Does anyone use the starbucks app?

[sunnysideup488]

This is really random. Ha

The starbucks I go to talks up the app so much. The barista says you can pay right from your phone without having to buy gift cards. I downloaded it, and it gave me a digital card, asks to link my PayPal account, but there is an option to reload. So, I'm guessing I don't need to buy a gift card, I just need to load up the digital card on my phone?

Or does it actually just pull from my paypal account?

Why is this actually better?

[tripleshot]

I use it all the time. I have my gold card (gift card) on it and reload with my credit card. There's really no downside and I've been using it for years. If you get gift cards as a gift, you can add those to the app too. Then you earn your stars.

I would guess you don't need to buy a gift card because it gave you a digital one. I'm not sure about the paypal. See if there's an option to load the gift card with your credit card instead. For example I'll put $25 on the gift card, charged to my credit card, then each time I make a purchase it deducts from the gift card balance.

I manage my account online (using a desktop) and then pay with the app. It's all linked. So try to log into your account with a computer and I'm sure you'll figure it out. It's pretty easy.

[ginkgoleaf]

I use it but have it set to reload from my credit card, though I try to reload using a Starbucks giftcard I've earned from shopkick first. Try going on the Starbucks website, you should be able to set the dollar amount for it to reload, and how much it will reload with. You can also just load a giftcard and have it not set to reload.

With being registered, you can also get a free drink or food item around your birthday and every time you earn a dozen stars. They often send emails for specials where you can get bonus stars for doing certain things, like buying an item or visiting within a certain period of time.

[Deleted]

When we balance gets slow, I just go and reload it from PayPal.. Only time the polls money from PayPal is when I really love the gift card, I'll purchases come for the balance remaining on the card.

And now you could be one of the lucky people to win free Starbucks every day for life!. How can you not use the app?

[sproutmd]

The other posters already answered your questions, but I just wanted to add that I only use the app. I log onto the website to load gift cards from Christmas, but that's about the only time. It's really convenient.

[konapoppy]

If you get it, be away that the rewards expire! Don't make the mistake I did and hold out for a high cost item only to find that the reward is gone.

[sunnysideup488]

Awesome. Thanks! I go to starbucks way too much, so perhaps this will be beneficial. Lol

[konapoppy]

Oct 23, 2014 7:51:08 GMT -5 sunnysideup488 said:

Awesome. Thanks! I go to starbucks way too much, so perhaps this will be beneficial. Lol

Beware, I found that having the app made me want to go more Points! Free things! It is super convenient though.

[sjh722]

I use it all the time too. Ditto pp that it's super easy. I have my gold card gc linked to my cc, and just tap a few buttons to reload if the balance is getting low.

If I get gc other places, it's easy to go online, link them to your account, and transfer everything to one card so you don't lose 4 $5 gift cards or have to keep track of them.

Also, if you sign up for the rewards, they send out emails where sometimes you get bonus rewards for stopping 2x in 4 days, or a coupon for 50% off a breakfast sandwich or certain promo drink or something.

[sunnysideup488]

Oct 23, 2014 7:54:56 GMT -5 sjh722 said:

I use it all the time too. Ditto pp that it's super easy. I have my gold card gc linked to my cc, and just tap a few buttons to reload if the balance is getting low.

If I get gc other places, it's easy to go online, link them to your account, and transfer everything to one card so you don't lose 4 $5 gift cards or have to keep track of them.

Also, if you sign up for the rewards, they send out emails where sometimes you get bonus rewards for stopping 2x in 4 days, or a coupon for 50% off a breakfast sandwich or certain promo drink or something.

What is a gold card gift card? I assume it's different than regular gift cards??

[sjh722]

Oct 23, 2014 7:57:04 GMT -5 sunnysideup488 said:

What is a gold card gift card? I assume it's different than regular gift cards??

Once you buy a certain # of drinks in a year, they send you a gold card. I think you used to get more freebies, but I think you might get more rewards offers than a regular app user. (And I can't remember if you get the free drinks for every 12 you buy without the gold card or not.)

www.starbucks.com/card/rewards/gold

[sunnysideup488]

Oct 23, 2014 8:00:57 GMT -5 sjh722 said:

Oct 23, 2014 7:57:04 GMT -5 sunnysideup488 said:

What is a gold card gift card? I assume it's different than regular gift cards??

Once you buy a certain # of drinks in a year, they send you a gold card. I think you used to get more freebies, but I think you might get more rewards offers than a regular app user. (And I can't remember if you get the free drinks for every 12 you buy without the gold card or not.)

www.starbucks.com/card/rewards/gold

My day has officially been made. Haha

Rewards for all my coffee drinking?!

This is the best

[mmmomof2]

I always make them reload for me. I just say add $20 to my card. And then they do it. So easy! A marketing genius came up with it I'm sure.

Last time I was there the guy suggested he put $100 on it, but I think he was just kidding.

[Susie]

Yeah, what tripleshot said! I use it all the time too. You can either manually reload it or you can set it to auto reload when the balance drops below a certain point.  I reload directly from a credit card.

You can also add the card to your passbook, which is faster to open than the Starbucks app.

[ECB]

I don't go to SB a ton, but when Ive gotten GCs to it, I load them to the app. It's great. I saw a friend use her phone once and after that, I was sold. MUCH easier.

[Deleted]

I use it all the time. I also have a dunking donuts ap on my phone. My coworkers make fun of me and say I have an app for everything.

[lizrd7579]

Having the app is so nice! It also stores what rewards you can use (like 25% off food or a BOGO drink) and the code the barista has to ring up, so you don't even have to find the email or have it printed out.

[miniroller]

I feel like you should get a couple freebies, OP. Marketing genius!! I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who never really looked @ the app before, but I've got it now!

[lemons]

I'm going to check into this...didn't know there was an app

[stretchad]

Also note, that if you get a gift card from someone and you use the app to pay, you can load the gift card to the app and transfer your balance to your primary card...It's a great idea if you're working up to gold card status.

I have it and is the only way I pay at SBUX. My balance reloads when I get below $25 (automatically bills CC for another $25). And, with the new versions that were just released you can now tip your barista. AND if you live in Portland, they just launched Express-order-pay functionality as a test. Meaning, you can order FROM YOUR PHONE. PAY with your phone, and pick it up no waiting in line.

[Mushe]

Definitely use it, to earn rewards! We buy gift cards at an office supply store with our Ink card (5x points!) and reload our Gold cards that way. The app makes it so easy to use.

[Deleted]

Keep in mind this could bring your yearly Starbucks spending into the triple (!!!!!!) digits

[Deleted]

I have the app and love it. It auto reloads from my cc.

Although I just checked and realized thst since I started my new job and got the app on Sept 1, I have spent $140 on coffee. So maybe I would not recommend the app.

[BAMFMrsB]

Oct 23, 2014 12:41:01 GMT -5 @mrschicken said:

Keep in mind this could bring your yearly Starbucks spending into the triple (!!!!!!) digits

Nothing wrong with that.  :^) 

Yes, we have a 'coffee' as a line item in the budget. I don't see the issue with that.