Starbucks recently changed how it rewards customers who bring their own cups. Instead of giving 25 bonus stars just for using a personal cup, customers will now earn double stars on their entire order. This means if you buy a drink and maybe some food while using your own cup, you’ll get twice the stars for that whole purchase.
The 25-star bonus is still available for now but will end on June 24.
Customer Reactions
Many Starbucks fans were upset by the change and took to Reddit to share their feelings. Some said it feels like Starbucks doesn’t want their business anymore, while others said they might stop going to Starbucks and make coffee at home instead. Some complained about the lack of new drinks, saying they’d rather go somewhere else.
Is This Really a Downgrade?
Not exactly. The new system rewards bigger orders more than before. For example, a $30 purchase would earn 60 stars instead of 55, which is better. But smaller purchases, like a $5 order, would earn fewer stars—dropping from 30 to 10 stars.
This means customers who spend less might find it harder to get free items from their stars than before.
How Starbucks Rewards Work
With Starbucks Rewards, 25 stars can get you a free espresso shot, 100 stars get you a brewed coffee or bakery item, and 300 stars can be exchanged for a sandwich.
The basic system of earning one star per dollar spent at Starbucks, either in-store or through the app, has not changed. Using a gift card still gives you double stars, and you still get a 10-cent discount every time you use a personal cup.
Other Positive Changes at Starbucks
Despite the backlash over the rewards change, some of Starbucks’ recent moves have been popular. They stopped charging extra fees for dairy alternatives and simplified their menu to make it easier for customers, as shared by CEO Brian Niccol.
Starbucks is also working on its “Back to Starbucks” plan to improve sales and customer experience. This includes reducing long wait times that some customers complained about, as well as launching a new summer menu.
Starbucks’ new reward system for using personal cups changes how stars are earned, favoring bigger purchases. While some customers are unhappy, others appreciate recent improvements like menu simplification and no extra fees for dairy alternatives. It’s a mixed bag, but Starbucks continues to adjust to better serve its customers..