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Starbucks offers you a new way to get free stuff.

Starting April 16, the Starbucks Rewards loyalty program is getting a makeover, allowing members to get stars earlier – or reward points – and use those points to buy more items than before.

"We know that with loyalty programs, customers like to have different redemption options," said Matt Ryan, marketing director at Starbucks. According to the new points structure, "depending on what you want, in two or three, visits you can have it."

Starbucks has reworked its rewards structure to include levels. Now, if you spend $ 13 on your next visit, you can get an extra shot of espresso or a milk substitute for free. The updated program also allows you to use points to buy packaged coffee and select a merchandise for the first time.

In addition to the redesigned program, Starbucks credit and debit card holders will be able to earn points forever, with no expiry date.

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Ryan said that cardholders tend to be "those who have thousands of stars in their accounts." He said that "they want to be able to do it, it's use them in chunks". Thus, thanks to the series of new improvements, they will be able to do it.

Starbucks also eliminates the "golden" elite status that you get once you've spent $ 150 or earned 300 points. Under the changes, there is only one level and customers can start redeeming stars immediately after being earned.

Do not worry, though. Starbucks says all gold level members will keep their Star balance; the points will roll. Members of the "Welcome" level (less than 300 points) will have their balance reset and they will immediately be eligible to earn stars for rewards.

The rewards program of the coffee chain is widely used. Ryan said the program represents about 40 percent of the company's US business and has grown 26 percent over the past two years.

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As of December 2018, there were 16 million active members.

"All the indicators are on the rise, and when we make things better for the customer, we do it for our business as well," said Ryan.

The new Starbucks Rewards structure:

  • 25 stars: Extra espresso shot, dairy substitute or extra aroma
  • 50 stars: Hot brewed coffee, hot tea or selected pastries
  • 150 stars: Artisan drink, hot breakfast or perfect yoghurt
  • 200 stars: Lunch sandwich, protein box or salad
  • 400 stars: Select merchandise or packaged coffee

In April 2016, Starbucks Rewards dropped its one-per-transaction model in favor of a revenue-based and free loyalty program.

To participate, you must have the Starbucks app on your phone or register at a Starbucks location. Once registered, you earn two stars for every dollar you spend.

Other benefits include a free birthday award, the ability to order in advance (mobile order), free in-store refills, access to member events and the ability to pay via the app.

Follow USA TODAY reporter Dalvin Brown on Twitter @Dalvin_Brown

Read or share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/03/19/starbucks-redesigns-its-loyalty-program-so-you-get-free-stuff-sooner/3174227002/