Starbucks to Add Rewards to Popular Prepaid Card Program

Since its introduction in 2001, the Starbucks Card has revolutionized the way customers pay for their daily coffee experience. With more than 193 million cards issued in the U.S. and Canada since its introduction, there are approximately five million active Starbucks Card holders at any given time. This spring, every registered card holder will enjoy an elevated experience every time they use their cards.

In April, Starbucks will begin providing registered Starbucks Card holders these immediate, value-added benefits when they use their card at participating Starbucks stores in the United States and Canada:

• Complimentary customization on select syrups (including flavors such as vanilla, hazelnut and cinnamon) and milk alternatives (such as soy or half and half). For instance, a Tall Vanilla Soy Latte would be the same price as a regular Tall Café Latte because the soy and the vanilla are free.
• Complimentary Tall beverage of choice (including Frappuccino® blended beverages) with the purchase of one pound of whole bean coffee (on the same visit).
• Free refills on brewed coffee (on the same visit).
• Two hours daily of free, in-store Wi-Fi, starting this spring in company-operated stores in the U.S. (per registered cardholder).
• The opportunity to join Starbucks in supporting charitable causes.

“Already, one in seven customers uses the Starbucks Card, and now we are taking the first steps toward recognizing these customers by providing them value beyond any other coffeehouse,” said Schultz. “It is the personal relationship our customers have with our brand, our stores and our baristas that is the foundation of our success. Through this initiative, we are making it even easier to make the Starbucks Experience your own.”