Starbucks Rewards Card – Do You Use Yours?

I was working with a client the other day, and we were talking about where to find free wi-fi connections. I mentioned Starbucks, but she didn’t think they offered wi-fi anymore.  I assured her they did (since I used it the night before!) but you had to use a Starbucks card.  She replied “Oh, I got a giftcard for Christmas – is that the same thing?”  I told her yes, and then wondered how many others didn’t know about the Starbucks Rewards?

They changed their programs late last year, but there are still benefits to using a Starbucks card.  After you receive a card, the first step is to register it at Starbucks.com.  As soon as  you register your card, the benefits start.

Once you register, you’re at the Welcome Level. This level provides you with:

• free drink on your birthday
• free wi-fi (2 hours / day)

After you earn 5  stars (or 5 items purchased), you receive:

• All Welcome level benefits
• free flavored syrups and soymilk
• free refills on brewed coffee.  (Now, some literature states that you receive free refills on tea as well, but a store recently told me it was only good for coffee.  Since I don’t drink coffee that was annoying, and I’m not sure if individual stores decide whether or not to provide tea refills.)

At 30 stars, you are at the Gold Level.  Gold Level rewards include:

• All Welcome and Green Level benefits
• Personalized Gold Card and welcome packet
• Exclusive offers and coupons
• FREE drink with every 15 additional stars!

It pays to continue using the same card when you purchase items at Starbucks.  If you receive a card as a gift, you can transfer the balance at the Starbucks site.  If you’re going to spend money there anyway, you may as well earn rewards! I’ve never had a problem with them loading the card for me before I made a purchase if it was close to empty.

I’m curious — what’s your favorite reward card? Starbucks and Paradise Bakery are mine!

Melanie Rogers is a wife and homeschooling mom of 3 children. She enjoys helping other busy moms find great products to delight their families and make their lives easier. She's always on the lookout for a great bargain, too! You can also find Melanie blogging frequently at My Little Patch of Sunshine.