Have you joined the “My Starbucks Rewards” program yet? There are great benefits to be had like FREE drinks and refills and FREE food rewards. If you don’t already have a Starbucks Card, you can get one online or in a Starbucks shop.

You must start with a minimum of $5 on your card and you can reload it whenever you wish either from your home computer, a Starbucks location, or Starbucks mobile app (more about the mobile app below). Once you register your Starbucks card, the first time you use it, you’ll get your first reward. Just remember, you must have your registered Card or the mobile app with you to redeem your reward. Rewards are valid for 30 days only. Keep in mind that you can only earn and redeem Stars at participating locations.

Each time you use your card, you will earn stars that will accumulate like points. As you collect Stars, you move up to bigger benefits. To get started, you must first register your card HERE by signing in to your Starbucks Account. If you don’t have an account, its FREE to join and there are also benefits. For example, if your card is ever stolen, simply report it and your balance is protected. Note: Stars are earned based on each transaction, rather than the number of items purchased in the transaction.

Here’s a breakdown of the Rewards you can earn:

• Get a FREE drink or food reward on your birthday! As long as you register your Starbucks Card 30 days before your birthday, you’ll earn your reward. You’ll receive an email a few days before your birthday reminding you. Then, just visit a participating Starbucks and tell the barista you have a FREE reward.
• Five Stars puts you at the Green Level. Besides your FREE birthday drink or food reward, you’ll get FREE refills on brewed or iced coffee or tea while you’re in the store. You must use a registered Starbucks Card to make your purchase and then present your Card for a refill during that same visit.
•  Next, when you collect 30 Stars within a year, you’ve reached the Gold Level. Benefits at this level include: FREE drink or Food Reward every 12 Stars, your own personalized Gold Card, and Special Member Offers via mail, email or text message. You can keep your Gold Level by earning at least 30 Stars every 12 months.

Source: TotallyTarget.com