- Starbucks has implemented a new rewards program.
- The loyalty system separates members into three tiers: Green, Gold, and Reserve.
- Tier ranking is based on the number of Stars accrued in 2025, regardless of whether or not Stars have expired or been redeemed.
Starbucks Rewards is getting a major update. Starting today, March 10, the coffee chain is rolling out a new version of its loyalty program, with members now sorted into three tiers—Green, Gold, and Reserve—based on their engagement. The refreshed program offers many of the same rewards customers already know and love, along with a few added perks.
To mark the launch, Starbucks is also introducing several limited-time offers, including new secret menu drinks and the first of many upcoming “Free Mod Mondays.” Here’s what to know about the changes and how they work.
What’s changed?
New tiered membership system
Changes to the Starbucks Rewards program are far from small. The loyalty program got a major overhaul, starting with how rewards are structured. Customers are now divided into membership tiers (Green, Gold, and Reserve) based on the Stars they accumulated in 2025. The more Stars accrued, the higher the tier. The higher the tier, the greater the benefits. Customers are not forever tied to their tier. They can move up (or down) depending on how much they engage with Starbucks Rewards.
New ‘Free Mod Monday’ offer
'Free Mod Monday' is a new benefit available to all Starbucks rewards members, regardless of tier. Once a month, on a Monday of the company’s choosing, Starbucks will allow members to make one drink customization for free, such as adding a syrup, an extra shot of espresso, or a layer of cream cold foam to a drink. The first 'Free Mod Monday' will take place on March 16.
New 60-Star reward
Other than the addition of a 60-Star reward, not much has changed for Star redemption. Now, customers can spend 60 Stars to get $2 off any purchase. This low-level reward comes as a direct response to customers who voiced disdain after the 50-Star reward was removed in early 2023. While it’s not the same as a free hot coffee, bakery item, or hot tea, the discount is still a great option for those who haven’t quite hit the 100-Star mark.
More engagement equals more rewards
Instead of pay-based rewards, where customers must spend more to earn more rewards, Starbucks' new system is focused on engagement, diversifying the way customers can earn Stars. Members can now earn Stars in several ways, including through promotions like “Double Star Days,” using reusable cups, uploading Starbucks gift cards to the app, and, of course, purchasing their favorite food and drink items.
Star expiration extension
In the old Starbucks Rewards system, all Stars expired in six months if not redeemed. In the new system, Green-tier members will have the ability to extend the life of their Stars by one month through engagement. To do so, rewards members must make an eligible purchase, redeem a reward, or add money to an in-app Starbucks card. This change only affects Green-tier members, as Stars do not expire for Gold and Reserve members.
New Starbucks Rewards tiers
Let’s break down the benefits of each Starbucks Rewards tier. Your tier is based on the number of Stars you accrued in 2025. It doesn't matter if those Stars have expired or been redeemed; categories are based solely on how many Stars you earned. Membership in your allotted tier will remain for 12 months, unless you have earned enough Stars to advance to a new tier. After 12 months, a new index will be taken, and your tier will be based on how many Stars you’ve accrued in that time.
Green Member (0-499 Stars):
This baseline tier offers the fewest benefits, incentivising customers to engage more to move up to a higher tier. In this level, customers receive a free birthday treat, early access to offers and games, bonus Stars when loading $30 or more onto a Starbucks gift card in the app, double Stars when ordering with a reusable cup, participation in ‘Free Mod Mondays,’ and the possibility to extend expiring Stars by one month.
Gold Member (500-2,499 Stars):
Gold members receive all the benefits of Green-tier membership, with a few small tweaks and additions. Mid-tier members can redeem their free birthday treat within seven days of their birthday, earn 1.2 Stars per dollar spent, and have access to four bonus Double Star days per year. Lastly, Stars never expire for Gold-tier members.
Reserve Member (2,500+ Stars):
The highest tier of the bunch, Reserve members, receive the same benefits as Green and Gold members, plus a few exclusive perks. Reserve members can redeem their birthday treat within 30 days of their big day, earn 1.7 Stars per dollar spent, have access to six bonus Double Star days per year, experience no expiration on Stars, access the Starbucks Shop and Global Coffee Experiences, and receive a free, personalized physical Reserve card.
Launch offers
New Secret Menu Items
To celebrate the launch of the new rewards program, Starbucks is dropping three secret menu beverages, inspired by the new tiered system. These secret menu items can be found in the 'Offers' tab of the Starbucks app (for a limited time) or outlined below.
- Green Member (Left): Iced Matcha Latte with Strawberry Purée and Banana Cream Cold Foam
- Gold Member (Center): Iced Caramel Macchiato with Toasted Coconut Cream Cold Foam and Caramel Crunch Topping
- Reserve Member (Right): Ube Shaken Espresso with Mocha Drizzle, Ube Powder, and Chocolate Cream Cold Foam
Triple Star Day
To keep the good vibes going, Starbucks is making Wednesday, March 11, a Triple Star Day. This means members will earn at least three Stars for every dollar spent at Starbucks, depending on their membership tier. This offer is valid on all Starbucks purchases. Here’s how Triple Star Day will affect each tier.
Pro tip: If you bring a reusable cup, you can earn at least six Stars per dollar spent.
- Green Member: 3 Stars per $1 spent (*6 Stars per $1 if you bring a reusable cup)
- Gold Member: 3.6 Stars per $1 spent (*7.2 Stars per $1 if you bring a reusable cup)
- Reserve Member: 5.1 Stars per $1 spent (*10.2 Stars per $1 if you bring a reusable cup)
Kate (she/her) is the associate editor of The Pioneer Woman Magazine. She writes features, commerce, and travel content. Kate brings nearly five years of home, food, and lifestyle experience to the role, including time as editorial assistant at Good Housekeeping. Her bylines have appeared in Woman’s Day, Food Network Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Dream Kitchens & Baths, and more. When she’s not writing, Kate can be found lazing in the park with a sudoku in hand.
