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Starbucks, Delta partnering on loyalty programs

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October 13, 2022

Starbucks Coffee Company is partnering with Delta Air Lines to offer customers enrolled in both loyalty programs the ability to link their accounts to earn one mile per $1 spent on eligible purchases at Starbucks. On days when they have a scheduled flight with Delta customers will earn double stars, according to Ryan Butz, vice president of loyalty strategy and marketing at Starbucks.

"Starbucks Rewards and Delta SkyMiles are centered on creating moments of meaningful connection, and by bringing together two of the country's most celebrated loyalty programs we are able to reward our members with more of what they love," Butz said in a company press release. "We are excited to partner with Delta to offer our members even more valuable benefits, as well as invite more customers to join Starbucks Rewards."

Over the last five years, U.S. membership has more than doubled, with over 27 million U.S. 90-day active Starbucks Rewards members as of July 2022. Additionally, Starbucks Rewards transactions accounted for over half of tender at all U.S. company-operated stores in the same timeframe.

Customers who link their accounts between Oct. 12 to Dec. 31 will earn 500 miles and 150 stars after making a qualifying purchase.

"We're continuing to evolve Delta's SkyMiles program to give our customers valuable, premium experiences not just on the days they travel but in their everyday lives as well," Prashant Sharma, vice president of loyalty at Delta, said in the release. "Through this new partnership with Starbucks, we can deliver more moments and interactions that matter, both in the air and on the ground."

Delta SkyMiles is also announcing the addition of Starbucks stars as a "Choice Benefit" for its most loyal members — Diamond and Platinum SkyMiles members. They may select 4,000 stars as one of their annual Choice Benefits in 2024.