Why that ‘free’ Starbucks drink is about to cost you more

Starbucks has made changes to its rewards program. Now more points are needed to earn the gift.

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100 stars will be needed to get a cup of hot or iced coffee or tea, a baked good, a packaged snack or a to-go cup at Starbucks.

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Members will need 200 stars to receive a latte or frappuccino or a hot breakfast item.

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A salad, lunch sandwich, protein box or packaged coffee (like a bag of beans) will require 300 points.

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Currently members need only 50 stars to get hot tea, coffee or bakery items but now the number of stars has been increased.

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You can earn stars by shopping at Starbucks.

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If customers use the Starbucks Card, one dollar spent turns into two stars.

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Starbucks said it notified Rewards members in the US and Canada about the changes Wednesday via email and the Starbucks app.

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