What does Starbucks’ gold status mean? (How do you become Starbucks Gold? + More information)
As a customer of Starbucks, you have come across the word gold status. So, the question on your mind is what does Starbucks’ gold status mean? This article will help you to know what a gold status is and how to achieve it.
I got my Starbucks Gold card 3 weeks ago and it got me all jittery and excited. I was happy to know that I would be drinking a free Chai tea latte, getting free refills whenever I wanted, and other freebies.
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Do you like free stuff when you buy something?
Everybody does! Starbucks has that option. If you are a coffee lover like me, then you always get your morning coffee from Starbucks. Starbucks likes to take care of its loyal members so it started a loyalty reward program. A loyal customer can enjoy exclusive perks from the Starbucks reward program such as free products, discounts, and custom products. You can get these rewards by achieving a gold status level.
And the best thing about this? The Starbucks gold card is completely free to sign up for.
Here’s what a gold status means:
A Starbucks’ gold status is a loyalty status you earn as a member of Starbucks. Reaching a gold status means, you will receive a Starbucks Gold card with your name on it that will allow you to enjoy exclusive perks such as free espresso shots, syrups, whipped cream, or dairy alternatives.
The gold status is aimed at appreciating and rewarding loyal customers. This article will tell you what a gold status means and how you can achieve gold status.
When did Starbucks Gold status start?
Starbucks launched a Starbucks rewards program in 2008 to reward its high-tier loyal members.
In November 2008, they launched a Starbucks Gold card to allow their most loyal members and super users to enjoy perks like free refills, extra freebies, and custom items. These perks are only limited to gold status members.
In 2009, Starbucks formed ‘My Starbucks Rewards’ by merging the gold card and Rewards card into one program. This allows members to sign up for free and start at the welcome level as they work their way up to Gold level status.
How do I know if I’m a Starbucks Gold member?
How do you know for sure that you are indeed a Starbucks gold member? Easy! If you signed up for the reward program, you put your email and physical address. You will receive your personalized gold card in your mail. If not, you can call Starbucks to have them send you one.
All it takes to reach a gold status is to purchase Starbucks products. Load money to the gold card and continue accumulating stars until you get to at least 300 stars.
How do you become a Starbucks gold status?
Starbucks goes above and beyond for its loyal members. A membership to the loyalty program can enable you to enjoy free food and drinks, early access to new products, and custom offers.
But to receive these perks, you will need to get stars. These stars will be paid for with your loyalty card. The more stars you get, the better the chances of getting a higher status from the welcome level status. You also need to accumulate 300 stars within 12 months to be promoted to gold status.
Here’s the best part:
Starbucks will send you a Gold card. Isn’t that exciting?
Who would not want to show off a personalized Starbucks Gold card? And for every dollar you spend with your gold card, you earn 2 stars. Is that not great?
Is Starbucks’ gold status permanent?
Sadly, a Starbucks gold status is not permanent. You have to accumulate stars within 12 months to reach a gold status level.
You have to earn at least 300 stars in 12 months or else you will be stripped of your gold status to become a green level member.
Don’t be discouraged though!
Starbucks allows you to re-qualify every 12 months by earning at least 300 stars or your star count is reset to zero every 12 months on your anniversary date. Failure to earn at least 300 stars in 12 months, your gold level and gold status are stripped off to return to a green level.
Once you purchase stars, they will expire every 6 months for gold status members.
Can you lose Starbucks’ Gold status?
It is possible to lose a Starbucks gold status. You need to have at least 300 stars to maintain your gold status, failure to do so, you will be stripped of your gold status. But, you can requalify for this by earning at least 300 stars within 12 months.
Also, Starbucks has received critique from its higher-tier members for removing the green and gold levels entirely. They feel that this has caused their hard-earned stars to decrease in value. Starbucks canceled the gold card rewards due to issues they had with their compliance policy.
FAQS
1. What does Gold status at Starbucks get you?
First of all, if you are part of the Starbucks rewards program gold status, you get to enjoy all the perks accorded to the welcome level which include:
- Free birthday drinks
- In-store refills on any sized coffee.
Upon gaining the Starbucks rewards level gold status, these are the perks you will get to enjoy.
- A handcrafted customized drink of any size for every 120 stars you earn
- A birthday reward, a free Starbucks drink
- two free beverage customizations
- A new year’s gift
- A digital Gold star card
2. Do Starbucks Gold members get free refills?
Starbucks gold status members get a free refill of their drink as many times as they like for as long as you are still in the same store. Even better, the refills are not limited. You can get a refill on any sized coffee that you purchased. So, if you purchase a Grande coffee, then you will get a Grande-sized free refill. Every coffee addict’s dream!
3. Is the Starbucks Gold reward card worth it?
The Starbucks gold card is most definitely worth it. If you are a coffee enthusiast who buys Starbucks drinks then it is worth it for you to join the rewards program and aim for gold status. This is because, at the welcome level, you do not win any free drinks. So the gold level has more perks for you.
