Yesterday, Starbucks launched its new rewards program — and much in line with devaluations of all kinds, it turned to a revenue-based rewards system. The change in the program is generally bad news for Starbucks customers. Where you used to get one star per transaction, with a requirement of 12 to score a free drink and 30 to secure Gold status, you'll now earn 2 stars per dollar, free drinks will cost 125 stars and you'll need 300 stars to earn Gold status.
But with a new promotion, Starbucks is offering Gold status for a year with just one purchase by May 2. For new and current Green status members (0-299 stars), you'll get Gold status for one year. Your status will be updated within 48 hours of the purchase, and any stars you accumulated at the Green level will reset to zero when you receive Gold status. In addition, you'll need to collect 125 stars to earn your first Star Reward.
With the promotion, existing Gold members with status as of April 11, 2016, can receive an additional year with the status. Your status will be updated after the promotion ends (May 2), and you can check your account history in the Starbucks app to see your new extended date.
In order for the single purchase to count, you must be a member of Starbucks Rewards and pay with the Starbucks app or registered card. Gold status members receive monthly double-star days, a personalized gold card and Star Rewards for every 125 stars earned.
This is a promotion that's worth taking advantage of — even if you're not a regular Starbucks customer. With just a single purchase, you'll receive some pretty neat perks, which could be valuable the more you dine at the chain. In addition to earning stars for your purchases, be sure to sync a points-earning card with the app to earn you even more rewards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the Amex Premier Rewards Gold Card.
