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Delta Air Lines and Starbucks brewed up a new way for members to earn SkyMiles and Stars.
Right now, Delta SkyMiles members earn one (1) mile for every eligible dollar they spend at Starbucks. (Starbucks account reloads are excluded. That’s important to keep in mind for now.) On days they fly Delta, members earn two (2) Starbucks Stars per dollar spent on eligible purchases.
But most of that changes next week.
Get a (Re)Load of This
Starting June 12, Starbucks account reloads of at least $25 will be the only purchases eligible to earn SkyMiles. And the amount of bonus miles you earn is based on how much you spend.
Here’s how it shakes out:
- Reload $25-$49.99: Earn 25 SkyMiles
- Reload $50-$74.99: Earn 75 SkyMiles
- Reload $75-$99.99: Earn 125 SkyMiles
- Reload $100: Earn 200 SkyMiles
I assume that reloads over $100 earn just 200 SkyMiles. But if you need to reload anything more than $124, just split it into two separate purchases. Starbucks account reloads generally code as dining-restaurant purchases, for what it’s worth — which is earning me 7X right now.
Members will still earn two Stars for purchases they make on days they fly Delta.
Make sure your Delta and Starbucks accounts are linked.
I always use my Starbucks app and account balance to pay for Starbucks orders. My account reload default is set at $25, so this doesn’t make a big difference to me. (Of course, it’s $25. That barely covers my venti cold brew here in California 😉 ).
But for people who occasionally purchase Starbucks, have SkyMiles accounts, and don’t want to tie up their money in a Starbucks account, this probably leaves a bitter taste in their mouths.
Final Approach
Delta and Starbucks are changing how SkyMiles members earn SkyMiles and Stars.
As of June 12, SkyMiles can be earned only on Starbucks account reloads of at least $25. But you can continue to earn two Stars for purchases they make on days they fly Delta.
What do you think of this change? Does it affect you?
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Another very bad no good change from Delta, to inconvenience and annoy all current and potential Delta customers. Bleh!
I will just change my reload to $100. As you say if you are a Starbucks client ( I am SEA based) you are reloading about once a month or so so this will simply extend this a little and now I will get 2 SkyMiles instead on one on my non flight day purchases. Is this tying up more of my cash ? yes… Is it a big deal? – not really…
Are Starbucks and coffee especially popular in Seattle? 😉
As highlighted by @Jack, this strategy appears to incentivize larger cash reloads. Its primary aim is to stimulate back-end spending rather than directly encouraging visits to Starbucks.
The partnership between Delta and Starbucks seems symbiotic (and symbolic), both are relying on past customer perceptions of superior products and service, which has led to an inflated pricing strategy relative to current offerings. One could read this blog for numerous recent examples of this with Delta.
For instance, during a recent visit to the Starbucks in Linndale, TX, the drive-through wait time seemed reasonable, and there were only four customers inside at tables, with seemingly ample staffing behind the counter, and with no line at the barista. We chose to go inside. However, when we approached the barista, she informed us that our order would take approximately 45 minutes without further explanation.
Considering the “premium” price for coffee and the crappy service lead time, we opted to leave immediately and ended up at a nearby McDonald’s. While the alternative had fewer customization options, it provided decent quality at about half the cost.
What about adding a Starbucks gift card to your Starbucks app?
I don’t think that would be work because you’re not spending money.
But, adding funds to an existing gift card would?
If it’s in your account, yes, it should.
Excellent. Thanks.
Now that the is in effect, it would be nice to have more info.. like, what counts as a “reload”? What’s excluded? If I have a gift card is adding it to the acct a “reload”? Maybe that info is already available and I’m just being dumb?
Reloading a gift card in your account should work.