The Starbucks cards in the photo are all mine. All of them (except one) are registered to my Starbucks.com/card (or have been registered in the past – I’ve unregistered a few cards).
What does that shiny gold card do? Nothing. The card itself does nothing. I was discussing this in a Facebook conversation and whether it was worthwhile to remind people that all their cards are gold, if registered. Everyone of these cards could be my gold card, hypothetically speaking.
I saw great comments in the Facebook conversation and wanted to share two of them:
- Comment from a former partner/ former store manager: This issue usually came up for me when a customer lost their ‘gold card’. It was then I was able to explain about the difference between a gold card and gold status, and that you could enroll multiple cards on the same profile, and they all enjoyed the same status. It can never be explained enough, go for it!
- Comment from a current partner: Your digital information holds the power to gold status, not the shiny card itself.
One of the ways that this comes up over and over again is when a customer has newly become gold and thinks that he or she must actually have the physical gold card to start redeeming MyStarbucksRewards rewards. This is false. I don’t want you to lose rewards while waiting for a shiny gold card!
The main thing here to know is that your gold card is very shiny, pretty, has your name on it, but the physical card itself does nothing. You don’t have to wait for it to come in the mail to enjoy MyStarbucksRewards. You don’t ever have to use it.
I have seen plenty of partners and customers confused about this. Use any card you like – including a Teavana card, Evolution Fresh card, Starbucks Roastery card, or whatever card you like. And if you’re not a part of MyStarbucksRewards, grab a Starbucks card at the register, load money on it, register it at Starbucks.com, and keep track of your rewards. I suggest using the mobile phone app to keep track of rewards. On top of that, the mobile phone app give you the power to digitally tip your baristas too.
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I’m sure glad I don’t have to keep track of my Gold Card in order to get Gold Level Rewards — I actually was in the middle of a move when I hit gold status, and my card never made it to my new address. Mobile app to the rescue — partially because there might be times I forget a physical card — or even my wallet — but I never forget my phone! 🙂
@Chad – I’m with you – the mobile app is the easiest way to go – but even then you can use any of your registered cards. 🙂
I love knowing I could use any card as a “gold member”, but what I’ve found is that many baristas assume you don’t want your card back if its not the gold card and becomes zero balance. I use my phone mostly now because my gold card is damaged. I have had to many instances when I’ve had to ask for it back.
Yup. . I use my phone app. I registered a card and used it till i reached gold. They sent me the shiny card which I put in my little card collection. I only use my phone app. I pay with it, reload it, find stores with it and it keeps track of my rewards. Be sure to register on Starbucks. Com and they send deals and sometimes give you a star for store surveys.
Yup. . I use my phone app. I registered a card and used it till i reached gold. They sent me the shiny card which I put in my little card collection. I only use my phone app. I pay with it, reload it, find stores with it and it keeps track of my rewards. Be sure to register on Starbucks on the website and they send deals and sometimes give you a star for store surveys.
You left a space in the lower right corner of the photograph for your black gold card!
Yes my primary gold card account has several cards registered in it and the one I scan through my app is just a plain old ugly green one!
Nice cards. Many I would like to have! I have the power of gold!
I use an original black gold card (but I don’t get the 10% off obviously). It seems when ever I pay with the card, the partners like to pass it around and show everyone so I think I prefer using the app. The card is cool and I don’t want it to be worn out.
I wished they still did the white customizable card, like the one you have. I lost mine and my usual drink has changed!
@Corinne! I love looking at the original black cards! I have two customers who regularly use it and I just love to look at it. So many partners these days have never seen one and are genuinely curious about it. But I would keep a firm hold on that card if I were you! That baby goes for a lot of money on eBay!
Great article Melody, definitely will be sharing this with many people! This an issue that clearly needs to be clarified. I’ve seen many people think that the Gold Card has special powers but like you stated above, the status is what counts not a card. The card is just like any other plastic starbucks card imho.
Another point that I think a lot of people don’t realize is that if you don’t earn 30 stars each year you lose your gold status. So even though you may be using a gold card, you may only be getting welcome or green level benefits.
@Nathan – That is an excellent point and shows yet one more way that the physical gold card is confusing.
Ms melody..
Can we request a new gold card every year or every few years. I switch mine up simply because the card gets really abused from all the swipes. It is so much fun to have multiple cards on the account just like you. I like to use a tevana card or la boulange card the most. I can’t wait for the next gift card releases.
@SamChoi – You can always ask for a new gold card if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged. You could call and just say your card is damaged. I’ve used cards until they cracked on me!
I ♥ my mobile app!!! Don’t know why people don’t use the app, much less NOT have a MyStarbucksReward account! I’m all about getting something in return from companies, it shows their gratitude for your patronage and dedication 🙂
Drives me nuts when I use my gold card to pay and the batista asks me for my name AND THEN GETS IT WRONG. Really … is anything rattling around in there?