“Ruining the rewards system”: Loyal Starbucks customers were just sorted into three tiers. Some are spiraling about their new status
By Joyann Jeffrey
Published on March 11, 2026.
Starbucks has introduced a three-tiered system, Green, Gold, and Reserve, into its rewards program. Customers are placed in the lowest tier, which is Green, with one star for every dollar spent at the company and a free treat on their birthday. If they surpass $500, then that puts them in the Gold tier. However, if you're a loyal Starbucks customer, you will likely be placed in Reserve. To stay in Reserve, customers must earn 2,500 stars every year. The new system has been met with backlash from customers who believe its benefits are not great. Some social media users have expressed dissatisfaction with the new status.
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