, you’ll earn 150 Stars. Plus, all Delta passengers departing Seattle on Oct. 12 will receive a “Star Card” valid for 150 Stars that can be redeemed toward a free beverage on your next Starbucks visit.
Bottom line
For Delta SkyMiles members, this is the latest loyalty partnership that allows members to double dip on everyday, non-flight purchases. Earlier this year, the Atlanta-based carrier teamed up with Instacart — the popular online grocery delivery service — to allow members to earn SkyMiles for groceries.
Additionally, the carrier’s long-standing partnership with Lyft continues to award members at least 1 SkyMile per dollar spent on rides. Other potentially lucrative SkyMiles partnerships include Airbnb and Turo.
While earning 1 SkyMile for many of these everyday activities may not immediately turn into a long-haul Delta One ticket (especially at the carrier’s sky-high mileage redemption rates), it’s certainly better than nothing.
Plus, in addition to earning SkyMiles and Starbucks Stars on coffee purchases, you’ll also continue to earn bonus points on dining spending if you’re using one of our recommended credit cards for dining and restaurants.
This, along with the new Delta partnership, effectively turns your Starbucks purchases into a triple dipping opportunity, which will help get closer to your next vacation.
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Rewards
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points on Restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery. |
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It’s been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there’s no reason that the foodie shouldn’t add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x).
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel.
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months.
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories.
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits.
- Few travel perks and protections.
Rewards Rate
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points on Restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery. |
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.Earn 60,000 pointsAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It’s been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there’s no reason that the foodie shouldn’t add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x).
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel.
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months.
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories.
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits.
- Few travel perks and protections.