Starbucks updated its app for iOS and Android on Tuesday to now feature its new rewards program that launched today.
Now just called "Starbucks Rewards," the new program allows Gold members to earn two stars for every dollar spent. While this sounds much better than just the one star previously offered per purchase (regardless of how much was spent), many people are upset that it will actually take longer to get a free menu item. That's because, under this new system, customers will now need 125 stars (the equivalent of $63) instead of 12 to so do.
However, to celebrate the launch, Starbucks is sweetening the deal by upgrading new members to Gold Status after they make just one purchase by May 2. Those who are already at the Gold level will get their membership extended for a year.
Previously, members would have to collect 300 or more stars to reach Gold Status. Now, they will be able to take advantage of extra incentives like monthly double-star days, which gives four stars for every dollar spent.
A free menu item is not the only advantage of downloading the app. Starbucks Rewards also lets members get free in-store refills on coffee and tea, and the ability to order ahead and pay on their phones to skip those early morning long lines.
How The App Works
Download the app for free for iOS or Android, and create an account using your email and password. Those who already have the app downloaded must check their device to update the app. You might have to log back in to the app after updating.
Regardless of whether or not you are a new user, Starbucks has redesigned the app's home page quite a bit. It features the amount of stars earned at the top, along with a cool new interactive coffee cup that shows how many more are needed to get that free item.
We also have to point out that the app plays music from Spotify, which now includes guest DJ playlists. Preexisting users already know that they can save songs they have heard playing in Starbucks stores on Spotify when connecting their account in the app. Just tap on the moving music bars to set this up.
While this is a cool feature, the major new change is the ability to order and pay in the app. Tap on the "Order" tab on top to be able to order from your phone and then pick it up in the nearest store. The app will first inform the user of the location they will pick up their coffee from, as well as bring up the menu that includes various items they can order. Tap on the related category, such as "espresso drinks," to bring up the items to select from, which includes the item's picture, size and how many calories it contains.
Once you make your selection, you will be provided with the approximate time in which the order will be ready. Just make sure you manage your payment before ordering if you want to pay directly in the app.
Do so by tapping on the "Pay" tab to reload your Starbucks card and add a payment method (credit/debit card or PayPal account).
Users can also find the nearest Starbucks location by tapping on the "Stores" tab, which provides a map as well as a list of the nearest stores with their address, hours and exact distance from your current location.
How To Earn Stars
As previously mentioned, members earn stars for every dollar spent. It doesn't matter if it's from a grande coffee, a tall tea or a spinach and feta wrap. Even mugs purchased in the store can earn stars.
Besides earning stars at Starbucks and Teavana stores, as well as on the app, members can also earn these reward points on Starbucks.com, in grocery stories when purchasing Starbucks coffee, in emails, by inviting friends to join Starbucks Rewards (60 stars for every friend who joins!) and on double-star days that are announced once a month.
The changes to the app come as Starbucks continues to integrate technology into its business, as well as encourage more people to join its rewards program. The program currently has more than 12.1 million active users.
Photo: Cristian Ungureanu | Flickr
