With over 30,000 locations and millions of rewards members, Starbucks is, without question, a worldwide phenomenon. The beloved coffee chain has become a staple in many people’s daily routines, offering a wide range of beverages, snacks, and merchandise. For those who are loyal Starbucks customers, maximizing rewards and getting the most value out of their purchases is key. One way to do that is by using the right credit card when making a Starbucks purchase.
Starbucks offers its own rewards program called Starbucks Stars, which allows customers to earn points for each purchase they make at Starbucks. These points can then be redeemed for various rewards, such as free drinks, food items, merchandise, and more. In addition to earning points through the Starbucks Stars program, customers can also earn rewards by using certain credit cards to pay for their purchases at Starbucks.
In this article, we will explore the best credit cards to use at Starbucks in order to maximize rewards and get the most value out of your purchases. We will discuss how to earn and use Starbucks Stars, as well as highlight some of the top credit cards for Starbucks purchases. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just enjoy the occasional treat from Starbucks, using the right credit card can help you get the most bang for your buck.
How to Earn and Use Starbucks Stars
Starbucks Stars is Starbucks’ loyalty program that allows customers to earn points for each purchase they make at Starbucks. Customers can earn 2 Stars per dollar spent on most menu items when they pay using the Starbucks app or load money into their Starbucks account. These Stars can then be redeemed for various rewards, such as free drinks, food items, merchandise, and more.
Here are some of the redemption offers within the Starbucks Rewards program:
– 25 Stars: Drink modifications (such as an extra shot)
– 100 Stars: Brewed hot or iced coffee or tea, bakery item, packaged snack, and more
– 200 Stars: Handcrafted drink or hot breakfast
– 300 Stars: Lunch sandwiches, protein box, or a brew-at-home coffee
– 400 Stars: Select Starbucks merchandise item (up to $20)
It’s important to note that Starbucks Stars expire six months after they are earned, so be sure to use them before they expire. The value of each Star is approximately 4-5 cents, depending on how you use them. For the purposes of this article, we will value them at 4 cents per point to stay on the conservative side.
How to Earn Credit Card Rewards at Starbucks
While earning Starbucks Stars is a great way to get rewards for your purchases at Starbucks, using the right credit card can help you earn even more rewards. Many credit cards offer bonus rewards for dining purchases, which can include purchases made at Starbucks. Additionally, some credit cards offer bonus rewards for mobile wallet purchases, which can also be used at Starbucks.
For example, the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card awards 3 points per dollar for mobile wallet purchases. This means that you can earn even more rewards by using this card to pay for your Starbucks purchases through the Starbucks app or mobile wallet.
Starbucks gift cards are also sold at a variety of locations, including office supply stores, grocery stores, gas stations, and more. This means that you can earn bonus rewards on Starbucks gift card purchases by using a credit card that offers bonus rewards at these types of stores. For example, the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card offers 5 points per dollar spent at office supply stores, which can be used to purchase Starbucks gift cards.
The Best Credit Cards to Use at Starbucks
There are many credit cards that can help you maximize rewards and get the most value out of your Starbucks purchases. Here are some of the top credit cards to use at Starbucks:
1. Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: This card offers 5 points per dollar spent at office supply stores, where you can purchase Starbucks gift cards. It also offers a welcome bonus of $750 cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
2. American Express® Gold Card: This card offers 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants, which can include purchases made at Starbucks. It also offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months.
3. Chase Sapphire Reserve®: This card offers 3 points per dollar spent on dining purchases, including purchases made at Starbucks. It also offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.
4. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: This card offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, where you can purchase Starbucks gift cards. It also offers a welcome bonus of a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first six months of card membership.
5. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card: This card offers 3 points per dollar on mobile wallet purchases, including purchases made at Starbucks. It also offers a welcome bonus of 50,000 points after you spend $4,500 on purchases in the first 90 days.
In addition to these credit cards, there are many other credit cards that can help you earn rewards and get the most value out of your Starbucks purchases. Be sure to consider the category bonuses, welcome bonuses, and other benefits of each card when deciding which one is best for you.
The Best Card for Starbucks Can Change Over Time
The best credit card to use at Starbucks can change over time, as offers and promotions from credit card issuers and Starbucks itself come and go. For example, there have been promotions in the past that offered up to 10 points per dollar spent at Starbucks across a variety of credit cards.
Additionally, if you have a credit card that offers rotating bonus categories, such as the Chase Freedom card, that card may sometimes be the best option for Starbucks purchases when dining is a bonus category. It’s important to stay informed about the latest offers and promotions in order to maximize rewards and get the most value out of your Starbucks purchases.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan or just enjoy the occasional treat from the coffee chain, using the right credit card can help you maximize rewards and get the most value out of your purchases. By earning rewards through the Starbucks Stars program and using a credit card that offers bonus rewards for dining or mobile wallet purchases, you can earn valuable rewards that can be redeemed for free drinks, food items, merchandise, and more.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to which credit card is the best to use at Starbucks, as it depends on your spending habits, preferences, and goals. However, by considering the category bonuses, welcome bonuses, and other benefits of each card, you can choose the card that offers the most value for your Starbucks purchases. Whether you prefer cash back, points, or other rewards, there are many credit cards that can help you earn rewards and get the most value out of your Starbucks purchases.