{"id":261623,"date":"2026-09-04T15:00:05","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T15:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/04\/best-coffee-loyalty-program-starbucks-dunkin-or-dutch-bros-the-points-guy\/"},"modified":"2026-09-04T15:00:05","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T15:00:05","slug":"best-coffee-loyalty-program-starbucks-dunkin-or-dutch-bros-the-points-guy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/04\/best-coffee-loyalty-program-starbucks-dunkin-or-dutch-bros-the-points-guy\/","title":{"rendered":"Best coffee loyalty program: Starbucks, Dunkin’ or Dutch Bros? – The Points Guy"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Your morning cup of coffee might not be the sort of expense you think about optimizing. If it’s a regular habit, though, this repeat spending is where combining a rewards credit card with a good loyalty program can really help you maximize your rewards.<\/p>\n

Starbucks, Dunkin’ and Dutch Bros \u2014 three of the largest coffee-focused chains in the U.S. (by number of U.S. locations) that have rewards programs available to anyone, no membership fee required \u2014 each offer rewards programs designed to turn your coffee fix into complimentary drinks and food, and two of these coffeehouses have overhauled their programs in the last 12 months.<\/p>\n

In this guide, we take a look at all three programs, comparing menu prices at locations in Phoenix (where all three chains compete) to assess the value of your coffee rewards. Here’s what you need to know to be rewarded when you order your next cup of joe.<\/p>\n

Starbucks, Dunkin’ and Dutch Bros compared<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\nStarbucks Rewards<\/strong><\/th>\nDunkin’ Rewards<\/strong><\/th>\nDutch Rewards<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\n\n

Green (entry level), Gold (attained after earning 500 Stars) and Reserve (attained after earning 2,500 Stars)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Member (entry level) and Boosted (attained after 12 visits in a calendar month)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

None<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n\n

1 Star per dollar spent (for Green members), 1.2 Stars per dollar spent (for Gold members) or 1.7 Stars per dollar spent (for Reserve members), plus 10 Stars per digital Starbucks card reload of $30 to $45, 25 Stars per digital Starbucks card reload of $50 to $95 and 50 Stars per digital Starbucks card reload of $100 or more<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

10 points per dollar spent (for standard members) or 12 points per dollar spent (for Boosted members)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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3 points per dollar spent<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n\n

25 Stars<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

150 points<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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250 points<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n
\n

$100 (for Green members), $84 (for Gold members) or $59 (for Reserve members) for a brewed coffee or at least two $100 digital Starbucks card reloads at any membership level<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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$60 (for standard members) or $50 (for Boosted members) for a hot or iced coffee or tea of any size<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

About $83 for a medium drink or about $108 for a beverage of any size<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n
\n

Six months after the month in which you earned the points (as a Green member), extendable through monthly activity; no expiration for Gold and Reserve members<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

12 months from the last day of the month earned, regardless of activity<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Six months after the calendar month in which they were earned<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n\n

Delta SkyMiles, Marriott Bonvoy and Bank of America<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

None<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

None<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n\n

3.25 cents per Star<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.60 cents per point<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2.1 cents per point<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

*TPG’s coffee rewards valuations are based on the median redemption rate of all levels of redemption in each program, using menu prices at the time of publication in Phoenix, a location where food and drink prices approximately match the U.S. national average and all three programs operate.<\/em><\/p>\n

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DELTA AIR LINES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Starbucks Rewards loyalty program<\/h2>\n

Starbucks Rewards<\/a><\/span> is the Seattle-based coffee chain’s rewards program. Membership in the program \u2014 which was overhauled in early 2026<\/a><\/span> to bring back elite status levels for the first time since 2019 \u2014 is free, though you’ll need to earn at least 500 Stars within 12 months to qualify for elite status. As an elite member, you’ll enjoy higher earning rates and additional perks, including the waiving of Starbucks’ expiration policy for Stars, which is six months after they’re earned.<\/p>\n

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\"Starbucks<\/div>
Starbucks elite status tiers and perks. STARBUCKS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While in-store food, beverage and merchandise purchases are the most common way to earn Stars, another way to boost your Stars balance is to reload your Starbucks card digitally. You’ll earn 10 Stars for a reload of $30 to $45, 25 Stars for a reload of $50 to $95 and 50 Stars for a reload of $100 or more \u2014 and then additional Stars when you spend that balance. As a result, reloading exactly $50 or $100 and then spending that balance increases a Green member’s 1 Star per dollar spent earning rate to 1.5 Stars, a Gold member’s 1.2 Stars per dollar spent earning rate to 1.7 Stars and a Reserve member’s 1.7 Stars per dollar spent earning rate to 2.2 Stars.<\/p>\n

Redemptions are a little more complex than “your 11th coffee is free” offerings, like those your local independent cafe might provide, but they cater to a wide range of customers who might order more than a standard brewed coffee.<\/p>\n

You can redeem your Stars at the following levels:<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Item<\/strong><\/th>\nStars cost<\/strong><\/th>\nTypical cost<\/strong><\/th>\nRedemption rate<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\n
\n

25<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Up to $1<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Up to 4 cents per Star<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n\n

60<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Up to $2<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Up to 3 cents per Star<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n
\n

100<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Up to $6<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Up to 6 cents per Star<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n
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200<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Up to $10<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Up to 5 cents per Star<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n
\n

300<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Up to $16<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Up to 5 cents per Star<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n
\n

400<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Up to $20<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Up to 5 cents per Star<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

For a complimentary coffee or tea, you’ll need to spend at least $100 as a Green member, $84 as a Gold member and $59 as a Reserve member.<\/p>\n

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By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy<\/a>. You may unsubscribe at any time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Related: Why I got top-tier status with Starbucks and enjoy it \u2014 despite the reduced earnings for some<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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CLINT HENDERSON\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dunkin’ Rewards loyalty program<\/h2>\n

Compared to Starbucks Rewards, Dunkin’ Rewards<\/a><\/span> is a simpler rewards program to understand and may be the fastest route to a complimentary drink through ongoing spending. Basic membership awards 10 points per dollar spent, while the elite status Boosted tier (which you reach after 12 visits with at least 99 cents worth of qualifying purchases in a calendar month and keep the remainder of that month and the next three months) gets you 12 points per dollar spent.<\/p>\n

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DUNKIN’<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once you’ve earned at least 150 points, you can redeem them for the following rewards:<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Item<\/strong><\/th>\nPoints cost<\/strong><\/th>\nTypical cost<\/strong><\/th>\nRedemption rate<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\n
\n

150 points<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$1.59<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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1.06 cents per point<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n\n

300 points<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$1.79<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.6 cents per point<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n
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400 points<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$2.49<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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0.62 cents per point<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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500 points<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$3.39<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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0.68 cents per point<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n
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600 points<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$3.19<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.53 cents per point<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n
\n

800 points<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$3.89<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.49 cents per point<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n
\n

900 points<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$5.34<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.59 cents per point<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n
\n

950 points<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$5.69<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.60 cents per point<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

This means that earning a complimentary coffee or tea requires less spending overall. While you’ll need to spend $100 at Starbucks for a free coffee or tea as an entry-level Green member, you’ll only have to spend $60 at Dunkin’ to earn a coffee or tea as a standard member. Dunkin’s Boosted members come out ahead, too, as they need to spend just $50 for a coffee or tea redemption, whereas Starbucks Reserve members have to spend $59 for a comparable redemption.<\/p>\n

One notable downside to the Dunkin’ Rewards program, though, is its expiration policy. Points expire 12 months after the last day of the month in which they were earned, regardless of program status, and, unfortunately, there is no way to extend them. Once you convert points into a reward, that reward expires 30 days later, so it’s a good idea to wait until you’re ready to redeem them to convert your points.<\/p>\n

Related: How to use the Amex Gold Dunkin’ credit<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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\"Dunkin<\/div>
CARLTON CANARY\/DUNKIN’<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dutch Rewards loyalty program<\/h2>\n

Of the three programs covered in this guide, Dutch Rewards<\/a><\/span> is perhaps the most limited, as it doesn’t offer any locations in New England and select states in the Midwest. However, it does have over 1,200 participating stores, mostly in California, Texas and Arizona.<\/p>\n

Unlike Starbucks Rewards and Dunkin’ Rewards, Dutch Rewards has no elite tiers. All members earn 3 points per dollar spent on qualifying in-store purchases (excluding merchandise, gift cards, taxes, tips and charity donations), with the cheapest redemption available for 250 points.<\/p>\n

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DUTCH REWARDS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are just two ways to redeem Dutch Rewards points:<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Item<\/strong><\/th>\nPoints cost<\/strong><\/th>\nTypical cost<\/strong><\/th>\nRedemption rate<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\n\n

250 points<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$5.43<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2.17 cents per point<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n
\n

325 points<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$6.72<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2.07 cents per point<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

On average, you’ll need to spend around $83 to earn enough points to cover a medium drink or roughly $108 to redeem points for any beverage (up to 32 ounces). And remember, you’ll need to show your phone app or provide your phone number when paying for your purchase to earn points.<\/p>\n

As for when Dutch Rewards points expire, its policy is the least generous of the three programs covered in this guide. Your points will expire six months after the calendar month in which they were earned, with no way to extend their validity or avoid the policy altogether (like you can with Starbucks Rewards elite status). Meanwhile, rewards expire 180 days after you convert your points.<\/p>\n

Related: Alaska Airlines switches to Stumptown from Starbucks for inflight coffee<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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\"LA<\/div>
MARIO TAMA\/GETTY IMAGES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How to stack credit card rewards with coffee rewards<\/h2>\n

There are plenty of ways to earn additional points and miles by double- and even triple-stacking how you pay for your next coffee.<\/p>\n

Link your Starbucks Rewards and Delta SkyMiles<\/a><\/span> accounts to earn 1 SkyMile per eligible dollar spent at Starbucks, plus twice as many Stars on qualifying Starbucks purchases made on a Delta travel day.<\/p>\n

Members who linked their accounts on or after Aug. 5 will earn miles for their first 12 months, regardless of recent Delta Air Lines activity. After that, they’ll need to have completed a qualifying Delta flight within the previous 12 months to continue earning. Existing linked members who don’t meet the qualifying Delta flight requirement have a one-time grace period through Oct. 5.<\/p>\n

Related: Delta changes Starbucks-SkyMiles earnings again, bringing back 1 mile per dollar spent<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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DELTA AIR LINES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You can also link your Starbucks Rewards account to your Marriott Bonvoy<\/a><\/span> loyalty account and earn double Stars for the duration of your eligible stay at a participating Marriott Bonvoy hotel, plus Marriott Bonvoy points on qualifying Starbucks transactions during designated Marriott Bonvoy Week promotions.<\/p>\n

Related: You can now transfer your Marriott Bonvoy points to Starbucks Rewards<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

By paying for your coffee and snacks with the right credit card<\/a><\/span>, on top of earning coffee rewards, you can also earn the following rewards:<\/p>\n