CJ on Tech

You have probably heard or read something stating that Starbucks is effectively a bank?  With the Starbucks card, and loading it up, etc., until the money on that card, or a gift card is spent, Starbucks gets to hold and earn interest on those funds.  But there is also a way to “earn” your share of this too.

Do you go to Starbucks, even occasionally?  Good, me too.  Do you have the Starbucks app installed on your phone?  No?  Install the app, and register an account, then come back for the rest.

Now that we have established, you go to Starbucks, even only once in a while, and you have the app with an account, it’s time for the important part.  Don’t ever use cash, or your credit card directly at Starbucks ever again.  EVER!  From now on, everything you get from Starbucks, you get through the app.  At the very minimum you earn stars every time you order something, and those stars (points) can be used for rewards (just like your credit card).  Discounts, free drinks, free food, etc.  This is your first reward.

If you also fly Delta airlines, you can sync your Starbucks and Delta Skymiles accounts together to earn both the stars AND Delta skymiles.  Just do the same as above, but once these accounts are synced, now you earn a few miles with every purchase through the app.

Following this so far?  I imagine you like earning rewards with everyday purchases, just like I do.  Don’t use any credit card that doesn’t offer rewards.  Ever again.  Whenever you add to your Starbucks card balance (only do in increments of $25 unless you are buying more than that every single day).  Keep as little on the card sitting idle as possible.

This last part is perhaps the most important.  When you refill your Starbucks card, make sure to use a rewards credit card.  You’ll earn the obvious rewards or points from that card.  If you happen to have the aforementioned Skymiles account AND an American Express Delta Skymiles credit card you get the ultimate rewards.

This gives you the ultimate rewards.  Using your Starbucks app, when you want Starbucks, whether through the drive-thru or as a walk, don’t order at the counter.  Pre-order (even while in line or drive-thru) through the app.  You get both points (stars) and miles for doing it this way.  Reload your Starbucks card with your American Express Delta skymiles credit card, more miles rewards.  As you earn more stars, you get discounts on food and drink purchases, so free stuff is always a good thing.

Admittedly, I go to Starbucks more than I probably should.  But using this method, I have earned several hundred stars, and several hundred Skymiles this way.  I don’t order any other way.  I have even used this sitting in the drive thru at our local Starbucks.  Simple yet effective.

So while Starbucks may in effect be a “bank” of sorts, this is how you can benefit from the ultimate rewards.