Hey, coffee aficionados and Starbucks fans, there’s a little news on the Starbucks Visa credit card front.
As of June 1, 2022, Starbucks and its credit card buddy Chase have put a temporary “pause” on accepting applications for the Starbucks Visa credit card.
But here’s the catch – we don’t know yet if it’s a full-on goodbye or just a see-you-later. Keep reading to learn more.
About Starbucks Credit Card
The Starbucks Rewards Visa card is unusual among rewards credit cards for several reasons.
First, the rewards you earn are referred to as “stars,” and they can only be redeemed at Starbucks. Second, the earning rate is 1 star for every $4 spent on non-bonus purchases.
People who plan to use this card for routine purchases may be disappointed.
However, some card features, such as a sign-up bonus and consumer protection programs, may offset the expenses for Starbucks fans eager to get their hands on Starbucks-specific rewards.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Simply becoming a cardholder entitles you to certain consumer protections and insurance.
- Earn points toward Starbucks food and beverages.
Cons
- The “stars” you earn are only redeemable for Starbucks food, drinks, and in-store goods, making them quite limited.
- The yearly charge for this card is $49 per year.
- Earning rates are low, particularly for non-bonus purchases.
Starbucks Credit Card Discontinued
Since mid-2022, no new applications have been accepted for the Starbucks® Rewards Visa® Card, and as of July 20, 2023, it will no longer be available at all.
It is uncertain whether the card will be permanently canceled or reintroduced with a new rewards formula and/or new card-issuing partner.
Hence, if you were hoping to join the club of latte-loving cardholders, it seems you might need to hold off for a bit.
When I reached out to Starbucks to dig up the details, they confirmed that they’ve stopped accepting applications for the time being.
Now, you might be wondering: why the pause button? The Starbucks Rewards Visa card, despite being linked to the coffee giant, wasn’t exactly making heads turn.
It came with a not-so-enticing $49 annual fee. You know, the kind of fee that makes you raise an eyebrow and rethink your coffee-and-card strategy.
Especially when the market is buzzing with cash-back credit cards that don’t demand a single penny in annual fees.
In this game of plastic and perks, no annual fee is like the cream to our coffee. So, the Starbucks Rewards Visa card was kind of like the decaf in a world full of double shots.
But wait, before you spill your coffee beans about this news, let’s consider the brighter side.
Could there be a makeover in the works for this card? A new rewards scheme? A different partner to issue the card? The possibilities are swirling like your favorite frothy cappuccino.
Also, Starbucks is not dropping any hints about the card’s future just yet.
The coffee giant is playing it cool, not revealing whether the card is done for good or just taking a coffee break for a revamp.
So, for now, if you’ve got your heart set on a Starbucks Visa credit card, it might be a good idea to sip your coffee patiently and wait for the news to percolate.
After all, who knows what surprises Starbucks and Chase might have brewing up their sleeves?
Conclusion
In the world of credit cards, change is as inevitable as that extra shot of espresso when you need a boost.
So, let’s keep our cups ready, and our curiosity brewing, for the potential return of the Starbucks Visa credit card, maybe with a whole new aroma of benefits and a taste that’ll make us want to swipe and sip all at once.
Until then, whether you’re a caramel macchiato devotee or a black coffee purist, keep enjoying your Starbucks favorites, and who knows, your wallet might soon get to savor some fresh card perks too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Starbucks credit card discontinued?
Aside from brand loyalty, the Starbucks card couldn’t compete with the Chase Freedom portfolio. Users who make the switch benefit from the lack of an annual charge and the option to receive 1.5% cash back on items other than coffee.
Did Chase discontinue Starbucks card?
Starbucks and Chase have decided to discontinue their credit card collaboration once more. That’s right, for those who remember the ol’ Starbucks Duetto Visa Card (perhaps the best cash back card in Starbucks history), this second divorce may come with mixed feelings, but thankfully no lost benefits.