Starbucks today announced that loyalty program members in Canada and the U.S. will have more ways to pay for their drinks as the coffee chain pushes to recruit more enthusiastic customers.
The coffee chain announced updates coming to its Starbucks Rewards loyalty program, and it’s meant to give customers more options when checking out. Currently, Starbucks Rewards members earn stars toward free drinks and food when they pay with their linked Starbucks card in stores and through the app.
Come Fall 2020, Starbucks Rewards members will be able to earn stars when paying with cash, credit/debit cards, and select mobile wallets, such as PayPal. The new payment methods will come in addition to the current payment methods Rewards members use to earn stars.
Starbucks told iPhone in Canada, for those using Apple Pay and Google Pay in-store, they will earn 1 star per dollar spent. It is possible to pre-load a Starbucks Card and pay for it via Apple Pay within the mobile app.
Members will also be able to save these payment methods directly in the Starbucks app to earn stars when paying. These enhancements will be in addition to the current option of earnings Stars by paying with a Starbucks Card in stores and within the app.
“Having a connection with our customers, whether in our stores or digitally, allows us to anticipate their needs and deliver the products and experiences they are looking for,” says Brady Brewer, Starbucks chief marketing officer. “Our customers have shared with us that they would like more options to pay and earn Stars in the app as a Starbucks Rewards member, in addition to the Starbucks Card. We expect the expansion of payment options will appeal to an even wider customer audience and deepen engagement with our members.”
Based on the image above, if you’re paying via preloaded Starbucks Card or Starbucks gift card, you will earn 2 stars per dollar, while paying with other methods coming this fall will only be 1 star per dollar.
The changes were unveiled as many restaurants and retailers assess the best ways to drive contact-free payment to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus.
Starbucks didn’t offer an official date for when the update will come this fall, but you can look for more ways to get your stars so soon. If you’re not yet a member, you can sign up for free.
