Though many Starbucks customers were fairly upset about the new rewards program the company announced last month, the company’s most recent announcement might win back some of its disgruntled customers.
Read more: Starbucks customers aren’t too happy about the new rewards program
New Starbucks prepaid rewards card
This week, Starbucks announced it would offer a prepaid Visa debit card by the end of the year, whereby customers could earn loyalty points or ‘stars’ anytime they make a purchase. That means customers could earn rewards anywhere Visa cards are taken — and they wouldn’t have to make purchases at Starbucks to earn rewards!
In a partnership with Chase Bank, the company is due to offer this card by the end of the year. The best news? According to Credit.com, a Chase spokesperson confirmed that the card would not have any monthly service fees, loading fees, or overdraft fees — which is virtually unheard of when it comes to prepaid cards. However, there would be a $5 fee for expedited card replacement, fees for foreign transactions and legal processing fees should the bank have to pay an amount due to a legal action.
After the announcement regarding the Starbucks rewards program switch up, the brand’s reputation fell sharply — but Starbucks maintains it received even more signups after announcing the change. With the old rewards program, a customer earned a free coffee after spending roughly $24; with the new program, a customer would need to spend nearly $62 for a free drink.
Though Starbucks hasn’t yet announced specifics on how many points would be earned per dollar spent, the points that will be earned provide another way for Starbucks customers to enjoy more of what they love — Starbucks coffee.
Starbucks customers will be able to apply for the card through the Starbucks mobile app or its website when the card is officially released.
Read more: Starbucks will donate unused food to help feed millions of Americans
