Big changes to Starbucks rewards in the UK from September
Key Points
- Starbucks is raising Star thresholds on four Reward categories in the UK from 3 September 2026.
- A free handcrafted beverage rises from 500 Stars to 600, the largest increase at 20%.
- Filter coffee, americano and hot tea move from 130 Stars to 150; bakery items from 300 to 350; merchandise from 1000 to 1150.
- The earn rate of 10 Stars per £1, the 2500-Star Gold threshold and existing Star balances are unchanged.
- Members can redeem at current thresholds until 3 September.
Starbucks is raising the number of Stars UK members need to redeem four categories of Reward from 3 September 2026, with a free handcrafted drink moving from 500 Stars to 600.
The coffee chain emailed Starbucks Rewards members this week to confirm the new redemption thresholds, giving four weeks’ notice before they take effect.
Members can continue to redeem at the current rates until 3 September. Starbucks said no other redemption categories are changing.
| Reward | Current | From 3 September |
|---|---|---|
| Filter coffee, americano or hot tea | 130 Stars | 150 Stars |
| Selected bakery item | 300 Stars | 350 Stars |
| Handcrafted beverage | 500 Stars | 600 Stars |
| Selected merchandise | 1000 Stars | 1150 Stars |
Members earn 10 Stars for every £1 spent, so the new thresholds translate directly into higher spend per Reward.
A filter coffee, americano or hot tea will require £15 of spend rather than £13, and a bakery item £35 rather than £30.
A handcrafted beverage of the member’s choice will require £60 of spend, up from £50, and a merchandise redemption £115, up from £100. The handcrafted drink category carries the largest increase at 20%.
What is not changing
The earn rate stays at 10 Stars per £1 spent at participating UK stores. Gold Level still starts at 2500 Stars, and Gold benefits including free customisations and a birthday drink remain in place.
Existing Star balances will not change as a result of the update, and Stars will continue to expire in line with the existing Starbucks Rewards terms and conditions.
Starbucks said members have been earning Stars more quickly since the programme launched in its current form, because the value of the average purchase has risen while redemption thresholds stayed flat.
The company said the update helps the programme continue to deliver value over the long term while leaving the wider benefits unchanged.
It also said it plans to introduce further member benefits, including invitations to events and experiences, exclusive merchandise, and Bonus Star promotions.
