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Delta Air Lines and Starbucks began partnering back in October 2022. In June 2024, they changed the way that members with linked accounts could earn Delta SkyMiles. The simple one mile for each $1 spent changed to being tied to reloading a Starbucks cards. Now, this is going back to basics and will once again offer one mile per $1 spent as of August 5th.
This is a return to the original earning model introduced when the partnership launched in 2022 and one that most customers prefer.
Under the current program, you can earn:
- No miles on Starbucks Card reloads under $25
- 25 miles for reloads between $25 and $49.99
- 75 miles for reloads between $50 and $74.99
- 125 miles for reloads between $75 and $99.99
- 200 miles for reloads of $100 or more
This ends on August 4th.
The updated program also changes how Starbucks Card balances earn rewards. Reloading a Starbucks Card after August 5th will no longer generate SkyMiles. Instead, miles will be awarded when customers spend those funds on eligible purchases (including money already sitting in their Starbucks account).
One popular benefit isn’t changing. Travelers with linked accounts will continue to earn double Starbucks Stars on purchases made on days they fly with Delta, receiving two stars per $1 spent toward Starbucks Rewards. For many Delta flyers, the simplified structure will be easier to remember and more rewarding for everyday purchases. Rather than planning reloads in $25 increments, members can now earn SkyMiles every time they buy a coffee, breakfast sandwich, or other eligible item.
Delta and Starbucks described the update as bringing back a “fan-favorite” way for customers to turn their coffee purchases into future travel.
Anthony’s Take: The only customers who may earn fewer miles under the new system are those who routinely reloaded large amounts onto their Starbucks Cards, where the previous tiered structure could result in a higher effective earning rate than one mile per dollar. I’m there every day and will earn miles regardless.
(Image Credits: Delta and Starbucks.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
