Big changes coming to Starbucks—Take note before your next coffee run!
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If you’re a proud member of the Starbucks Rewards club, you know the thrill of watching those little golden Stars add up in your app—each one a step closer to a free latte, a birthday treat, or that extra shot of espresso you swear you need to get through the day.
But just as you’ve mastered the art of maximizing your Stars (hello, reusable cup and gift card combo!), Starbucks is shaking things up again.
Starting June 24, 2025, the way you earn those precious Stars—especially when you bring your own cup—will be changing. So, what’s brewing with the new rewards program? Let’s break it down, sip by sip.
The Old Way: 25 Bonus Stars for Every Reusable Cup
For years, Starbucks has encouraged eco-friendly habits by rewarding customers who bring in their own reusable cups.
Each time you skipped the single-use cup, you’d get 25 Bonus Stars tacked onto your order, plus a 10-cent discount.
It was a win-win: good for the planet, good for your wallet, and great for your Star balance.
Whether you were grabbing a solo coffee or picking up a round for friends, the bonus was the same—25 Stars per order, no matter how much you spent or how many drinks you bought.
The New Way: Double Stars on Your Entire Order
But change is in the air (and in your cup). Beginning June 24, Starbucks is retiring the flat 25 Bonus Stars for reusable cups.
Instead, you’ll earn Double Stars on your entire order every time you bring in your own cup.
That means if you’re a big spender or ordering for a group, you could rack up more Stars than before.
But if you’re just popping in for your daily tall Pike Place, you might notice your Star count growing a little more slowly.
Also read: You won't believe the new free perks Starbucks is offering – Say hello to free refills and more!
Let’s do the math: Under the old system, a $4 coffee in your own cup would net you 4 Stars (if you paid with cash or card) plus 25 Bonus Stars, for a total of 29.
With the new system, you’ll get 8 Stars (double the usual 4), but no bonus. To earn the same 25 Bonus Stars as before, you’d need to spend at least $12.50 in a single visit.
For those who regularly order multiple drinks or treat friends and family, this could be a sweet deal. For solo sippers, not so much.
Why the Change?
Starbucks says the new system is designed to reward customers who make a bigger impact by bringing in more reusable cups per order.
If you’re the designated coffee runner for your book club or grandkids, you’ll see your Stars multiply faster.
Plus, the company is doubling down on its commitment to reduce single-use plastics—a move that’s good for the environment, even if it means a little less instant gratification for some of us.
A Look Back: Starbucks Rewards Program Evolution
This isn’t the first time Starbucks has tweaked its rewards program.
In 2023, the company raised the number of Stars needed to redeem free drinks and food, prompting a flurry of creative Star-maximizing strategies among loyal customers.
From “Double Star Days” to special challenges, Starbucks has always kept us on our toes. The latest change is just another chapter in the ongoing saga of how to get the most bang for your (Star) buck.
Read next: Starbucks’ 2025 summer menu is here—Why not treat yourself to something new?
Are you a fan of the new Double Stars system, or will you miss the flat 25 Bonus Stars? Do you have any tips for making the most of your Starbucks Rewards? Have you found creative ways to remember your reusable cup (or do you, like us, sometimes leave it in the car)? We’d love to hear your thoughts, strategies, and stories in the comments below!
But just as you’ve mastered the art of maximizing your Stars (hello, reusable cup and gift card combo!), Starbucks is shaking things up again.
Starting June 24, 2025, the way you earn those precious Stars—especially when you bring your own cup—will be changing. So, what’s brewing with the new rewards program? Let’s break it down, sip by sip.
The Old Way: 25 Bonus Stars for Every Reusable Cup
For years, Starbucks has encouraged eco-friendly habits by rewarding customers who bring in their own reusable cups.
Each time you skipped the single-use cup, you’d get 25 Bonus Stars tacked onto your order, plus a 10-cent discount.
It was a win-win: good for the planet, good for your wallet, and great for your Star balance.
Whether you were grabbing a solo coffee or picking up a round for friends, the bonus was the same—25 Stars per order, no matter how much you spent or how many drinks you bought.
Starbucks is changing its rewards program from 24 June 2025, so instead of getting 25 Bonus Stars for each order made with a reusable cup, customers will now get Double Stars for their entire purchase when bringing in their own cup. Image source: CBS Boston / Youtube.
The New Way: Double Stars on Your Entire Order
But change is in the air (and in your cup). Beginning June 24, Starbucks is retiring the flat 25 Bonus Stars for reusable cups.
Instead, you’ll earn Double Stars on your entire order every time you bring in your own cup.
That means if you’re a big spender or ordering for a group, you could rack up more Stars than before.
But if you’re just popping in for your daily tall Pike Place, you might notice your Star count growing a little more slowly.
Also read: You won't believe the new free perks Starbucks is offering – Say hello to free refills and more!
Let’s do the math: Under the old system, a $4 coffee in your own cup would net you 4 Stars (if you paid with cash or card) plus 25 Bonus Stars, for a total of 29.
With the new system, you’ll get 8 Stars (double the usual 4), but no bonus. To earn the same 25 Bonus Stars as before, you’d need to spend at least $12.50 in a single visit.
For those who regularly order multiple drinks or treat friends and family, this could be a sweet deal. For solo sippers, not so much.
Why the Change?
Starbucks says the new system is designed to reward customers who make a bigger impact by bringing in more reusable cups per order.
If you’re the designated coffee runner for your book club or grandkids, you’ll see your Stars multiply faster.
Plus, the company is doubling down on its commitment to reduce single-use plastics—a move that’s good for the environment, even if it means a little less instant gratification for some of us.
A Look Back: Starbucks Rewards Program Evolution
This isn’t the first time Starbucks has tweaked its rewards program.
In 2023, the company raised the number of Stars needed to redeem free drinks and food, prompting a flurry of creative Star-maximizing strategies among loyal customers.
From “Double Star Days” to special challenges, Starbucks has always kept us on our toes. The latest change is just another chapter in the ongoing saga of how to get the most bang for your (Star) buck.
Read next: Starbucks’ 2025 summer menu is here—Why not treat yourself to something new?
Are you a fan of the new Double Stars system, or will you miss the flat 25 Bonus Stars? Do you have any tips for making the most of your Starbucks Rewards? Have you found creative ways to remember your reusable cup (or do you, like us, sometimes leave it in the car)? We’d love to hear your thoughts, strategies, and stories in the comments below!
