Starbucks is making a big change to its loyalty scheme that will divide customers

STARBUCKS is making a big change to its rewards scheme and it's sure to divide customers.

The coffee chain's changes mean you'll get free drinks quicker but customers will have to spend more to get other freebies.

Writing to reward scheme members Starbucks confirmed that from the New Year, it will be easier to get a freebie - but harder to get to "Gold" membership status.

It said: "We will be switching up your Stars from 3 per £1 to 10 per £1! We’re updating the Starbucks Rewards program in the new year.

"Introducing new products and tiers for Star redemption and refining Gold Level status, including amending the Gold Level threshold to 2500 Stars.

"Meanwhile, your Star value, credit, any free drinks and Reward status remain the same throughout the update."

It also said that the stars are still redeemable for up to two years and that you'll be able to redeem them across a bigger range.

While it didn't give specifics the email said that it will include bakery favourites, drinks and selected merch - plus you'll be able to redeem for 130 stars.

Starbucks said it will be able to reveal more regarding tiers in January 2025.

But what exactly do the changes mean for customers? We asked , who dubs himself Britain's "coupon kid" because of his money-saving know-how.

Get free drinks quicker

Jordon told The Sun: "Starbucks Rewards is changing, making it easier to get a freebie - but much harder to get to gold membership status."

The Starbucks app and card allow you to collect points (known as stars) and rewards for your spending.

Jordon explained: "Currently when collecting points through Starbucks Rewards, you earn three stars per £1 spent.

"The new changes coming in will give you 10 stars per £1 spent."

This essentially means that you'll rack up stars much quicker than before.

Currently, for every £50 you spend, you’ll unlock a free Starbucks drink of any size - this includes its seasonal drinks too.

Jordon said: "New changes mean you unlock rewards from a £13 spend - which thankfully gives people more options."

This means that you'll bag a freebie for spending less of your hard-earned cash from January.

The changes also mean that you'll be able to use stars on other Starbucks items - while currently, you can only use them to buy a drink.

Although Jordon pointed out: "Starbucks says 'bakery favourites, handcrafted drinks and selected merch' will be available as rewards - but it’s not clear how many stars you’ll need."

We've asked Starbucks for more details on this aspect of the changes and will update this story when we know more.

A Starbucks spokesperson said: "We’re excited to bring these changes to Starbucks Rewards, lowering the threshold at which rewards become available to 130 stars (£13) and offering more choice of rewards to our loyal customers, with select bakery items, handcrafted drinks and selected merchandise all available."

Spend more to get more

As it stands, when customers reach 450 stars, they will be rewarded with Gold status.

This means extra shots of espresso, selected syrups and whipped cream and birthday freebies are all on the house. 

Each of these extras usually costs 50p, meaning you could save cash off a single purchase.

But, from January it's going to be harder to unlock these savings.

That's because the Gold Level threshold is being upped from 450 to 2,500 Stars.

Jordon crunched the numbers and found that at the moment Gold status requires a £150 spend - 450 stars.

But moving forward, you’ll now need to spend £250 in a year, collecting 2,500 stars at 10 per £1.

He said: "It’s a costly 66% increase to unlock extra syrup, espresso shots, whipped cream and free birthday drinks."

What to bear in mind

To begin collecting rewards, download the Starbucks app and sign up with your email address.

However, keep in mind that with all schemes such as these, the goal of the company is to get you spending more money.

If you become a rewards member, be sure to use it as a perk, and not an excuse to buy more coffee when you're out of the house - otherwise you will lose money rather than saving it.

Also remember that having apps and email notifications from businesses like Starbucks may subconsciously encourage you to spend more money, so be mindful of marketing influences.

In moderation, rewards are much more enjoyable.

To find the nearest Starbucks near you, visit their website.

Meanwhile, we've rounded up all the pros and cons of various loyalty schemes.

Plus, an award-winning Starbucks barista has revealed her tips to save £343 a year on coffee.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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