Starbucks Rewards customers are being warned about a major change to the loyalty scheme, with the number of Stars needed to claim popular freebies set to rise next month.
Starbucks has emailed Rewards members to confirm that the changes will come into effect on September 3, 2026.
The biggest impact will be felt by customers saving their Stars for a handcrafted drink, with the number needed for a Reward increasing from 500 to 600 Stars.
That represents a 100-Star increase for one of the most popular Rewards.
Stars needed for several other items are also going up, including filter coffee, Americanos and hot teas, selected bakery items and selected merchandise.
The changes were outlined in an email sent by Starbucks on August 6, which told customers: “We’re updating Starbucks Rewards.”
From September 3, the number of Stars needed will change as follows:
- Filter coffee, Americano or hot teas: 130 Stars rising to 150
- Selected bakery items: 300 Stars rising to 350
- Handcrafted beverage: 500 Stars rising to 600
- Selected merchandise: 1,000 Stars rising to 1,150
The increase means customers will need to spend more with Starbucks to reach the same Rewards unless they already have enough Stars saved up.
For a handcrafted beverage, for example, the requirement is increasing by 20 per cent, from 500 Stars to 600.
The merchandise threshold is also rising by 150 Stars, while bakery Rewards will require an extra 50 Stars.
Starbucks is not changing how customers earn Stars
There is some good news for Starbucks Rewards members.
The coffee chain has confirmed that the earn rate will remain unchanged, meaning customers will continue to earn 10 Stars for every £1 spent.
Starbucks has also confirmed there will be no change to the Gold Member level threshold.
So while customers will need more Stars to exchange for several Rewards, they will continue earning Stars at the same rate.
The changes therefore mean members will have to spend more money to reach certain freebies.
You'll soon need more points to snag the same 'freebies'. 📈
We take you through what's changing: https://t.co/FxxWKnSEHH pic.twitter.com/UTXx77mfw4— MoneySavingExpert (@MoneySavingExp) August 10, 2026
When are the Starbucks Rewards changes happening?
The new Rewards thresholds will come into force on September 3, 2026.
Starbucks has contacted members directly ahead of the change, giving customers notice that the number of Stars required for several Rewards is increasing.
Anyone sitting on a large balance of Stars may therefore want to check the current Rewards available before the new thresholds take effect.
The changes do not affect the rate at which Stars are earned or the Gold Member threshold, according to Starbucks' email.
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Full list of Starbucks Rewards changes
From September 3, 2026:
- Filter coffee, Americano or hot teas: 130 → 150 Stars
- Selected bakery items: 300 → 350 Stars
- Handcrafted beverage: 500 → 600 Stars
- Selected merchandise: 1,000 → 1,150 Stars
Unchanged:
- Gold Member level threshold
- Earn rate of 10 Stars for every £1 spent
For Starbucks customers who regularly use the Rewards scheme, the changes could make free drinks and food harder to reach, despite the earning rate remaining the same.
What do you think of the changes? Tell us in the comments below.
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