Starbucks customers get ten "stars" for every £1 they spend — but the amount they need to get a free drink or snack is going up from September 3 amid reward scheme changes09:30, 07 Aug 2026Updated 09:32, 07 Aug 2026Starbucks is shaking up its rewards scheme - and it means customers will need to spend more to get freebies.‌Guest get ten so-called stars for every £1 spent at Starbucks. They then build up these to exchange for free drinks or food. Under the current rules, shoppers need 130 stars to get a free filter coffee, americano or hot tea - but this is rising to 150 stars from September 3. They have to spend £13 to get 130 stars and £15 to get 150 stars.‌For bakery items, including croissants, cookies, muffins and more, the number of stars visitors need is increasing from 300 to 350 - with the equivalent spend rising from £30 to £35.‌To get a free handcrafted beverage, which includes drinks such as lattes, mochas, matchas, and frappuccinos, the number of stars is rising from 500 to 600. It means instead of spending £50 to unlock this reward, customers would need to spend £60.For selected merchandise, such as mugs and cups, the star level is going up from 1,000 to 1,150 - so the spend level to get this is rising from £100 to £115.‌In an email to customers, Starbucks explained: “Last year, we were delighted to expand the range of items you can redeem with your Stars. Starbucks Rewards offers benefits beyond free drinks, and we continue to invest in the programme, with more member benefits to come.“To help ensure Starbucks Rewards continues to deliver great value, we’re updating the number of Stars required to redeem certain Rewards.”‌Starbucks is not changing the criteria for its "Gold Level" membership, which you achieve when guests collect 2,500 stars - amounting to a £250 spend."Gold Level" gives you access to more freebies, including a free birthday drink. You can check how many points you have in the Starbucks app.A Starbucks spokesperson told the Mirror: "Starbucks Rewards continues to offer members a range of benefits beyond free drinks, including Gold membership benefits, exclusive offers, member experiences and early access to selected launches.‌"From 3 September we're updating the number of Stars required to redeem certain Rewards, but there are no changes to how members earn Stars, existing Star balances or Gold Member qualification."We’re continuing to invest in Rewards and look forward to introducing even more member benefits in the future."It comes after Starbucks announced it is bringing its viral Unicorn Frappuccino to the UK for a limited time.Article continues belowThe brightly-coloured drink, which went viral in the US ten years ago, combines peach and mango flavours with a tangy blue raspberry drizzle, finished with whipped cream and pink and blue sprinkles.It will be available from August 15 to 17, with prices starting from £5.60 for a Tall size. It will be accompanied by a cake pop, which is set to retail for £3.30.The vanilla-flavoured treat is covered in white chocolate, with chocolate ears and a white chocolate unicorn horn.