Starbucks Begins Accumulating Gifticon Price Differences

Starbucks now allows customers to earn rewards on the difference when paying with gifticons.

Coffee beans and beverages from Starbucks. [Photo by Starbucks]

According to industry sources on the 20th, starting today, Starbucks will credit the difference to the Starbucks app or physical card if customers use at least 60% of the face value of merchandise-type gift certificates. Most online coupons with a stated face value, such as KakaoTalk gifticons, are eligible.

Previously, when using gifticons at Starbucks, customers could only purchase the same menu item or products equal to or exceeding the face value. Purchases below the face value were not allowed, so customers had to buy products worth more than the face value and pay the difference.

After this issue was raised during last year's National Assembly audit, Starbucks spent over a year developing a system and prepared a “Customer Convenience Plan for Using Merchandise-Type Gift Certificates Below Face Value,” which has been implemented starting today.

Additionally, to facilitate smooth refund procedures, new customers will be issued a new membership card called the “Greeting Card” upon registration, allowing automatic enrollment in Starbucks Rewards. For customers unfamiliar with using the app, store staff can issue a physical card on the spot.

This system will be introduced at more than 1,800 Starbucks stores nationwide.