Starbucks offers a complimentary birthday reward to members of its loyalty program, providing a free drink or food item on their special day. This benefit is available to registered Starbucks Rewards members who meet specific eligibility criteria. Understanding the requirements and restrictions is essential for successfully redeeming the offer.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Starbucks birthday reward, customers must adhere to several specific rules outlined in the source material.
- Program Membership: Participants must have a Starbucks Rewards account and a registered Starbucks card.
- Purchase History: Members are required to have made at least one regular purchase that earns stars at a participating Starbucks location within the year leading up to the birthday.
- Timing of Sign-Up: Joining the Rewards program must occur at least seven days prior to the birthday.
- Account Information: The member must provide their birth date (month and day) when completing account information.
- Age Restrictions: Participants must be 13 years or older to receive a free drink. Members aged 13 to 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when redeeming the reward.
Reward Options and Restrictions
While the birthday reward offers flexibility, there are limitations on what can be redeemed.
Available Items Members may select one of the following complimentary items: * A free handcrafted beverage of any available size (short, tall, grande, or venti). * A free food item.
Restricted Items The following items are not available as part of the birthday reward program: * Multi-serve food items and beverages. * Alcoholic coffee drinks or other drinks containing alcohol. * Packaged coffee beans or coffee grounds. * Items from the Starbucks Roastery. * Items at Princi locations and certain other Starbucks locations.
Redemption Process
The redemption process is digital and location-based.
- Notification: On the member's birthday, a code will appear in the Starbucks app or an email will be received.
- Presentation: The member must present the email or the code within the app to the barista.
- Scanning: The barista will scan the barcode on the registered Starbucks card or app to apply the birthday reward.
- Expiration: The reward expires at midnight on the day of the birthday. It cannot be used for any other special occasion or saved for later.
Important Limitations
Several operational limitations apply to the birthday reward: * Personal Use: Rewards cannot be sold to others and are strictly for personal use. * One-Time Use: The birthday reward is valid for a single transaction. * Participating Locations: The reward can only be used at authorized Starbucks stores or Starbucks-owned businesses, such as grocery stores, supermarkets, or hotels. * Third-Party Delivery: Orders placed via Uber Eats do not earn stars, and specific details regarding birthday reward redemption through third-party apps are not confirmed in the source material.
Star Earning Context
While the birthday reward is distinct, the source material provides context on how Starbucks stars typically function: * 100 stars: Free drink (hot or iced coffee or tea), bakery, or packaged food item. * 200 stars: Handcrafted drink or hot breakfast food item. * 300 stars: Lunch sandwich, packaged salad, protein box, or packaged coffee beans. * 400 stars: Select merchandise valued at up to $20.
Stars generally expire six months after the date they are earned.
Conclusion
The Starbucks birthday reward is a valuable perk for loyal customers, offering a free beverage or food item on the member's birthday. To take advantage of this offer, individuals must join the Starbucks Rewards program at least seven days in advance, provide their birth date, and make a qualifying purchase within the previous year. Strict limitations apply regarding item availability, expiration times, and redemption locations.