How to Activate Starbucks Gift Cards in 2024?

There are many people out there who are associated with Starbucks but don’t know how to activate a Starbucks gift card. Rest assured your Starbucks gift cards can be easily activated at any Starbucks location, and you can use them to enjoy Starbucks drinks and food.

In this article, I will provide you with all the information about Starbucks gift cards, including how to use and activate them. You will find answers to all your questions in this article, so stay connected with me.

What is a Starbucks gift card?

A Starbucks gift card is a prepaid card that is used at participating Starbucks locations to purchase coffee and other food items. This card can be reloaded and does not expire. You can also use the Starbucks gift card through the Starbucks app to pay for the purchase

When you purchase a Starbucks gift card, you will need to provide your name, email address, and phone number. You will be asked to create a PIN for the card, which will verify your identity. When purchasing with the card, simply present it at the register and enter your PIN.

If you happen to lose your card, it is recommended to cancel the card and request a replacement through the Starbucks app or website.

Also read: Are Starbucks Tea Bags Compostable?

How to Register on My Starbucks Card Online?

Keep in mind that you’ll have to register on a Starbucks card and the process is quite simple. First of all, you need to have a card. This card can be either physical or digital, and you can purchase it from Starbucks retail stores, merchandise stores, drugstores, grocery stores, or even buy it online from Amazon.com.

The digital card works just like a physical card. You can also purchase a Starbucks gift card through the Starbucks app. In the section below, I am going to mention the steps that you can follow the complete the registration of your gift card

  • First of all, have your gift card.
  • Make sure you have at least $5 on the card.
  • Check the 16-digit code and the 8-digit security number on the back of the card. Scratch the back to reveal the security number.
  • Sign up at https://app.starbucks.com/account/cards and register your card by filling in your information.
  • If you encounter any issues with card registration, you can get free assistance from Starbucks customer care.

Can You Use a Starbucks Gift Card Without Registration?

Yes, you can surely use the card without registering it. You can make purchases and earn points at Starbucks even without registering your card.

However, there are many advantages to registering your prepaid card. It becomes risky to use a non-registered card because you have no control over it. It can get lost or stolen. Keep in mind that registering your card is very easy and takes very little time. If you encounter any issues during the registration process, you can seek help from Starbucks customer care.

Key Takeaways: Although you can use the card without registering it, I highly suggest you get your gift card registered as it offers a variety of benefits. If you don’t register your Starbucks gift card, you won’t be able to redeem the earned points.

How do I know if my Starbucks card is registered?

It is important to know about the registration status of your gift card and there are several ways to find out if your card is registered or not. In the section below, I am going to give you a few ways that can help you know about the registration status of your gift card.

  • You can use the card sticker method to determine if your card is registered. Check if there is a sticker on the card indicating registration.
  • You can also use the balance method to check if your card is registered. Click on the balance tab and you will receive information about your balance, including whether your card is registered or not.

How to Activate Starbucks Gift Cards via Mobile App?

This is the main section of this guide: I aim to give you a stepwise guide about how you can activate the Starbucks gift card. Initially, I gave you information about the registration process for gift cards so that you don’t feel confused. So, to activate your Starbucks gift card, you will need to follow these steps using the Starbucks app:

1- Download and install the Starbucks App

First, go to the Google Play Store and download the Starbucks app on your phone.

Open the app once it’s installed.

2- Sign in or create a Starbucks account

If you don’t have an account, create one by providing your information and sign in.

Access the pay tab in the app by signing in.

3- Select the “Pay” Tab

The ‘‘Pay tab’’ section in the app is very important as it will allow you to activate the gift card. Here, you can manage your Starbucks gift card and payment methods. Tap on “Manage” or “Add Card”: In the top-right corner of the app, you’ll find the option to manage or add a card.

Click on the appropriate option based on your needs.

4- Select the gift card barcode

With your gift card and the app open, position your mobile phone’s front camera to scan the barcode on the gift card. The app should be able to scan the barcode successfully.

5- Confirm activation

After scanning the barcode, you may need to input the gift card’s information. Once confirmed, your card may appear in the saved card list within the app. Once you have successfully activated your card, you can start using it to make purchases at Starbucks stores.

Redeeming a Starbucks gift card

If you’ve received a Starbucks gift card as a present, ensure you use it properly. To utilize it in-store, simply present the card to the cashier when making purchases at any Starbucks location. For online purchases, enter the 16-digit card number and the security code during checkout. 

Special Note: When redeeming your Starbucks gift card, take note that some cards allow you to order a specific amount of points to be redeemed for the full value at once.

How to pay for online orders with a Starbucks gift card?

With the help of gift cards, you can pay online and enjoy shopping. In the section below, I will guide how you can make a payment for your online order using a gift card.

  • Open the app and make sure you are logged in
  • Click on the order button located in the top-right corner.
  • Customize your order as desired.
  • Find a convenient pickup location.
  • To proceed with the checkout process, click on “Confirm store.”
  • Click on the payment tab.
  • From the dropdown menu, select the option for Starbucks gift card payment.
  • Place your order by clicking on “Checkout $xxxx” (total order amount).

Do Starbucks gift cards expire?

A Starbucks gift card does not have an expiration date. The funds on your card will remain available until you fully utilize the balance. Your Starbucks gift card will remain valid until it is completely used up, regardless of whether you purchased it yourself or received it as a gift.

How to check your Starbucks gift card balance?

When you visit your nearest Starbucks, simply hand over your gift card to the cashier. They will swipe your card or enter the card number and code to check your balance and provide you with the information.

Alternatively, you can check your gift card balance on the Starbucks website. Open the gift card page and click on the “Balance” option to check your balance.

On the Starbucks app, you can tap the “Scan” button to access the balance checking feature and easily check your balance.

FAQs

Do Starbucks gift cards need to be activated? 

The card needs to be activated before it can be used, similar to how it is done at reception. However, you can enter the card details in your Starbucks app for activation.

What happens when you register a Starbucks gift card? 

When you register your card, you become eligible to redeem points for free drinks and birthday gifts.

Do you have to register a Starbucks card to use it?

No, you don’t need to register your card. A non-registered card can be used to make payments at Starbucks and earn points. However, you cannot redeem points for gifts with a non-registered card.

Conclusion

Activating a Starbucks gift card is very simple and easy, and it allows you to enjoy Starbucks food and drinks. The information provided in this blog will guide you on how to activate and use your Starbucks gift card.

 Keep your card saved and enjoy the provided benefits. I hope this article will provide you with helpful guidance on Starbucks gift cards, so activate your gift card today and enjoy Starbucks drinks and food.

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